LSU will be favored against Alabama for the first time since 2007 when the Tigers host the Crimson Tide on Saturday in Tiger Stadium at 2:30 PM.
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Despite both major college football polls ranking LSU 15th and Alabama ninth, the Tigers are 5.5-point favorites heading into the SEC showdown.
The last time LSU was favored against Alabama was Nick Saban’s first season with the Crimson Tide. The Tigers won that 2007 matchup 41-34 in Tuscaloosa. Alabama went on to lose its final four regular-season games that year, including a 21-14 upset loss to ULM.
The 2026 Crimson Tide enter Saturday’s game with a 6-2 overall record and a 4-2 mark in SEC play. Alabama suffered consecutive losses to Georgia and Tennessee last month before bouncing back with a win over Texas A&M in its most recent game.
Alabama's passing game could challenge LSU
Alabama has been particularly effective through the air, averaging 9.2 yards per pass play.
Sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell, a 6-foot-3 native of Duncanville, Texas, has completed 67% of his passes for 2,057 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Crimson Tide have three receivers averaging at least 15 yards per catch: Lotzeir Brooks, Rico Scott and Ryan Coleman-Williams. Coleman-Williams leads the team with four touchdown receptions and averages 18 yards per catch.
However, his availability for Saturday remains a question. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said last week he was hopeful Coleman-Williams could return after missing the previous two games with a head injury and undergoing a knee procedure.
Crimson Tide struggling to run the ball
Alabama's ground game has struggled the last two games. The Crimson Tide managed just 54 rushing yards against Tennessee and 68 against Texas A&M.
Alabama played both games without starting center Racin Delgatty. His potential return against LSU could provide a significant boost to the running game.
Alabama's defense looks to force turnovers
Alabama ranks eighth in the SEC in total defense, allowing 330 yards per game, and eighth in scoring defense, giving up 21 points per contest.
The Crimson Tide struggled to contain Georgia in their loss to the Bulldogs, allowing 7.5 yards per play. It was Alabama's worst performance in that category since LSU averaged 8.2 yards per play in its 2023 matchup with the Crimson Tide, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Alabama's biggest defensive strength has been its ability to create turnovers. The Crimson Tide lead the SEC with 19 takeaways, including 12 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries.
Cornerback Zabien Brown is another player to watch. Alabama is hopeful its top cornerback can return against LSU after missing the Texas A&M game with a lower-leg injury.
