LSU’s Ed Orgeron vs. Alabama’s Nick Saban

By: Christian Boutwell | @CBoutwell_

Orgeron: 3-0; First game versus Alabama as LSU’s head coach
Ed Orgeron says LSU’s season restarted after the Tigers’ 13-18 loss against Auburn when Orgeron — a homegrown, energy-drink guzzling Larose, Louisiana native — took control of the program as interim head coach the Sunday following the loss. Since then, LSU is 3-0 in three consecutive double-digit wins versus Missouri, Southern Miss and Ole Miss.
Under Orgeron, LSU has outscored its opponents by 87 points in its previous three games.
Saban: 8-0; 7-3 against LSU as Alabama’s head coach
Nick Saban has led the Crimson Tide to four national championships in seven years — in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015.
Under Saban, Alabama is the only NCAA program to earn an invitation to the first two College Football Playoffs.

Alabama Offense

By: Josh Thornton | @JoshuaThornton_

Passing yards per game: 229.6
Alabama’s freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts hasn’t played like a freshman this season staying poised and leading comebacks against Ole Miss
Rushing yards per game: 268.4
For the first time in a few years the Tide don’t have a premiere running back like Mark Ingram or T.J. Yeldon, it’s been a running-back-by-committee approach with Damien Harris, Joshua Jacobs and Hurts.
Total offense yards per game: 498.0
Despite a host of changes on offense, Alabama still has one of the top offenses in the Southeastern Conference.
Points per game: 43.9
Alabama is eighth in the nation in scoring and first in the SEC. Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin has the team humming.
Calvin Ridley: 43 receptions
Sophomore wide receiver Ridley leads the Tide in receiving yards and five touchdowns and Alabama loves to use him multiple ways.
Alabama: According to Pro Football Focus, Alabama QB Jalen Hurts has only completed 14 of 40 pass attempts of 20 yards or more.
LSU: The Tigers have had a 100-yard rusher in the last 10 games and are 8-2 in those contests.

Alabama Defense

By: Jacob Hamilton | @jac0b_hamilt0n

There’s no defense in the land playing better than the Crimson Tide under first-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Most sacks in the nation: 32
Senior outside linebacker Tim Williams (6.5 sacks) and senior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (6 sacks) lead a more formidable pass rush than last season’s national championship squad.
Alabama allowed passing yards per game: 204.4
Alabama’s pass defense ranks third in the Southeastern Conference, while its eight interceptions are good for fifth in the conference.
Alabama rushing yards allowed per game: 70.1
Weighing in at an average of 305.7 pounds, Alabama’s defensive line has also imposed its will against opposing rushing attacks. Accounting for the nation’s No. 1 rush defense, the Tide allows 20 yards less than the No. 2 rushing defense.
LSU touchdowns allowed: 8
If LSU’s facing the best defense in the country, Alabama’s lining up against a close second. LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda coaches a Tiger defense that concedes 313.9 yards per game.
Alabama: Has scored nine defensive touchdowns.
LSU: Has allowed eight touchdowns in seven games.