Defense Carries Tide over LSU, 20-9
Alabama is now winners of eight straight games and remain unbeaten in SEC play.
By: Dave in Tuscaloosa
If you like defensive football, this one was a gem. If you prefer offense, last night was not for you.
Alabama’s defense turned in its best performance of the year as Alabama topped rival LSU 20-9 in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. It was the Tide’s third straight victory over the Tigers, and its 17th straight win at home, which stands as the nation’s best. In addition, Alabama has bested its bitter rival from Baton Rouge 13 out of the last 15 games, however, this one was far from easy.
LSU, playing its first game since the firing of Tiger head coach Brian Keely, put on a defensive show and limited Bama’s usually explosive offense to 344 total yards and 20 points. This is typically a recipe for an upset, however LSU’s season-long struggles on offense continued due to a dominating performance from the Crimson Tide defense. The Bama stop troops limited LSU to 232 total yards and three field goals, as the Tigers failed to reach the end zone for the first time since the 2012 national championship game, a 21-0 loss to a Nick Saban led Bama squad. Led by linebackers Yhonzae Pierre, Dante Lawson, Nikhai Hill-Green, and safety Bray Hubbard, the Tide defense was a relentless, menacing crew that limited Tiger scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
The defense forced two fumbles and limited the Tigers, who played both Garrett Nussmeier and Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Bueren at quarterback, to just 5 of 14 on third downs. On the other side, the Bama offense struggled as Ty Simpson, outside of several key minutes in the second quarter, never seemed to get in rhythm. The usually accurate Simpson finished a respectable 21-35 for 277 yards and a touchdown, yet he missed numerous open receivers, especially in the second half. In the third quarter alone, he underthrew Lotzier Brooks and overthrew Germie Bernard, both who were open for huge gains. The Tide running game continues to be non-existent, as Bama rushed for a season low 56 yards on 26 carries. The song remains the same from last season, as Tide backs often pick up 2 yards when they need to get 3. First down runs too often produce a mere 2 yard gain, leaving the offense only slightly ahead of the sticks. Whether the Tide can figure out this issue heading down the home stretch is yet to be seen, however with a potent passing attack, which oftentimes utilizes the backs effectively, at what point will a steady run game truly be needed?
Bama started the game looking sharp on its first possession; however, a promising opening drive stalled at the LSU 39 when the Tide failed on a 4th and 1. LSU responded with an impressive drive of its own, marching 48 yards in 10 plays only to see Tiger placekicker Damian Ramos miss from 30 yards out to keep the game scoreless. After a Bama punt, Bray Hubbard stripped LSU tight end Bauer Sharp of the ball, and Bama would recover at the Tiger 24. Bama’s offense would move backwards, losing 2 yards on three plays and Tide placekicker Conor Talty hit the first of his two field goals from 45 yards out to give Alabama a 3-0 lead. The second quarter started with Nussmeier leading LSU 48 yards that ended with a Ramos 37-yard field goal to pull the Tigers even at 3. Simpson and company would respond with their best drive of the day that covered 75 yards on 7 plays. A rare tailback touchdown from 4 yards out by Daniel Hill gave the Tide a 10-3 lead with 9:25 to go in the half. The Bama D forced a quick 3-and-out, and the Tide would take their next possession to the LSU 9-yard line only to see Talty miss a chip shot 26-yard field goal from the right hash. As it did all game, the Alabama defense rose to the occasion and forced another LSU three-and-out. Bama made quick work of the tiring LSU defense, marching 66 yards in just 34 seconds and when Simpson found Ryan Williams in the end zone from 13 yards out, the Tide would take a 17-3 lead into halftime. The touchdown was set up by a beautiful long ball of 53 yards from Simpson to Brooks.
For lovers of offensive football, the second half was a painful experience. Both defenses dominated, and LSU’s defense kept hope alive for an upset throughout the second half. The Tigers took the second half kickoff and methodically drove the ball down the field and had a first and goal from Bama’s 9-yard line. The drive stalled and due to a collection of negative plays, penalties, and a sack, LSU had to attempt a field goal from the Tide 27. Ramos nailed it from 44 yards out to cut the lead to 17-6. A lovely exchange of punts ran out the rest of the third quarter, and on the first play of the fourth, LSU standout Harold Perkins forced Simpson to fumble, and the Tigers were in business at the Tide 38. Once again, the Tide defense stiffened. LSU had a 1st and goal at the Tide 7, yet they moved backwards again and found themselves with a 4th and goal from the Tide 20. Ramos hit another field goal, this time from 37 yards out to make it a one possession game, 17-9, with 10:28 left in the contest. Bama failed to put together a drive, having to punt after only four plays. The Tide pinned the Tigers back on its own one, and after a three and out, Bama received an LSU punt and started on its own 45. The offense was able to eke out a 6 play, 29-yard drive and when Talty hit his third field goal of the night from 44 yards out, Bama led 20-9 and the result was no longer in doubt.
One thing we have earned this year is that conference wins are at a premium, so a win over LSU is not to be taken lightly. The Tide have now won eight straight and will remain #4 when the College Football Playoff Committee announces its top 12 on Tuesday night. The final piece of the 2024 Alabama Revenge Tour occurs next Saturday, when 11th ranked Oklahoma visits Bryant-Denny. No doubt the Tide remembers last year’s stunning 24-3 loss to the Sooners that would end up keeping Bama out of the playoffs. With Eastern Illinois and Auburn remaining on the schedule, the Tide’s tussle with Sooners will be their final match up against a ranked opponent before a possible trip to the SEC title game in December.
