The best division in college football’s two heavyweight programs collide Saturday night in Tuscaloosa, as No. 4 LSU (7-0, 4-0 in the SEC) walks into Bryant-Denny Stadium to take on seventh-ranked Alabama (7-1, 4-1).
LSU vs. Alabama 2015 live stream: How to watch the top-10 SEC battle online
The SEC West title runs through Tuscaloosa again as these two heavyweights collide.
It may not be 2011's 1 vs. 2 Game of the Century, but it still matches up two of the top 10 teams in the country and will go a long way towards deciding the SEC West race. Another conference loss would all but eliminate Alabama. LSU has a little more breathing room, but not much with a closing slate of games that features four teams in the S&P+ top 50. A win for either team would be one of the centerpieces of any College Football Playoff argument at season's end.
Alabama comes in as the favorite, with one of the nation's best defenses and an offense that has been able to do enough with star running back Derrick Henry, the SEC's No. 2 rusher. Quarterback Jacob Coker has been a little inconsistent, but made just enough throws to get the Tide by and a couple of clutch ones two weeks ago versus Tennessee.
LSU comes in with an offense that is revving up with 38.9 points per game, second in the conference and a league-leading 7.19 yard per play. The headliner, of course, is tailback Leonard Fournette, the nation's leading rusher and the presumptive Heisman Trophy front-runner. But sophomore quarterback Brandon Harris has continued to improve, as well. He's yet to throw an interception this season and has topped 200 yards in three straight games, ranking second in the SEC in passer rating.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, CBS (Verne Lundquist, Gary Danielson)
Online streaming: CBS Sports.com Link
Spread: Alabama is favored by 7 points.
Make friends: Tigers can chat up the game over at And the Valley Shook, while Tide fans can do the same at Roll Bama Roll.
Three big things to know
1. Fournette vs. Henry
In the spread football era, it’s rare to see a true showdown between star running backs, but this game features the SEC’s best, both over the 1,000-yard mark. Both offenses will need their star back to do big things in this one, and the one who does the biggest, and comes away victorious, will likely have the lead in the Heisman discussion.
2. #ManBallChristmas
Bill Connelly coined the term, and if you're a fan of line play this will be the game for you. Alabama's front features studs like A'Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed and Butkus Award Semifinalist Reggie Ragland. LSU's offensive line features Remington Award candidate Ethan Pocic, ranks 17th in Adjusted Line Yards and blocks for one of the ten most efficient rushing attacks in the country. Quarterbacks and running backs aside, this game will be won at the line of scrimmage.
3. Tightening up in the secondary
Both of these defenses rank in the S&P+ top 10, but have been a little vulnerable to big plays at times. LSU has allowed 16 plays of 20 yards or more this season, particularly in recent weeks versus Florida and Western Kentucky. Alabama has allowed 24 this season, allowing Tennessee to convert nearly 60 percent of its third downs in its last game. The team that can make the extra big play will likely come away with the win here.
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