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Alabama vs LSU: 5 key players to watch

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

The Alabama front seven is loaded with speed and talent, but Allen will be the single most important player in its effort to stop Fournette and Derrius Guice in the Tigers’ backfield.

A four-star recruit out of Virginia, Allen played very well as an underclassman before taking it to the next level over the next two years. Allen racked up 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2015, and is nearly on pace to match both those marks this season.

Two of Alabama’s nine non-offensive touchdowns belong to Allen, including a fantastic 75-yard interception return against Ole Miss. Allen’s 30-yard fumble return helped Alabama pull away with a two-score lead and put the senior at least on the periphery of the Heisman conversation.

Even at a towering 6-3, 294 pounds, Allen has enough quickness to get in the opposing backfield. That combination of speed and strength makes Allen one of the few players on the field who can stop Fournette on a consistent basis.

The potential No. 1 overall pick has shown an ability to generate huge defensive plays, which could make all the difference in a hard-fought game against LSU. Allen will get his toughest test of the season so far, as LSU has one of the best offensive lines in the nation.

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