Jalen Milroe, Alabama Sends LSU to Brink of CFP Elimination in a Rout: Where Does the SEC Race Stand?
In a dramatic showdown under the lights of Tiger Stadium, No. 11 Alabama dominated No. 15 LSU with a resounding 42-13 victory on Saturday night, effectively eliminating the Tigers from the College Football Playoff race. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe spearheaded the Crimson Tide’s offense, marking his fourth career game with over 100 rushing yards and running for four touchdowns, leaving LSU reeling. With this decisive win, Alabama keeps its CFP dreams alive, while LSU’s season takes a turn for the worse.
This article will guide you through the game’s standout moments, critical analysis of the SEC title race implications, and the ongoing struggles LSU faced defending against mobile quarterbacks. For a full visual experience, here are three ideal photo placements to bring the action and insights to life.
Milroe Owns the Bayou Bengals
Jalen Milroe, who had his career-best performance last season against LSU, once again sliced through the Tigers’ defense. His stat line wasn’t only about yards but game-changing moments that led Alabama to victory. Though his passing yards were modest (109 yards on 19 attempts), his four rushing touchdowns powered Alabama’s offense. The win marks Alabama’s second consecutive game without a turnover, even under challenging rain conditions, showcasing Milroe’s efficiency and leadership. His dynamic performance rekindles memories of his heroics in September’s victory over Georgia, making Alabama a formidable force as it eyes the 12-team Playoff.
SEC Race Remains Jumbled
With LSU’s hopes slipping after this loss, the SEC race tightens. LSU now joins the ranks of teams with two losses, while Alabama remains a contender with one SEC loss. Texas, Texas A&M, and Tennessee also each hold just one league loss, keeping them within striking distance of the SEC title game. This tangled race could conclude with multiple teams, including Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, and Georgia, tied with two losses each. If such a scenario unfolds, the conference’s complex tiebreakers will come into play, making the season’s final weeks crucial.
LSU Defense’s Struggles with Mobile Quarterbacks Continue
The LSU defense has wrestled with mobile quarterbacks all season, and Saturday night was no exception. Earlier in the season, they struggled against Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers. This time, Jalen Milroe’s mobility proved too much, as he ran through LSU’s defense almost singlehandedly, underscoring LSU’s vulnerability to agile quarterbacks. Blake Baker’s defensive unit was tested and ultimately bested, a point LSU will need to address if they aim to turn things around.
DeBoer Notches Another Big Win
New Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is making an immediate impact in the SEC, guiding Alabama to a crucial victory that bolsters their Playoff and title hopes. The Tide’s resounding win, aided by only one three-and-out the entire night, showcased Alabama’s focus and preparation. Despite a rocky start to the season, Alabama appears revitalized and ready for a strong season finish. With only Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn left on the schedule, DeBoer and his squad seem positioned to capitalize on their momentum, though they must guard against any late-season slip-ups.
Garrett Nussmeier’s Long Night
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier faced a challenging evening, failing to replicate his comeback performance from last month’s Ole Miss game. His struggles began with a costly fumble late in the second quarter that set up an Alabama touchdown. Though he tried to rally the Tigers, a series of clock-management errors and a red-zone interception to Deontae Lawson dashed any hope of a second-half comeback. Nussmeier ended the night with 24 of 38 completions, but his inconsistencies were evident, contributing to LSU’s downfall.
Conclusion
With the CFP aspirations still alive for Alabama and LSU on the brink of elimination, the SEC race has reached a fever pitch. Alabama’s dominance on Saturday was a statement, propelling them into a stronger playoff position. LSU, meanwhile, must regroup and find answers to their defensive challenges if they hope to salvage what remains of their season.
