Saturday night will bring about one of the most important games of the 2024 season for the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the program travels for a matchup with the LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
In what is likely an elimination game for the College Football Playoff, the Crimson Tide will need a win Saturday night in order to keep their CFP hopes alive. If the Crimson Tide do not pick up a win however, Alabama will likely not see the College Football Playoff this season due to having three losses.
An all-around massive game, the eyes of the college football world will fall on Baton Rouge this Saturday night because of this, making this easily one of the more anticipated Alabama games of the season so far.
Here are our Roll Tide Wire staff predictions for the Week 11 showdown between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers:
Matt’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 30, LSU Tigers 28
A must-win for both teams, expect LSU and Tiger Stadium to give Alabama everything they have Saturday night, and for this game to a close contest for all four quarters. However, the difference maker in this game might just be the ability to run the ball for Alabama and quarterback Jalen Milroe, who had 155 yards and four touchdowns rushing in this game a year ago, against the LSU defense, and I’ll say that plays a key role in route to a 30-28 victory for the Crimson Tide.
Speaking of keys to win, keep an eye out for if Alabama can get pressure on LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, as it will be important for the Crimson Tide to pressure the signal caller to force mistakes. Nussmeier has thrown a total of nine interceptions so far this year, the second-most of anyone in the SEC.
Sam’s Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide 31, LSU Tigers 28
It’s going to be a four-quarter war, but ultimately the Tide will pick up a marquee road win and keep their Playoff hopes alive. Brian Kelly has never lost a primetime game in Death Valley, but the LSU defense is the perfect matchup for Jalen Milroe’s athletic ability. The game will come down to converting third downs and minimal penalties, both things that I think were addressed during the bye.
Steve’s Prediction: LSU Tigers 34, Alabama Crimson Tide 31
This is one of my favorite rivalries every year. Unfortunately, I don’t feel comfortable picking Alabama in this game. This has far too often been a different team on the road than it is at home. I’m not sure why, but that’s kind of been Alabama’s MO since 2022 (right when Nick Saban introduced the phrase “playing with anxiety” into the lexicon).
I do think Alabama will score and be able to move the ball at times, but the defense won’t get enough stops against the LSU offense and Garrett Nussmeier, who’s due for a bounce-back after a three interception game at Texas A&M two weeks ago.
This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Staff predictions for Week 11 matchup between Alabama and LSU
