No. 11 Alabama visits No. 14 LSU with playoff survival likely on the line

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

No. 11 Alabama and No. 14 LSU are both still in contention for one of 12 College Football Playoff spots as they meet in Tiger Stadium. But one more loss could turn either team into a long shot, if not remove them from the CFP picture altogether. Both teams have two losses already this season with four games still to play.

The Tigers are trying to bounce back from a second-half collapse at Texas A&M on Oct. 26. Both teams had last weekend off. LSU upset Alabama in overtime the last time this matchup was played in Death Valley in 2022. LSU has won 14 straight at home.

Key matchup

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe vs. LSU’s defensive front. Milroe had a huge game against LSU last season, passing for 219 yards while rushing for 155 and four touchdowns, a program record for a quarterback. Meanwhile, LSU struggled during it’s previous game to adapt when Texas A&M switched to read-option QB Marcel Reed, who rallied the Aggies to a victory in the second half.

Players to watch

Alabama: Milroe’s 25 total touchdowns – 13 passing and 12 rushing – leads the SEC and ranks fifth in FBS.

LSU: DE Bradyn Swinson has a team-leading 8 sacks among 101/2 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

Facts & figures

Both teams had last week off. … Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is 14-3 against Top 25 teams in his career, including wins over Missouri and Georgia this season. … The Tide’s 18 forced turnovers is tied for most in the SEC with South Carolina. … Alabama is 29-10-2 at Tiger Stadium, but lost in overtime the last time this matchup took place in Baton Rouge in 2022. … LSU has won 14 straight home games. … This marks the third straight season both teams are ranked in the top 15 at the time they play and the 19th time since 2002 both are ranked in the AP Top 25 for the contest.

Kickoff for No. 11 Alabama (6-2, 3-2 SEC, No. 11 CFP) at No. 14 LSU (6-2, 3-1, No. 15 CFP), is Saturday at 6:30PM CST on ABC 32.

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