LSU vs. Alabama is one of the greatest rivalries in sports, and what makes it so great is the passion of the fans.
Fans are the heart of sports, and some of the biggest fans following this notorious rivalry are, of course, LSU students.
So heading into Saturday’s highly-anticipated bout, how do they predict this weekend’s score?
Carter Grace
Junior finance major and Painted Posse member Carter Grace had the privilege of attending the LSU vs. Texas A&M game in College Station two weekends ago.
“It was exciting,” Grace said. “But things started going wrong whenever we weren’t executing on special teams.”
He felt that LSU’s lack of being able to convert on field goals hurt the Tigers the most while playing against A&M – that and not being prepared for A&M to substitute freshman quarterback Marcel Reed into the game placed LSU at a severe disadvantage.
Grace feels that the blame falls on the backs of LSU’s coaches. So how does he see the Tigers growing from that lack of preparation?
“I think if our coaches can make a game plan like they did against Arkansas, I think we’ll win the game against Alabama.”
Grace is, of course, referring to the utilization of sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks and his ability to spy on opposing quarterbacks while on the field.
If Weeks, however, fails to stop Alabama redshirt junior quarterback Jalen Milroe’s speed, then Grace feels that LSU will struggle against the Crimson Tide.
He is also relying on senior defensive end Bradyn Swinson to make large plays on the defensive side of the ball, but he ultimately feels that the game comes down to redshirt junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier.
“Nussmeier will be the difference if he finally decides to use his legs,” Grace said. “In the SEC, all the best teams we’ve seen have mobile quarterbacks. Garrett Nussmeier might not be that quarterback right now, but he can be.”
Prediction: LSU 34-24 Alabama
Alexa Jones
Freshman human resource management major Alexa Jones expressed similar opinions concerning Nussmeier’s performance in recent games and feels that if he can improve, LSU has the advantage against Alabama.
However, she feels that the Tigers’ benefit from the home field advantage is the greatest factor of all.
“Being at home in Death Valley adds to the experience and elevates the team as a whole,” Jones said. “It’s powerful and magical, and I think the team feels that too.”
In LSU’s recent history with Alabama at home, the Tigers secured a 32-31 win in 2022. Jones, amongst many other fans, hopes to add to that streak and feels that that will be possible through sophomore wide receiver Kyren Lacy.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Jones said. “He’s a natural celebrity, and his X-factor is amazing.”
Prediction: LSU 35-21 Alabama
Joseph Corsino
Marketing junior Joseph Corsino feels that the home field advantage will tremendously serve in LSU’s favor as well.
He sat in the north end zone as a freshman two years ago, where he witnessed the winning touchdown of the 2022 LSU-Alabama game and contributed to the celebration that shook the ground.
With the memory of LSU’s geology department recording a 133-decibel reading at the winning touchdown, Corsino is sure that Alabama will be rattled being back in Death Valley.
“I think Alabama will have a tough time listening to plays,” Corsino said. “And all around a tough time during the game itself.”
Corsino also resonates with players mentioned in the previous predictions, like Nussmeier, Lacy and Weeks. He feels that the offensive line will be one of the most valuable factors against Alabama.
“We statistically have one of the best offensive lines in college football right now,” Corsino said.
LSU is currently ranked No. 21 in total offense in the NCAA compared to Alabama’s spot at No. 37.
Corsino takes pride in the offensive line and how it’s only allowed four sacks this season.
However, he also credited graduate running back Josh Williams as someone he’s looking forward to seeing on the field.
Overall, he feels that being back in Death Valley will add to the excitement of this weekend and will result in a close-scoring game, with a field goal being the decider.
Prediction: LSU 24-21 Alabama
Kaylee Musgrove
The Reveille also had the chance to speak with a student at Alabama, news media freshman Kaylee Musgrove, who expressed confidence in favor of the Crimson Tide this weekend.
“It’ll come down to their game time decisions in terms of whether or not they can put together a good four quarters of football,” Musgrove said. “Which is something they’ve struggled with in the past.”
Despite that struggle, Musgrove is sure of Alabama’s ability to channel the energy that comes from SEC rivalries as large as this one.
She feels that Milroe and freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams and their ability to work as a duo will be Alabama’s golden ticket to victory this weekend, while also noting the Crimson Tide’s defensive line and how they have improved this season.
“I do not see this being an easy fight on either side,” Musgrove said. “I see it being one score with a good amount of field goals in there as well.”
Prediction: Alabama 34-27 LSU
