Alabama and LSU are set to meet on Saturday night with both teams as usual vying for the SEC Western Division title. The eighth-ranked Crimson Tide hosts a No. 13 LSU team that beat them 32-31 in overtime last season. Jayden Daniels and the Tigers landed in the SEC championship game. Daniels leads the nation's top offense against linebacker Dallas Turner and one of the SEC's best defenses. It's the 18th time in the last 22 years that both teams have entered the game ranked. Alabama's defense
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
A win would strengthen Alabama's control of the SEC West and keep the Crimson Tide alive in the playoff race. The Tigers can remain in contention for the division title, though they'll need help since LSU already has a loss to No. 13 Mississippi. LSU made it to the SEC championship game last season after a 32-31 overtime victory over Alabama.
KEY MATCHUP
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will take on LSU's depleted, patchwork secondary. LSU lost experienced defensive back Greg Brooks Jr. to brain cancer earlier this season and now transfer cornerback Zy Alexander, who has started all eight games this season, also is out. Milroe has been especially adept at the deep ball with receivers like Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Bond.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LSU: QB Jayden Daniels was one of the stars of last season's meeting. His growth as a passer this season, combined with his enduring ability to run, has placed him among college football's most prolific offensive players and a Heisman Trophy candidate. Daniels leads the nation in total offense with 386.8 yards per game and TDs passing (25). He also has five TDs rushing.
Alabama: LBs Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell have been the league's top pass rushing duo, and they'll have their hands full trying to contain Daniels. Turner has eight sacks to tie for the SEC lead and Braswell has seven.
FACTS & FIGURES
LSU won last season's meeting, in overtime at Tiger Stadium. The decisive play was a pass from Daniels to TE Mason Taylor for a 2-point conversion. … Alabama and LSU have split their last four meetings since 2019 and each team has won a national championship in the previous four seasons. … This marks the 18th time since 2002 that both teams ranked when playing each other. … The teams have played 12 times since the famous 9-6 LSU win in 2011. Alabama is 10-0 when holding LSU to 17 points or fewer and 0-2 in games when the Tigers topped that. ... LSU's receiver corps includes the nation's leader in receiving yards (Malik Nabers, 981) and TDs receiving (Brian Thomas, 11). … LSU coach Brian Kelly is 16-6 overall at LSU since leaving Notre Dame after the 2021 regular season to join the Tigers. He is 1-0 against Alabama as LSU's coach, but is 1-2 in his career against the Tide and coach Nick Saban. Saban is 12-5 against LSU since arriving in Tuscaloosa.
