LSU football vs. Alabama: Scouting report, prediction as the Tigers visit Bryant-Denny Stadium
The stakes were monumental when LSU visited Alabama in 2019. Control of the SEC West, and presumably a spot in the College Football Playoff, hung in the balance. Each roster stockpiled with NFL talent at every position.
Two years later, the intrigue surrounding this rivalry is quite subdued.
LSU (4-4, 2-3 SEC) is a 28.5-point underdog at No. 3 Alabama (7-1, 4-1) on Saturday (6 p.m. ESPN). The last time this game didn’t air in prime time, Alabama’s Nick Saban was coaching the Miami Dolphins.
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While acknowledging the changes in fortune, LSU coach Ed Orgeron reiterated this week it's still LSU vs. Alabama. The Tigers also have plenty to play for, if nothing else but to ruin the Crimson Tide’s season.
Here is the scouting report and a prediction for Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
A quarterback quandary and o-line reinforcements
Quarterback Max Johnson nursed a sore shoulder during the open week but hasn’t been limited in practice. Pass protection is vital this week against an Alabama defense that has 22 sacks in eight games. Guard Chasen Hines is available. LSU hopes the same is true for Cameron Wire with depth thinning at tackle.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is expected to play as well. The true freshman was sharp in limited time at Ole Miss, finishing 7-of-12 for 103 yards and a touchdown. Nussmeier received the first-team snaps during the open week.
LSU needs some semblance of a ground attack
To put it bluntly, LSU has no chance at Alabama without a running game. Orgeron echoed this sentiment throughout the week. Ole Miss pushed the Tigers around up front, holding them to 77 yards rushing. The Crimson Tide (87.1 ypg) are much better against the run than the Rebels (184.2 ypg). LSU doesn’t have to set school records like it did against Florida, but it must keep Alabama honest defensively.
Expect offensive coordinator Jake Peetz to complement starter Tyrion Davis-Price with several backs. Tre Bradford and Armoni Goodwin are both available. Corey Kiner has led the Tigers in rushing three times this season.
Bradford, who transferred back to LSU from Oklahoma in September, has been limited with a hamstring injury. He was ineligible for most of the season while waiting on an NCAA ruling.
Cordale Flott is very questionable against Alabama
The prospects for LSU’s defense aren’t good if Cordale Flott can’t play. Sage Ryan is already out, leaving the Tigers with third-stringers at cornerback and nickel back. Regardless of Flott’s status, Darren Evans, Todd Harris and Raydarious Jones will have to play significant snaps against Alabama.
Orgeron wants LSU to be more complex defensively, but this isn’t the week to do it. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young averages over 13 yard per completion with 26 touchdowns to only three interceptions. The Crimson Tide are scoring 46 points per game.
History won’t be on LSU’s side
LSU has been competitive in Tuscaloosa recently, winning twice in the last five matchups at Bryant-Denny Stadium. No other program in the SEC can match that success. The last time this game was played at Alabama, Justin Jefferson recovered an onside kick with 1:20 remaining to preserve LSU’s 46-41 victory in 2019.
The games in between weren’t quite as riveting for the Tigers.
Alabama has won nine of the last 10 games in the series, beginning with a victory that decided the 2011 BCS national champion. The Crimson Tide rattled off eight straight over LSU until the 2019 matchup.
Alabama coach Nick Saban is 11-4 overall against LSU.
Prediction
Alabama 41, LSU 17: The Crimson Tide build a comfortable lead and cruise through the second half. Nussmeier once again looks sharp in garbage time, leading to more discussions about LSU’s quarterback situation.
Adam Hunsucker covers LSU for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at ahunsucker@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @adam_hunsucker. Enjoy Adam’s work? Consider a digital subscription for unlimited access.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU football vs. Alabama: Scouting report, prediction
