HOW THE WEST WILL BE WON
TOP-RANKED CRIMSON TIDE HEAD INTO DEATH VALLEY IN WHAT LIKELY WILL DECIDE WHO PLAYS IN SEC TITLE GAME
KEYS FOR LSU
Pressure Tua Tagovailoa: Alabama’s Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback has gone virtually untouched through eight games while putting up video-game numbers. The Tigers will need to bring the blitzes and risk giving up a few big plays to disrupt the Hawaiian passer’s rhythm.
Run the ball: The Tigers are averaging 190 yards per game on the ground and this Crimson Tide defense is allowing an uncharacteristic 113-plus against the run. LSU needs to sustain drives to keep Alabama’s offense on the sideline, and this is the best way to do it.
KEYS FOR ALABAMA
Strike first: Alabama has scored on every opening drive this season and has been remarkably consistent in running up points early in games. It will be loud and rowdy in Death Valley, and an early lead for the visitors could take some starch out of the crowd.
Beat up Burrow: LSU has given up 18 sacks and Alabama leads the SEC in bringing down the quarterback, averaging 3.25 sacks per game. The Crimson Tide needs to rough up Joe Burrow to force him into hasty decisions and bad throws. The pass rush will be a key for Alabama.
PREDICTION
Alabama 34, LSU 17: LSU’s best bet is to try to take the air out of the ball and make this an ugly game rather than a high-scoring shootout, then hope it can make key pays in the final 15 minutes. Alabama won’t be able to score at will as it has all season, but the defending national champions are too potent to contain for four quarters.