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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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Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU

If Hurts is able to use his mobility to run downfield on a consistent basis, the Crimson Tide will win the game. The man in charge of stopping that from happening in the middle of the LSU defense will be Beckwith, who has shown he is up to the task with a terrific 2016 season so far.

Alabama has had a few somewhat mobile quarterbacks in recent seasons, but Hurts has added a whole new dynamic to the offense. Hurts has 95 carries for 521 yards and nine touchdowns, and became the first Alabama quarterback to rush for 100 yards in a single contest in 15 years earlier this season by exploiting Tennessee on zone reads all game long.

With Hurts’ mobility, more space is opened up for running back Damien Harris, along with deep threat wide receivers Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. Beckwith will have the main job of containing hurts should be get past the first level.

The senior was named a 2016 Butkus Award semifinalist early on Thursday and stands out as perhaps the best player on a loaded LSU defense. Beckwith leads the team with 69 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss.

At 6-3, 247 pounds with excellent athleticism, Beckwith has the versatility to cover any type of opposing player. Beckwith would be the logical choice to use as a spy against Hurts, and will need to be right on him anytime he gets past the defensive line.

Neither team should expect to get a ton out of their running backs against fearsome defensive fronts, so Hurts’ mobility could be the type of factor that makes a difference.

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