For the first time since 2019, LSU enters its game with Alabama ranked and with something to play for. LSU and Alabama are tied for first place in the SEC West, and the winner will hold sole control of the division in the final stretch of the season. The once annual game of the year is significant again, and with the matchup taking place in Tiger Stadium, many feel that anything could happen.

Here’s how The Reveille Sports Staff predicted the matchup.

Peter Rauterkus | @peter_rauterkus 

Finally, the game that was often billed as the “Game of the Century” is meaningful again for both teams. For the first time since 2019, both teams are ranked and ranked in the Top 10. However, this matchup is completely different than the one in 2019. 

LSU is a double-digit underdog, and is far from the unstoppable force it was in 2019. The Tigers have improved though, and are coming into this game on a roll offensively, scoring 45 points in each of its last two games. LSU is playing for something as well, a win over Alabama puts the Tigers in the driver’s seat in the SEC West.

I think this game will be close, but I don’t think LSU is there yet. The big-game atmosphere will make this game entertaining, but I think Alabama will pull away in the end.

Prediction: Alabama 31-20 LSU

Mackay Suire | @macthetiger

LSU vs. Alabama is notorious for being the most anticipated game of the season for either team. LSU fans wait for the Tide to roll in, and they pour every ounce of devotion that they have into this game. That energy from LSU’s fanbase will undoubtedly provide the Tigers with any energy they may be lacking, especially as it takes place in Death Valley.

The LSU offense has been shining recently, but in order for the Tigers to come out on top, they’ve got to hope that any cracks in Alabama’s foundation, both offensively and defensively, become present quickly. LSU won’t take this game if it plays like a second half team, something this roster has been faulted for this season multiple times.

I see the deficits on paper, and from what I’ve seen from the Tigers so far this season, I’m not so sure that they’ve developed enough to take this game. On the other hand, however, I love pulling for the underdog, and I sure do love a good upset. My heart is telling me to go with LSU on this one. 

Prediction: LSU 38-35 Alabama

Henry Huber | @HenryHuber_

I’m feeling a heartbreaker here, for Alabama that is. LSU has improved from week to week since its 27-point loss to Tennessee, and it now has an extra week of preparation coming off a bye week. I feel like this is going to be the game where Daniels pulls off his first game-winning drive.

The Tigers just need to keep from falling behind in this one. If the Tide get out to a two-score lead early on, it’s going to be tough to keep up. If LSU keeps within a score heading into halftime, it can pull off the improbable. I predict a situation where the LSU offense gets the ball down by less than a touchdown, and Daniels drives them down the field and gets the job done. 

Prediction: LSU 31-30 Alabama

Tyler Harden | @ttjharden8

The momentum LSU has going into the matchup against Alabama could not be better. Coming off a huge upset win against Ole Miss in Death Valley, the Tigers’ destiny lies in their hands. In addition, LSU was ranked No. 10 in the College Football Playoff rankings, giving the team something else to fight for.

But it will all come down to experience playing on the biggest stages with the brightest lights, and Bryce Young and his Alabama team are seasoned veterans at doing that.

This is the closest LSU has been to reviving the program since the program’s National Championship win in 2019, but this is just another year for Alabama. LSU will be competitive, and the fans will allow them to be in this game. But it will come down to who’s more prepared.

Prediction: Alabama 38-31 LSU

Grant Chachere | @ChachereGrant 

LSU is coming off a bye week, which was much needed after it upset Ole Miss 45-20 in dominant fashion. LSU will get safety Major Burns back in the defensive backfield, which was much needed as it felt like LSU was missing something since Burns had been out with injury.

I expect LSU’s offense to make some fireworks as they have been on a hot streak recently with the tremendous play of quarterback Jayden Daniels. They will also get a boost from the return of running back John Emery Jr., wide receiver Jack Bech and guard Garrett Dellinger.

Alabama comes in with one of the best quarterbacks in the country with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young. They also have running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who is one of the most elusive backs in the country with 672 rushing yards with six touchdowns while averaging almost seven yards a carry. Alabama also has one of the best defenses in the country led by linebacker Will Anderson and cornerback Kool-AId McKinstry.

