#14 LSU goes down in a shootout to #8 Alabama in Tuscaloosa

A matchup that has determined the SEC West for over a decade delivered yet again Saturday night as the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the LSU Tigers 42-28 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

LSU struck first with a 7-0 lead, with both offenses battling back-and-forth, for the entirety of the game. The quarterback battle between Alabama's Jalen Milroe and LSU's Jayden Daniels was a sight to see, as both stars repeatedly elevated their offense series after series. Milroe finished with 219 passing yards, going 15-of-23 while adding a remarkable 155 yards and four touchdowns rushing. Daniels finished with 15-of-24 passes completed for 219 yards while adding 163 yards rushing and accounting for three total touchdowns. Milroe is the first quarterback in Alabama history to score four rushing touchdowns in a single game.

With LSU leading the game with 11:14 left in the third quarter 28-21, Alabama answered back with an impressive 21 unanswered points.

Daniels sustained a huge hit from Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner in the fourth quarter that led to a roughing the passer call, leaving the LSU star quarterback in concussion protocol. LSU losing their star quarterback for the remainder of the game ceased the Tigers' comeback chances, as Alabama improved to 8-1 with the win, while LSU fell to 6-3.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban called it a "great team win," giving praise to the offense's performance, particularly on the third-down play. He specifically credited Alabama's offensive line, running backs, and of course, the leadership and running play of quarterback Jalen Milroe, saying "I thought this was the best execution we had from an efficiency standpoint (in the running game)".

The Crimson Tide coach was unable to speculate yet on the ankle injury of linebacker Deontae Lawson and the quad injury of defensive back Jaylen Key, but did have good things to say about his defense despite the big rushing attack from Jayden Daniels, the LSU quarterback. "The thing that got us, when he ran for 160 some yards, most of those were on pass plays (and not designed runs)" Saban said.

The coaching staff made successful adjustments by rushing five and keeping the LSU quarterback contained in the pocket forcing him to throw. "I think the defensive players did a good job of responding," Saban continued after LSU went up two scores to end the first half and start the second. "I think our team has shown tremendous resiliency all year long."

The victory for Alabama gives LSU control over the SEC West, with the chance to clinch the division solely next weekend as they will face Kentucky on the road at 12 p.m. EDT.