LSU football has had two weeks to sit on a stunning loss to Texas A&M in which the team unraveled in the second half. Now, though, the Tigers turn to the present: another do-or-die rivalry matchup.
College GameDay is in town for the game, which will feature the No. 11 team in the country in Alabama against No. 15 LSU. Both teams’ seasons are on the line, and anything could happen – but what else would you expect from LSU vs. Alabama?
Here’s how the Reveille Sports Staff predicted the upcoming game.
Jason Willis, Sports Editor | @JasonWillis4
I think it would be unwise to dismiss LSU’s alarming second half performance against Texas A&M as a fluke. Even though the Tigers didn’t prepare much in the week leading up to the matchup for a running quarterback, and this time around they’ll likely have focused much more on that, I don’t think this defense is equipped to handle Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe on the ground.
I expect a bounce-back game from the offense, because I don’t think the Garrett Nussmeier fans saw two weeks ago was indicative of what he’s capable of. Still, in the same matchup 2023, LSU put up the points but just couldn’t keep pace. I think the same thing happens again.
Prediction: Alabama 35-28 LSU
Lizzie Falcetti, Deputy Sports Editor | @lizziefalcetti
With live tigers, potential storms and playoff rankings talk, it seems the storylines are never-ending for Saturday’s matchup in Death Valley. But amid all the chaos, LSU will have to play its best football of the season if it wants to defeat Alabama.
Milroe poses as a threat to the LSU defense. He’s fast, accurate and opportunistic. However, if the Tigers handle him and stay competitive for all four quarters, this game will be close. I don’t see LSU pulling an upset over the Tide, but I do think the Tigers will show improvement from their performance against Texas A&M.
In one of, if not the, most important games this season, I think Bama will come into Tiger Stadium and get the job done.
Prediction: Alabama 30-27 LSU
Tyler Harden, Senior Sports Reporter | @ttjharden8
LSU has to go into its matchup with Alabama focused on two things. First, it has to prepare for a running quarterback. It did not prepare for that against Texas A&M and it ultimately cost the Tigers. While Marcel Reed was a threat in that game, Jalen Milroe brings a much more explosive and effective run game to his skillset.
In addition, LSU’s offense as a whole will have to be more well-rounded in order to take pressure off Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier made some poor throws against Texas A&M, leading him to throwing three interceptions. Much of that likely had to do with him feeling he had to be the one to make a play. Giving him help at times, especially in the run game, may alleviate the pressure Nussmeier has on making a play when there might not be one for him to make.
Both of these factors will have to click in order for LSU to have a good chance in coming out on top. However, between Milroe’s run threat to couple what Alabama already brings on the ground and LSU’s inability to run the ball up to this point, the odds are more likely to tip in Alabama’s favor.
Prediction: Alabama 38-31 LSU
Brett Kemper, Sports Reporter | @kemper_brett
Following what can only be characterized as a complete and total meltdown of LSU’s offense and defense in the Texas A&M game, the Tigers certainly did not have a fun bye week. LSU’s haphazard response in the second half cannot be repeated if their hopes of making the College Football Playoff are to remain alive.
In Brian Kelly’s words, Alabama has no obvious deficiencies on either side of the ball. Even in a unprecedently poor season after losing to Vanderbilt, Alabama completely shut out Missouri before the bye.
Both sides of the ball for LSU need to grow a backbone because if this week looks anything like the A&M game, it will be Kelly’s first loss under the lights at night in Tiger Stadium. The defense needs to prepare for a running quarterback, and the offense must find a way to run the ball to take the load off of Nussmeier’s back.
My keys for victory: 1. Don’t kick a questionable field goal when you can pin them deep with a punt, 2. Don’t take a sack trying to extend the play on early downs and 3. Take the QB draw opportunities and get vertical when the field shows it.
Playing in Death Valley is the best thing this team has going for them, and fans understand as much as the players that the outcome of this game can shatter or brighten their playoff dreams. I think LSU rises to the occasion, much like in the Ole Miss game, and win to give it another chance to make the CFP.
Prediction: LSU 35-31 Alabama
Martin Sullivan, Sports Reporter | @marty_sulli
Brian Kelly faces Alabama for the third time in his LSU tenure, and this time playoffs hang in the balance.
LSU has performed poorly against mobile quarterbacks despite a talented linebacker group. Jalen Milroe is a nightmare for that weakness, as was shown last season. It doesn’t help that he has super weapon Ryan Williams on the outside. Not even a legal adult, Williams is still the caliber of player who cannot be shut down, only limited.
An LSU win would take a number of key players having career best games. This includes Garrett Nussmeier, who is coming off a three-interception disaster class. There is no doubt Tiger Stadium will provide a difficult atmosphere for Alabama, but the Tide’s stout roster and key strengths will prove too much for the Tigers.
Prediction: Alabama 37-28 LSU
Ethan Stenger, Sports Reporter | @itsethanstenger
The success LSU has found this season could be all for naught depending on what happens at Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. Win, and your College Football Playoff hopes live to fight another day. Lose, and you can let that ship sail with three games to go.
The enormity of this game falls on two people, whether fair or not, who have previously fallen flat on the big stage: Garrett Nussmeier and Brian Kelly.
Nussmeier looks to bounce back after throwing a potential SEC-deciding game to Texas A&M with three second-half interceptions. Kelly is still trying to prove himself as a winner in the nation’s toughest conference.
The performances of these two men will be studied and scrutinized against Alabama, a team that’s been far from perfect this season. In Death Valley, under the lights, against your biggest rival — if that’s not a must-win game, I don’t know what is.
If Nussmeier wants to be a high pick in this April’s 2025 NFL Draft and Kelly wants to stay in Baton Rouge, then claiming a victory on Saturday would be an excellent place to start.
The Tigers need this one way more than the Crimson Tide.
That very pressure will create diamonds and bring out the best in this team.
It’s showtime, LSU.
Prediction: LSU 35-31 Alabama
