No. 11 Alabama earns statement win in Death Valley over No. 15 LSU

BATON ROUGE, La. — With its back against the wall, Alabama delivered on a massive stage. The 11th-ranked Crimson Tide went on the road to Death Valley, and not only emerged victorious over No. 15 LSU, but did so emphatically.

The 42-13 win moved Alabama to 7-2 on the season, with a 4-2 mark in SEC play. More importantly, the win kept the Crimson Tide from picking up its third loss of the season, vaulting it right back into the thick of both SEC title and College Football Playoff discussions after another wild Saturday.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe needed to have a big game, and he did just that. He commanded a calm and collected Crimson Tide offense that struck early, quieting the legendary Tiger Stadium crowd. Milroe looked like his old self running the football, totaling 185 yards and four touchdowns on the ground while adding 109 yards through the air.

The Alabama defense played an excellent game as well, making huge play after huge play when the pressure was on. LSU couldn’t score touchdowns in the red zone, being held to a field goal on its first possession, and throwing an interception in the end zone on its first possession of the second half.

Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack dialed up some extra pressure for Garrett Nussmeier, and while it didn’t result in a ton of sacks, the pressure affected his ability to make plays down the field and made him visibly uncomfortable.

The Alabama inside linebacker duo made plays all night, and both were crucial on two different takeaways. Jihaad Campbell forced a fumble on a strip sack, and Deontae Lawson picked off Nussmeier in the end zone. The Crimson Tide was finally able to play some complimentary football, scoring off both takeaways.

It was as complete of a performance as Alabama has had all season, giving tons of momentum for a final 3-game stretch before the postseason. Next up, FCS foe Mercer comes to Bryant-Denny Stadium, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. next Saturday.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter

Alabama 7, LSU 0 (10:49)

Alabama received the opening kickoff after LSU won the toss and deferred, and had the best start it could imagine. The Crimson Tide went 75 yards in eight plays, with Jalen Milroe making plays both through the air and on the ground. He completed all three passing attempts on the drive, and scored the touchdown with a 39-yard sprint up the gut to put Alabama on the board first.

Alabama 7, LSU 3 (9:00)

LSU responded to Alabama’s punch with one of their own, returning the ensuing kickoff all the way out to the 50. Two plays later, a 45-yard run from Caden Durham set the Tigers up at the 5-yard-line, but the Crimson Tide was able to hold for three straight plays and keep LSU out of the end zone. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell made a fantastic play to break up a pass attempt on 3rd-and-goal, leading to the 23-yard field goal.

Alabama 14, LSU 3 (1:56)

Alabama answered the LSU field goal with a surgical 15-play, 75-yard drive over seven minutes to put a touchdown on the board for the second straight possession. Milroe continued to run the ball and command the offense well, while Justice Haynes punched the score in from one yard out.

Second Quarter

Alabama 14, LSU 6 (8:26)

LSU drove 64 yards across seven plays, moving the ball deep into Alabama territory in need of some points. The drive moved into the red zone, but penalties and miscues set the Tigers too far back behind the chains to convert. A 43-yard field goal cut into the lead, but the Crimson Tide maintained a full possession lead after the stand.

Alabama 21, LSU 6 (2:28)

Alabama got stuffed on 4th-and-1, but one play later, the Crimson Tide got the ball right back off a fumble forced by a blitzing Campbell and recovered by Tim Smith. Alabama took advantage of the takeaway, going 32 yards in just three plays, and scoring off another Milroe keeper to give the Crimson Tide an even bigger lead with the half approaching.

Third Quarter

Alabama 28, LSU 6 (5:05)

Coming off an interception in the red zone, Alabama again capitalized on a takeaway. The Crimson Tide went 80 yards in eight plays, and again, Milroe took in a rushing touchdown from 19 yards out. Tiger Stadium was stunned, as Alabama now led by more than three touchdowns.

Fourth Quarter

Alabama 35, LSU 6 (14:50)

For good measure, Jalen Milroe added a 72 yard sprint down the right sideline for his fourth rushing touchdown of the night. matching his rushing touchdown total against LSU last season, and bringing him to a whopping 190 yards rushing on the day.