This game stands above the rest. LSU versus Alabama, the 2023 edition of what’s often the de facto SEC West Championship game kicks off again in Tuscaloosa this Saturday, with LSU looking to duplicate last year’ success against Alabama.

The game is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. Saturday evening, and is the final time the two teams will play in the CBS primetime game as the SEC’s contract with CBS ends after this season.

Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the matchup:

Peter Rauterkus | @peter_rauterkus

This one is tough.

LSU, an elite offense paired with a battered, bruised and underperforming defense is on one side. Alabama, an elite defense with an inconsistent offense whose offensive line has given up the fourth-most sacks in the country is one the other.

This game feels close to a 50/50, and the betting line reflects that at Alabama -3, according to Caesar’s Sportsbook. Both teams need this game, but the matchup slightly favors LSU.

LSU’s offense has moved the ball and scored points against every defense it has faced. All signs point to it doing the same against Alabama, a defense that allowed Quin Ewers to throw for 349 yards and three touchdowns. 

If LSU gets off to a fast start like many of Alabama’s opponents have, Alabama doesn’t have the type of offense to go score-for-score with LSU. Similar to 2019, LSU just needs to start fast and hang on.

Prediction: LSU 41-38 Alabama

Mackay Suire | @macthetiger

LSU heads to Tuscaloosa with one of the most talented offenses in the country, one even stronger than what it had last season. Despite that, in 2022, the Tigers managed to go toe to toe with the then No. 5 Crimson Tide.

Similar to last year, and in 2019, LSU’s success will come from the aggressiveness it plays with at the very start of the game. 

Defense has continued to lack depth but against a weaker Crimson Tide offense, this may not be as much of an issue. Alabama’s defense currently sits at No. 17 in the NCAA, but against LSU’s No. 1 offense, the Tide will struggle to contain it. 

This game will truly be a back and forth battle, and it could go either way. If the Tigers’ offense is able to stay grounded and make connections early, this game is theirs for the taking. 

Prediction: LSU 36-34 Alabama 

Jason Willis | @JasonWillis4  

Anyone who has confidence in LSU’s ability to win this game has to start with one thing: the offense. LSU’s offense is simply the best unit in this game. Every week, it gets harder and harder to imagine a defense neutralizing the Tiger attack, even if Alabama’s is the best the team has faced.

Alabama has a fearsome pass-rush, but so did Ole Miss, and LSU’s elite offensive line all but neutralized the Rebels’ pressure. Alabama has a good secondary, but it’s an impossible proposition to cover Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. and contain Jayden Daniels on the ground.

It seems like a foregone conclusion that LSU will put up 30 points, something it’s done in each game since Week 1. Given that, it’s difficult to see a path for Alabama winning a high-scoring game; the Tide have scored 30 just twice in the past seven weeks. Yes, LSU’s defense has seen historic lows this year, and yes, even the SEC’s worst offense in Arkansas lit up LSU, and yes, the LSU cornerbacks in this game will be made up of three freshmen and Sage Ryan. 

Still, Alabama’s offense has gotten in its own way this year, and the LSU defense is capable of making a handful of stops. Alabama’s home-field advantage, discipline, coaching and pedigree make this a toss-up, but, at the end of the day, LSU’s ability to put up points should be enough.

Prediction: LSU 31-24 Alabama

Tre Allen | @treday0314

It’s the biggest game of the year for the LSU Tigers as they are traveling to Tuscaloosa for a prime-time match up with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams need this game for SEC championship implications. 

LSU will be without many key players such as Mekhi Wingo, Zy Alexander, Denver Harris and Duce Chestnut making it extremely thin in the defensive back group. However, the offense that leads the country in yards and is second in points will be healthy and looking to continue their domination. Alabama is led by head coach Nick Saban and even though there have been times where they have looked inconsistent there is no telling what can happen.

This game will come down to which team gets stops. There is no doubt that the LSU offense can put up points. It could even be putting up 50 if the defense can’t get stops and get off the field, making it a very similar situation to what was seen in Oxford.

It will be a high-scoring affair and will be extremely close but in the end, the offense for the Tigers is too much for the Crimson Tide and they won’t be able to keep up.

Prediction: LSU 38-35 Alabama 

Tyler Harden | @ttjharden8 

Well, it’s the biggest game of the season for LSU.

Offensively, the Tigers are in a great spot. Defensively, their in a less than ideal spot with several injuries, especially in the secondary.

Alabama’s situation is opposite. According to the NCAA, Alabama has given up the fifth-most sacks in the FBS. On defense, the Crimson Tide average the second lowest points per game at 16.5 points per game.

Both sides of the ball have talent for both teams, but they’ve shown their fair share of weaknesses throughout the season. It will come down to which weaker side of the ball for either team is stronger that will likely determine the result.

Not to mention, the game is in Tuscaloosa. While Texas beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa in Week 2, Alabama has won out since then, and they have great momentum heading into Saturday’s matchup. With pieces missing and inconsistencies, it will be too much working against LSU to pull off that same feat.

Prediction: Alabama 34-28 LSU

Cabe Bond | @PrezBond 

Alabama against LSU has been a war fought for decade, and it’s not getting any easier this year. For starters, Alabama has an incredible defense. Dallas Turner and Kool-Aid McKinstry are both projected to be top ten picks. While the Tide has struggled on offense this year, their defense has the potential to be the best in the nation. 

LSU is without its top three defensive backs and Mehki Wingo. While Alabama’s offense has struggled, it’s not an easy team to beat. Jalen Milroe has a rocket of an arm and will take advantage of the lackluster defensive back depth. 

The Crimson Tide is going to score a lot, but the Tigers’ defense isn’t going down without a fight either. Maason Smith has been getting better and better each week. Andre Sam has been a cornerstone in the backfield. Even role players, such as Bradyn Swinson and Jordan Jefferson have had a massive impact on the season. When LSU is down, the players step up. 

Speaking of players stepping up, Jayden Daniels is the Heisman favorite, and for good reason. He’s been on a whole other level this season, and with the weapons at his disposal, Daniels should have a big game. I’d expect the offense to be firing on all cylinders; the usual suspects making plays, Kaleb Jackson having a couple of big plays and a certified Heisman moment from Jayden Daniels. 

The game will be close, but LSU exits Bryant-Denny with a win and familiar score. 

Prediction: LSU 46-41 Alabama 

Connor Barney | @theconnorbarney

This game is just like every other for the Tigers: offense takes control. With the losses in the secondary and Mehki Wingo injured, LSU’s shaky defense will have its work cut out for it in Tuscaloosa. 

With Heisman candidate Jayden Daniels under center, however, anything is possible. The Crimson Tide aren’t the once unstoppable force they used to be, and they won’t be ready for the Heisman sealing performance Daniels will bring to Alabama.

The Tigers are progressing every week, and this game is going in favor of the purple and gold without a doubt as they continue their journey for the SEC Championship.

Prediction: LSU 45-27 Alabama