Alabama Pulls Away From LSU After Fourth-Quarter Stops

Alabama’s defense held firm through LSU’s scoring chances, then the offense took control in the second half for a 31-13 win at Tiger Stadium on November 7. Keelon Russell threw three touchdown passes, and Alabama improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the SEC. LSU fell to 6-3 and 3-3 in the conference under first-year coach Lane Kiffin.

Alabama led 10-3 at halftime. LSU briefly moved ahead when Dilin Jones scored on a five-yard run to finish a 90-yard drive. The Tide answered quickly: Rico Scott’s 57-yard reception helped set up Russell’s touchdown pass to Josh Ford. Russell later connected with Cederian Morgan for a 25-yard score and Kaleb Edwards for a four-yard touchdown.

LSU went 0-for-4 on fourth down and also missed a field goal and turned the ball over in Alabama territory. Sam Leavitt threw for 380 yards but was intercepted. With about eight minutes left, LSU chose to go for it on fourth-and-10 from the Alabama 25; Leavitt was sacked, and the Tide scored three plays later. Alabama remained in the College Football Playoff picture despite being outgained 457-285. The Tide visits Vanderbilt next, while LSU hosts Texas. LSU right tackle Weston Davis left the game during the third quarter with an apparent right-leg injury.