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No. 1 Alabama vs. no. 4 LSU: Streaming, preview, and predictions

By Eric Robinson

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 29: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers scores a 65 yard touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 29: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson #2 of the LSU Tigers scores a 65 yard touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels at Tiger Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 13: Isaiah Buggs #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a safety against the Missouri Tigers in the third quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama won 39-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 13: Isaiah Buggs #49 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a safety against the Missouri Tigers in the third quarter of the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama won 39-10. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Alabama Keys To Victory

Ground LSU’s Run Game 

The Crimson Tide boast one of the best front seven groupings in all of college football. Thanks to the likes of defensive linemen Quinnen Williams, Isaiah Buggs, Raekwon Davis and linebackers Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses, Alabama limits opponents to just 113 rushing yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry.

In each of the last two games, Alabama has held opponents to just 101 total rushing yards.

However, this LSU offense is a different test that awaits Alabama. In six of eight games played, LSU has rushed for over 150 yards including posting 180 on the road against Florida and 275 against Georgia two weeks ago. It’s LSU’s bread and butter.

Their identity is built around it and to completely take the LSU offense out of their element, Alabama must clog run lanes and prevent LSU from establishing that run game on early downs.

Hit The Ground Running

Speaking of run games, the Crimson Tide’s run game has been overshadowed by the play of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his lethal receivers.

However, that aspect should not be taken lightly. LSU’s strength on defense is their deep secondary so I would not put it past Nick Saban to want to rely on the run game a bit more to loosen up the secondary which can open up the passing game.

Alabama averages 41.5 rushing attempts per game and in this matchup, the Crimson Tide may have to exceed that average.

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