Both teams entered with a lot of stakes entering this top-ten clash between LSU and Alabama. LSU won in overtime, 32-31, in a thriller in what was their first win against the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium since 2010. The Tigers were also able to extend their undefeated streak played in night games in Death Valley this season: Here are three takeaways from LSU’s thrilling victory over Alabama:
Brian Kelly Elects to Go For the Win in Overtime:
LSU and Alabama were tied at 24 a piece as they headed into overtime. The Crimson Tide was able to knock home a 46-yard field goal by Will Reichard was pivotal in this game not being finished in overtime.
LSU’s defense was on their heels as they started overtime as Bryce Young was able to drive down inside the five to set up for a one-yard rush by Roydell Williams. The Tigers would waste no time as on the very next play Jayden Daniels would find open space for a 25-yard rush, to put the score in favor of Alabama, 31-30.
The offense would line up as they were going to go for two, but Kelly called over the offense to discuss if they wanted to kick the potential-tying field goal or try to end the game. Coming out of the timeout, LSU’s offense would remain on the field and Kelly was able to call a play that would seal the win for the Tigers.
Daniels found Mason Taylor wide open in the endzone as LSU would convert the two-point try to knock off the No. 6 Crimson Tide, 32-31.
LSU Gets First Win At Home Against Alabama Since 2010:
Alabama has had recent success in the past decade against the Tigers on the road in Tiger Stadium. The Crimson Tide have been very comfortable playing in Baton Rouge as they have dominated the series. LSU’s last win came during the 2010 season where both teams came into the ranked. Alabama was No. 6 and LSU was No. 10, same with this year’s matchup.
The Tigers in recent meetings have struggled to get their offense going in the home meetings against Alabama. The offense for the Tigers tonight was able to get out to an early lead, but Nick Saban and Company continued to answer the call.
In the past few meetings, the Tiger offense would be stagnant against the Alabama defense. LSU’s offense was able to rack up 367 total yards on offense tonight as they had to earn every yard against an improved Alabama defense.
LSU’s Defense Started Off Strong:
The former Heisman-winning quarterback was able to drive down the field deep into LSU territory, but his pass was picked off Jarrick Bernard-Converse. It was looking like that Alabama’s offense was going to become the fourth consecutive team to score an opening touchdown against the Tigers, but the defense was able to keep them out of the endzone.
Alabama was able to drive down the field on offense, but they had to settle for field goals. It was a bend not break mentality that kept the Tigers in the game for four quarters. True freshman linebacker Harold Perkins kept making a difference in the middle along with B.J. Ojulari. Alabama’s offense had to settle for field goals in the first half, but they were able to find their rhythm on offense.
LSU’s defense was able to keep Jahmyr Gibbs in check in the first half, but had their struggles against the talented running back in the second half. Gibbs had a drive in the second half of where he rushed for 54 yards to gibe Alabama the lead in the fourth quarter. LSU’s defense did end up allowing 465 total yards to the Crimson Tide offense, but the Tiger defense was able to keep their offense in the game, so they could strike at the right moment.
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