It might not always be GAME OF THE CENTURY level, but no matter what happens early in the season, Alabama-LSU always finds a way to matter. This year, as the Tigers’ offense sputtered earlier in the conference season, with losses to Auburn and Mississippi State and a near-loss to Florida, it looked like Alabama-LSU might not even be one of the 10 most important games in the SEC West this year.
How to watch Alabama vs. LSU: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds
Can LSU pull a second straight major home upset?
But after a couple of bounce-back wins against Kentucky and Ole Miss, the Tigers one again will play in one of the division’s biggest games as they look to spoil the College Football Playoff aspirations of Alabama, a team that has come into its own as the year has progressed.
The Crimson Tide rank third in this week’s S&P+ offensive ratings, and they’ve been been impressive on that side of the ball, but this game will be all about defense, just like always. And just like always, it will shape the SEC West race.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson, Allie LaForce)
Online streaming: CBSSports.com
Our blogs on these schools
The numbers
Rankings and records: TBD
Vegas: Alabama opened as a 6-point favorite. The over/under is set at 45.
Weather forecast: Partly cloudy with a high of 75 and low of 40.
Two things at stake
Alabama needs to win this game to still be a frontrunner for the College Football Playoff field. It also needs to win this game to stay in contention for the SEC West title.
LSU could potentially sneak into the Playoff field with a win in this game.
One big matchup
LSU offense vs. Alabama defense: Alabama has the best defense in the country, according to the S&P+ ratings, and the Crimson Tide will be going up against an LSU offense that has been wildly inconsistent. Even in the win against Ole Miss, the Tigers struggled offensively, and unless they have their best game of the season, they could have trouble keeping up. However, if they can establish the run with Leonard Fournette and open things up in the passing game, they have the potential to pull a major upset at home.
Further reading
Read Roll Bama Roll for more on Alabama and And The Valley Shook for more on LSU.
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