Nick Saban describes LSU as 'dominating' despite struggles this season

Alabama head coach Nick Saban knows the challenge his team will face on Saturday against LSU. While the Tigers have been inconsistent this season, and now face changes after the season, they have still shown the ability to perform at a high level. Saban is looking to ensure that Alabama enters the matchup with the proper respect for LSU. If not, LSU could hang around.

“An excellent LSU team. I think we’re like the fifth straight ranked team that they’re about to play,” Saban said. “I think they’re a very talented team. A lot of good players. When they’ve played well they’ve played extremely well. They have shown the ability against certain opponents to be pretty dominating. So it’s very important that our players do a great job in preparation and have the proper respect for a team that I know regardless of how they’ve played in the past, they’ll play really well against us. This is always that kind of game and that’s what we got to get ready for.”

Saban: LSU ‘is a really good team’

LSU enters the matchup with a 4-4 overall record on the season. The Tigers began the year 3-1, but a tough SEC schedule in recent weeks has forced them to fall back. As Saban mentioned, Alabama will be the fifth consecutive ranked team LSU has faced. LSU lost to Auburn and Kentucky before beating Kentucky. The Tigers beat Ole Miss 31-17 last week.

“I think these guys have great balance on offense,” said Saban. “Max (Johnson) does a really good job at the quarterback position at executing their offense. They’ve got really good balance in the run game. (Tyrion) Davis-Price is a really good runner, he’s been really effective for them. They run a lot of RPOs and very efficient and effective in the passing game. They’ve got some young receivers that have made a lot of really good plays.”

Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 7 p.m. ET in Tuscaloosa, and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN. Saban knows that the physicality in this matchup could be the difference in the game.

“Defensively, they’re aggressive, they’re big up front, linebackers can run, they’ve got good edge rushers. Play a lot of man to man, very athletic in the secondary,” Saban said. “And always, they’ve got really good specialists. Really good team speed and really good special teams. So this is a really good team and our players need to be ready for what’s always a physical football game.”