One of LSU’s goals all season has been to establish a running game to bolster its offense.That objective will become even more paramount this weekend, as No. 9 LSU prepares to face No. 3 Alabama on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, Ala.LSU coach Les Miles said with the Tulane game complete, the Tigers have devoted their attention to Alabama, including the Crimson Tide’s No. 2 rushing defense and No. 4 total defense in the country.”We recognize the success that Alabama has had defending thus far, and we are going to attack them with smartness and how it factors into our personnel,” Miles said. “We look forward to that challenge.”A particularly formidable force in size and skill is Alabama senior defensive lineman Terrance Cody. Cody blocked two field goals in Alabama’s latest victory against Tennessee, including a potential 44-yard game-winner.”We’ll put two guys over the nose tackle and that nose tackle area,” Miles said. “If the center goes to the right, he takes that guy, and if he goes to the left, he takes the other guy. [Cody] is just a good player and a very good competitor.”LSU sophomore center T-Bob Hebert will be going against Cody on Saturday, and Miles said the 6-foot-3, 285-pound Hebert will be up to the task despite his size difference against the 6-foot-5, 365-pound Cody.”It’s like any opponent that challenges you to bring out your best,” Miles said. “T-Bob will be inspired to play well along with our whole offensive line.”Senior running back Charles Scott put up 112 yards rushing and two touchdowns against the Green Wave, his first 100-yard rushing performance of the season. Miles said keeping up that momentum on the ground is very important for a victory against Alabama.”In terms of establishing the run, it’s always important in every game with significance,” Miles said. “If you don’t, you become a one-dimensional team, and that’s an issue and certainly will be for me.”Sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson went 11-for-16 for 163 yards Saturday. Miles said his effort was impressive because the sophomore had an illness earlier that week.”It was not a physical ailment,” Miles said. “He was sick with a disease or some kind of virus or something — a fever and his lungs were congested.”Junior Josh Jasper and redshirt freshman Drew Alleman handled the punting duties against Tulane, but Miles said there is no indication junior Derek Helton will be unable to play against Alabama.”One thing that Derek Helton gives you is great hang time,” Miles said. “We expect he would be that guy taking those punts. There would be no reason for me to expect any differently this week.”—–Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]