With No. 2 LSU heading to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for a Southeastern Conference clash with No. 4 University of Alabama on Saturday, The Daily Reveille spoke with Tyler Waldrep, assistant sports editor for Alabama’s student news organization, The Crimson White, to get a firsthand view on the Crimson Tide.
The Daily Reveille: LSU has the sixth-best run defense in the nation. Do you think junior running back Derrick Henry can keep up his hot streak against the Tigers, and why?
Tyler Waldrep: I think that Derrick Henry has a good shot at extending his streak of consecutive games with a rushing touchdown, but I do not think he will have one of his better games this weekend. Alabama’s offensive line might not be at full strength on Saturday as Dominick Jackson’s status for the game is unknown. Even if Jackson plays the offensive line has been inconsistent this season, and if the line can’t buy Coker enough time to effectively develop the passing game, then I don’t see what would keep LSU from stacking the box and limiting Henry’s success.
TDR: What is the key to victory for Alabama?
TW: I think Alabama can win the game if the front seven can shut down [sophomore running back] Leonard Fournette. As good as he is, I happen to believe that Alabama’s line is too talented and too deep for LSU, or any team really, to establish a consistent ground game.
TDR: The LSU pass rush is much improved this year. How is senior quarterback Jake Coker under pressure, and do you think he can be successful against LSU’s secondary?
TW: I think Jake Coker has demonstrated that he can pick up first downs with his legs when needed. However he also has a tendency to be careless with the ball, and at times he takes unnecessary hits when he refuses to give up on plays. His decision making on Saturday will likely determine who wins the ball game.
TDR: If Fournette gets going early and Alabama has to bring an eighth man into the box to try to stop him, how will a three-man pass coverage team fare against sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris?
TW: I think the secondary has continued to make strides as the season has progressed. I doubt the Crimson Tide will need an extra man in the box, but if it does, I think the remaining secondary can limit the number of big plays Brandon Harris can make.