LSU Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide: Predictions and Odds

No. 1 ? vs. No. 2 ?, we’re coming to LSU-Alabama in Tuscaloosa!

(? @HomeDepot) pic.twitter.com/DM6gtXR5nQ

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 2, 2019

Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL

When: Saturday, November 9th at 3:30pm EST

How (TV): CBS

LSU Tigers (Away)

Head Coach: Ed Orgeron {All-Time: 49-36 | MISS, USC, LSU}

Regular Season Record: 8-0

Dating back to Les Miles’ last days in Baton Rouge, the biggest question surrounding LSU has been whether they could put together a strong enough offense to take control of the SEC.

This year’s team appears to have answered the call, with quarterback Joe Burrow entering Saturday’s contest as the odds on favourite to win the Heisman Trophy. With a win over Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide, the top ranked Bayou Bengals will become one step closer to locking down their first ever College Football Playoff berth.

Prior to their bye week this past weekend, the Tigers proved themselves against the other Alabama SEC school, holding off Auburn with a 23-20 victory in Death Valley. Despite losing the turnover battle 2-1 and committing 12 penalties for 118 yards, LSU pulled out the win behind an offense that tallied 508 yards.

Burrow put together another solid performance, with his eighth straight 300 yard passing game, while throwing and running for touchdowns. Top rusher Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 136 yards and a score on 26 carries, while receiver Ja’Marr Chase added eight receptions for 123 yards.

LSU’s defense made life miserable for Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, sacking him three times while allowing him to complete just 15 of his 35 pass attempts for 157 yards. Freshman corner Derek Stingley Jr. made a clutch play in the second quarter by picking off Nix in the red zone, while senior receiver Derrick Dillon iced the game by recovering Auburn’s onside kick attempt in the final minutes.

Head Coach: Nick Saban {All-Time: 240-63-1 | TOL, MSU, LSU, ALA}

Regular Season Record: 8-0

WIth the second ranked scoring offense in the nation at 48.6 points per game, the Alabama Crimson Tide have yet to face a serious test this season. Their closest game so far has been a 47-28 win at Texas A&M, who happens to be their only ranked opponent prior to Saturday’s tilt against LSU.

With questions surrounding the health of star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the Tide may appear to be beatable at home for the first time since 2015, which was the last time they lost at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Like the Tigers, Alabama will be coming off a bye week as well as a 48-7 beatdown of Arkansas the week prior. Backup quarterback Mac Jones had little trouble managing the offense, completing 18 of 22 pass attempts for 235 yards and three touchdowns.

Two of those passing scores were snagged by reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy, who hauled in seven catches for 103 yards. Running back Najee Harris added two touchdowns on the ground as part of an 86 yard performance.

Alabama’s stout defense harassed Arkansas quarterback Nick Starkel all day long, as the Razorback signal caller tossed interceptions to Patrick Surtain II, Anfernee Jennings, and Trevon Diggs. The Tide also limited Starkel and backup quarterback Jordan Jones to 107 combined passing yards and a sub-50% completion rate.

LSU vs Alabama All-Time Series

In 81 meetings between these SEC power houses, Alabama holds a 52-25-5 lead over LSU, including a 10-2 record when both teams are ranked in the top ten. The Crimson Tide have won the last eight games against the Tigers, three of which have been shutouts. One of those shutouts came in last year’s 29-0 victory in Baton Rouge.

LSU’s last win in the series also happened to be the last time both teams met ranked first and second in the regular season. The 2011 Tigers came out with a 9-6 grinder, in an ugly game that saw LSU quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee combine for just 91 passing yards and two interceptions. That season, Alabama would avenge that loss in the BCS title game by blanking the Tigers 21-0 in the Superdome.

LSU Roster Notes

Senior linebacker Michael Divinity Jr. has left the team due to personal reasons and is not expected to return.

Junior safety Grant Delpit is listed as questionable with an ankle injury suffered against Auburn, but is expected to be ready against Alabama.

Freshman cornerback Cordale Flott is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Junior fullback Tory Carter is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Alabama Roster Notes

Redshirt junior tight end Miller Foristall is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after undergoing throat surgery.

Junior receiver DeVonta Smith is expected to be available against LSU after dealing with a shoulder injury that knocked him out against Arkansas.

Freshman kicker Will Reichard is listed as questionable with a hip flexor injury. Joseph Bulovas will likely take over kicking duties if Reichard is unavailable.

Junior running back Najee Harris is expected to be available against LSU despite twisting his ankle against Arkansas.

Junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is listed as questionable with a high ankle sprain that has kept him out the past two games.

With Derek Stingley Jr. likely shadowing Jerry Jeudy, Alabama will need their other receivers to make plays in this potential shoot out. One of those receivers is Henry Ruggs III, who should expect to have LSU’s star safety, Grant Delpit, helping out in coverage over the middle.

Grant Delpit

Safety | 6-3, 203lb | IMG Academy (FL) | Houston, TX | Junior

An unanimous All-American selection in 2018, Grant Delpit could have easily been off to the NFL had he been eligible. A versatile athlete who can line up anywhere in the secondary as well as linebacker, there are very few holes in Delpit’s game. His instincts and ability to react to plays has made him a key asset for Dave Aranda’s defense, allowing corners Derek Stingley Jr. and Kristian Fulton to be more aggressive in coverage, knowing Delpit has their backs.

Henry Ruggs III

Wide Receiver | 6-0, 190lb | Robert E. Lee HS | Montgomery, AL | Junior

I’ve always been a giving person , Be careful what you ask for? pic.twitter.com/vqo1LUhNLy

— HJR III™? (@__RUGGS) October 24, 2019

A true burner who is capable of setting 40-yard dash records when the NFL Combine rolls around, Henry Ruggs III has been a key weapon for Tagovailoa’s big arm. Despite being known for his speed, Ruggs possesses a set of reliable hands as well as a solid vertical leap that allows him to play bigger than his six foot frame. The in-state product has also shown that he can run more than just vertical routes, as he is willing to go over the middle on slants despite his lean build.

LSU at Alabama Predictions and Odds

Find the latest odds for LSU vs Alabama below. The odds are provided by New Jersey sportsbooks bet365 NJ, DraftKings, and Caesars NJ.

Good luck! 

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