Although LSU will match Alabama’s fire power, I expect the Tigers to lose in heartbreaking fashion in a high-scoring game.

Prediction: Alabama 35-31 LSU

Jason Willis | @JasonWillis4

Let’s start off by saying that LSU has had a great season and has greatly overperformed what reasonably could have been expected from a program very much in transition. It’s back to playing meaningful football and competing against top-tier teams, and the team looks dynamic and competent (with the exception of the occasional special teams error).

Still, to expect to beat Alabama in year one of the Brian Kelly era might be asking too much. Yes, LSU is playing some of its best football on both sides of the ball, and yes, Alabama has some weaknesses this year. I trust Bryce Young to overcome the pressure that LSU will get on him and keep the Alabama offense moving.

As good as LSU was at stopping Ole Miss’s fantastic run game last week, Jahmyr Gibbs will be tough to tackle. And though people have been able to pass on the Alabama defense this year, it’s coming off its best game of the season, holding Will Rogers and Mississippi State to 6 points despite facing 60 pass attempts. 

Anyone who has watched college football for very long should expect at this point that the Crimson Tide will do what it does best–get the job done.

Prediction: Alabama 28-13 LSU

Spencer Verret | @spencerverret

The whole season is on the line for this game. The best way to pick it in my opinion is not by looking at stats and gut feelings. The best way is by a mascot matchup. I hopped on NCAA 13 to do a mascot matchup between the two teams. Completely equal in the game. Mike the Tiger kicked a field goal late that was almost blocked by the elephants. 

LSU 30-27 Alabama

Tre Allen | @treday0314

A rivalry and a chance to take full control in the SEC West, that’s what this game is about and the LSU Tigers are going to need to play perfect to take on the No. 6 team in the country against Alabama. A team led by Bryce Young and coached by one of the greatest to do in Nick Saban it’s never easy. 

However, this LSU team is coming off a great win against Ole Miss and continues to improve. Led by Jayden Daniels, don’t be surprised if the Tigers make it close. LSU can’t afford to start off slow which they have a tendency to do they will also need to somehow contain the former Heisman winner.

I believe this game will be closer than expected and with Death Valley on their side don’t be shocked if they pull this on off. However, Alabama is an all-around team and I think the Crimson Tide will win this one.

Prediction: Alabama 31-27 LSU

Connor Barney | @theconnorbarney

The Alabama-LSU rivalry is one of college football’s most exciting rivalries, but for LSU fans it hasn’t been the best in recent history. Many people have already counted LSU out of the contest, but considering the circumstances, I don’t see why LSU wouldn’t have a chance. With the game taking place in Death Valley, Alabama will travel to Baton Rouge for a classic nighttime SEC showdown.

Jayden Daniels and the Tigers’ offense is in full stride as they steamrolled Ole Miss in their last game, and with a bye week last week, Brian Kelly had all the time in the world to prepare for Nick Saban. If the Tigers defense continues to excel with Harold Perkins at the center, LSU has a fighting chance. Alabama has shown it isn’t immortal, and even though the Crimson Tide have only lost to Tennessee, they’ve been tested by Texas and Texas A&M.

Depending on how well LSU can stop Alabama’s run game, and how well the freshman tackles can contain Alabama’s star defensive ends, this game can go either way. For me, LSU will earn the nation’s respect as they win big at home.

Prediction: LSU 38-34 Alabama

Cole Hernandez | @Ct_hernandez 

If you would’ve told me at the beginning of the season that LSU would be in the hunt for first place in the SEC West with a win over Alabama, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels has improved every week and very few college football experts believed he was capable of leading this team in his first year in the SEC to the success LSU has had. The irony is that many doubted Brian Kelly’s chances at finding success in the SEC as well. 

If LSU beats Alabama in Death Valley, those doubts will be squashed. Alabama is a great football team again and loaded with NFL talent. In my opinion, LSU goes as far as Daniels will take them.

Saturday night will be a showdown of two elite SEC defenses and turnovers will be the deciding factor. I believe LSU has earned enough respect to not be double digit underdogs at home and has a solid chance of winning this game. 

Prediction: LSU 20-17 Alabama