The Alabama Crimson Tide have one of their toughest tests on Saturday night against LSU. How can the Tigers pull off the legendary upset?
College football analysts may say this every season, but this year’s Alabama Crimson Tide team might truly be the best we’ve seen under Nick Saban.
With another juggernaut of a defense and now a Heisman Trophy favorite in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, this Alabama team has looked unstoppable on their way to a perfect 8-0 record.
Saturday’s game against the LSU Tigers could be this team’s biggest test before the postseason, however. The Tigers come in at 7-1 coming off back-to-back statement wins over Georgia and Mississippi State, but this matchup is an entirely different beast.
In order for the Tigers to pull off the huge upset on Saturday, there’s a few things that they’re going to need to do to have a chance.
1. Keep Joe Burrow upright
LSU has a balanced offense, which isn’t a new thing with that program. However, there’s a good chance that they’ll be playing from behind or in situations that require them to air it out a bit more than they would like to.
Although quarterback Joe Burrow has shown flashes of brilliance this season for the Tigers, he’s only going to be as good as his offensive line allows him to be. Burrow has already been sacked 18 times this season, and the Alabama front seven has been one of the most dominant in the nation with 26 sacks in eight games.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will be the biggest name to watch for LSU fans. Williams only has 1.5 sacks this year, but he’s also produced nine QB hurries and has been an absolute force when it comes to backfield disruption.
If the Tigers can contain Williams on the inside and keep the pocket clean for Burrow, they’ll have a much better chance of pushing the ball up and down the field.