Tired of SEC talk? Well, this isn’t the weekend for you, as the biggest matchup in college football will be the SEC West showdown between two of the College Football Playoff’s top four teams: 4th-ranked LSU (7-0, 4-0 in the SEC) and No. 7 Alabama (7-1, 4-1).
How to watch LSU vs. Alabama on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
#MANBALLCHRISTMAS
The Tide’s inclusion in the playoff committee’s ranking raised a few eyebrows this week, but if Alabama can take down LSU, the committee’s No. 2 team, that will be the biggest resume win of anybody in the top 10. Meanwhile, an LSU win would essentially eliminate Bama from playoff contention in addition to the SEC championship race.
Ole Miss still has a say, but a win here would put LSU firmly in the driver’s seat to represent the SEC West in the conference championship game. The game also offers the nation’s leading rusher, Leonard Fournette, his biggest stage yet for Heisman Trophy voters. Nobody has held LSU’s sophomore under the 150-yard mark yet. If he can tear up one of the nation’s best run defenses in Alabama, he’s going to be tough to beat out for this year’s trophy.
And if the 300-pound linemen and big, fast running backs don’t get the MANBALL juices flowing for you, the forecasts call for rain in Tuscaloosa Saturday night.
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. Quarterbacks
Fournette vs. Henry is the headliner matchup here, but quarterback play will loom large as well. LSU’s Brandon Harris been the second-most efficient passer in the SEC this season, but he’s rarely been called upon in a large role. Alabama’s Jacob Coker is much more inconsistent, but is a veteran that has played solid ball for Alabama in their last few conference games.
2. Third Down
It’s been a problem for Alabama’s offense this season, converting just 33 percent on the season, with Coker completing just 50 percent of his passes on that down. LSU’s improved pass-rush with defensive end Lewis Neal is something to watch here, especially with Alabama right tackle Dominick Jackson dinged up.
3. Ragland vs. Beckwith
What’s Manball Christmas without middle linebackers? These teams feature two of the SEC’s best in Butkus Award semi-finalists Reggie Ragland for Alabama and Kendell Beckwith for LSU. A pair of 6-2, 250-pound thumpers, Beckwith and Ragland will have their hands full with the opposing tailbacks. The linebacker that makes the extra play may be the difference.
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