Alabama football vs. LSU: Tuscaloosa News sports staff picks the winner and score

Alabama football hosts LSU on Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN in a renewal of what has become a big SEC rivalry. Here's how the sports staff at The Tuscaloosa News sees the outcome:

Cecil Hurt

Alabama 44, LSU 14

Last year’s game between the two, which few people remember aside from an amazing DeVonta Smith one-handed catch, was over by the end of the first quarter. LSU will probably try to run the ball, keep the clock rolling, get in and get out quick and Coach O will be one step closer to owning his own shrimp boat .

Jerell Rushin

Alabama 45, LSU 16

Alabama and LSU are both coming off open dates, but Alabama after an open date is much scarier than LSU. Alabama is the more complete team and can take another step toward its best self if it handles a program that has dealt with a lot since winning the national championship two seasons ago.

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Maxwell Donaldson

Alabama 49, LSU 17

This game is a matchup of the last two national champions trending in different directions. Those directions don't change this game as Alabama's talent and coaching are to much for the Tigers.

AJ Holliday

Alabama 42, LSU 21

The last time LSU came to Tuscaloosa, the Tigers left with a victory. That won't happen this year. Alabama jumps out to an early lead and doesn't look back. Ed Orgeron finishes with a 1-5 record against Alabama.

Max Wolborsky

Alabama 45, LSU 17

Nick Saban and company will come out with something to prove to the country after the open date. LSU coming to town gives the Crimson Tide another opportunity to assert its SEC West dominance.

Mikey DiLullo

Alabama 45, LSU 13

In 2019, Ed Orgeron proved himself to be one of the few coaches capable of standing up to Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. However, since then LSU has declined while Alabama has continued to be Alabama, so expect another Crimson Tide win.

Sutton Smith

Alabama 56, LSU 14

Alabama was mocked and humiliated the last time the Tigers marched into Bryant-Denny Stadium. This time, Joe Burrow won't be suiting up for the purple and gold. Alabama will dominate and dismantle the Tigers.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football vs. LSU: Tuscaloosa News sports staff picks the score