This season was a significant rebound/revenge season for the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide. Week 13, Alabama took care of their rivals in the #22 Auburn Tigers after losing to them last season. This past Saturday, Alabama had their sights set for the LSU Tigers after losing to them at home 46-41 in a battle of #2 versus #3. Tide Nation, players, and even head coach Nick Saban remember the phrases that Ed Orgeron had during the game. On Saturday, the Tide were able to unleash a year’s worth of revenge on both sides of the ball. Alabama destroyed LSU with a 55-17 score in Tigers Stadium. This is one of the lopsided matchups in the heated rivalry. This game is the third biggest Alabama victory over LSU, with the biggest since 1925 when they defeated LSU with a 42-0 score.
#1 Alabama Embarrasses LSU Tigers
Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith Light Up LSU’s Defense
Alabama came into this game against the LSU Tigers with the third-ranked scoring offense. Even though the Tigers struggled all season when defending the passing game, College Football fans wanted to see Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith versus LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. The Tide’s offense went off in the running and passing game as they accounted for 650 total yards. They scored 45 points in the first half with two touchdowns on the ground and four through the air. Quarterback Mac Jones played one of his best games as a member of the Crimson Tide. Jones was consistently reading key matchups and coverage schemes of the Tigers efficiently to allow for easy big plays. Jones passed for 385 yards, four touchdowns, and a QBR of 99.6 on 20 completions (out of 28 passing attempts).
Smith has encountered some huge games for Alabama, but this game remains as one of his biggest. Smith caught eight receptions for 231 yards (an average of 28.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns. Two of his touchdowns were against Stingley including his incredible one-handed touchdown in the back of the endzone. He made his case as the best receiver in the nation multiple weeks ago, but he has definitely brought himself into the case for the Heisman Trophy. The offensive line of the Tide allowed only three tackles for loss and one sack with their lone sack coming late in the game. Running back Najee Harris continues to have a dominating season for Alabama. Harris rushed for 145 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries for an average of 6.9 yards per average.
The Defense Stays Strong After The First Half
The defense for Alabama continues to develop and stay strong despite some efficient drives by the LSU Tigers. Alabama’s defense allowed 352 total yards from LSU and 21 first downs as they held them to a third-down conversion rate of 5-of-16. They kept the running game of LSU in check as they allowed only 98 yards on 27 carries for an average of 3.6 yards per carry. Middle linebacker Christian Harris was consistently disruptive in the backfield against LSU. Harris accounted for seven total tackles, half of a sack, and half of a tackle for loss. Harris consistently read the multiple schemes that LSU was installing. Outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr. had his best performance in his true freshman year. He accounted for eight total tackles, four solo tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss.
LSU, once again, had problems addressing which quarterback they wanted to lead them as freshman TJ Finley started the game. Finley threw for 144 yards while Max Johnson thew for 110 yards. Neither quarterback for LSU averaged for seven yards or more against the efficient pass defense of Alabama. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II was one of the captains of the game against as he locked down the Tigers’ most productive receivers. He didn’t record a single tackle but recorded a pass deflection as he locked down the Tigers’ passing offense throughout the entire game.
Alabama Clinches Their Way To SEC Championship
After their win over LSU, Alabama was able to secure its 14th appearance in the SEC Championship. They will join the #6 Florida Gators in a key game that will once again decide the outcome for an appearance for the College Football Playoff. This will be the 14th appearance for the Tide and the Gators. Despite clinching a spot in the conference title game, Alabama will focus on their last regular-season game against the Arkansas Razorbacks (3-6). Jones will have only two more chances to get the program’s third-ever Heisman Trophy winner. A huge performance against the Razorbacks will help Jones stay at the top of the Heisman rankings along with Florida quarterback Kyle Trask.
