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Final verdict on Alabama vs. LSU: Who actually has an edge?
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- Final verdict on Alabama vs. LSU: Who actually has an edge?
Week 10 of the college football calendar pits two SEC rivals against each other with huge postseason implications. Alabama and LSU face off in Death Valley in a game that playoff selectors will be keeping a very close eye on.
The selection committee clearly loves what the Crimson Tide has done . And if it can beat Lane Kiffin's team on the road, it should be a sure thing to make the field.
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LSU, meanwhile, is outside the bracket and needs to avoid a third loss. Here's what to expect when these SEC blue bloods take the field.
1. LSU will try to exploit Alabama's secondary
Oct 10, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jackson Harris (4) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has thrown for 2,172 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Tigers average 317.9 passing yards per game, ranking eighth nationally.
Alabama's secondary has allowed 222.4 passing yards per game, ranking 87th in FBS. Expect LSU to attack through the air, particularly if it can establish protection up front.
2. Alabama must protect Keelon Russell
Alabama's road loss at Tennessee exposed some serious offensive problems: 201 total yards, four turnovers, five sacks and just two conversions on 13 third-down attempts.
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LSU's defense ranks second nationally in sacks. If the Tigers generate consistent pressure, Russell could have another difficult afternoon.
3. Sam Leavitt's turnovers are a concern
Leavitt has thrown eight interceptions coming to an important matchup against an Alabama defense that has recorded 12 takeaways.
Alabama has a real opportunity to create short fields and change the game's momentum. Leavitt's decision-making could be one of Saturday's defining factors.
More: Bold predictions for college football's biggest Week 10 games
4. Alabama's injury situation could change everything
Sep 26, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams (1) celebrates after scoring his second touchdown against South Carolina at Saban Field at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Alabama's idle week came at an important time. Wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, cornerback Zabien Brown, center Racin Delgatty, and defensive tackle Terrance Green are trending toward returning.
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However, starting left guard William Sanders is expected to miss the game. The availability of those returning players could significantly affect Alabama's offensive line, receiving options, and defensive depth.
More: One glaring matchup Alabama can't hide against LSU
5. Expect LSU to test Alabama's run defense and control possession
LSU averages 192.1 rushing yards per game and 33 minutes of possession. Alabama has been considerably better against the run than the pass, allowing just 108 rushing yards per game.
If LSU can establish its ground game, which ranks 8th with 22 TDs, it can keep Russell and Alabama's offense on the sideline while controlling the tempo.
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More: Predicting SEC football scores in Week 10's most important games
The bottom line
Alabama needs to protect Russell, capitalize on Leavitt's turnover tendencies and get healthier defensively.
LSU needs to exploit Alabama's secondary, protect the football and use its home-field advantage.
The biggest question: Can Alabama's defense create enough turnovers to offset LSU's offensive production in Tiger Stadium?
The Big Lead prediction:Alabama 36, LSU 31
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