Alabama Beats LSU 31-13, Complicating Tigers’ Playoff Hopes

LSU fell 31-13 to Alabama at Death Valley on November 7, as the Crimson Tide pulled away late in the SEC rivalry game. The defeat leaves coach Lane Kiffin’s team with a 6-3 record and adds doubt about its place in the national rankings and College Football Playoff race.

LSU entered the weekend at No. 14 in the AP poll. The loss could push the Tigers down several places, potentially beyond the top 20. With two earlier defeats already on its record, LSU now has little room for further setbacks and would need a strong finish, along with help from other results, to keep its playoff hopes alive. Three-loss SEC teams face a difficult route to the 12-team playoff without winning the conference title.

Kiffin has now lost all six of his games as a head coach against Alabama. LSU struggled to sustain its offense under pressure and missed chances on key drives, including in the red zone. Alabama improved to 7-2 and entered the weekend ranked No. 5 in the initial playoff rankings. The road win over a ranked conference opponent bolsters its résumé, while a more manageable remaining schedule leaves the Tide positioned to pursue a high seed and a deep postseason run.