It was a remarkable scene at Tiger Stadium in the fourth quarter Saturday. The atmosphere was damp and dreary, with rain pouring down and the stands looking half-empty. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had just electrified the crowd with a breathtaking 72-yard touchdown run, marking his fourth of the night. As the Crimson Tide fans celebrated, they sang, “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” a fitting anthem for the evening’s events.
No. 11 Alabama decisively routed No. 15 LSU 42-13 in a game that was billed as an “elimination game” for the Tigers. For LSU (6-3, 3-2), this loss likely sealed their fate in the SEC race, while Alabama (7-2, 4-2 SEC) re-asserted itself as a contender for the College Football Playoff and perhaps even the national championship under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The stakes were high, and the implications of the game were felt throughout the conference.
How Alabama Dominated LSU
Milroe showcased his talent for the second consecutive season against the Tigers. He was hot from the get-go, completing 3 of 3 passes for 38 yards before breaking free for a 39-yard touchdown run on Alabama’s opening drive. This was a significant moment, especially considering LSU’s impressive 13-0 record in night games under Brian Kelly since 2022.
By halftime, Milroe had completed 10 of 15 passes for 95 yards and rushed for 98 yards on eight carries, scoring two touchdowns. This performance is a favorable trend for Alabama, as they have a solid record of 8-1 in games where Milroe rushes for 50 yards or more. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs was a key factor in Alabama’s success.
The second half began with LSU driving into the red zone, but Alabama’s Deontae Lawson intercepted a pass on second and goal, shifting the momentum back to the Crimson Tide. Milroe then scored again on a 19-yard touchdown run, extending Alabama’s lead to 28-6 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. The game ended with Milroe and Richard Young both finding the end zone in the fourth quarter, solidifying the victory.
Alabama’s offensive line was impressive, allowing the team to roll up 311 rushing yards. They converted 10 of 13 on third downs and, remarkably, had no turnovers despite the challenging weather conditions. This performance was undoubtedly the most complete under DeBoer thus far.
LSU’s Struggles and Future
LSU’s quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a tough night, finishing with 27 completions on 42 attempts for 239 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Although he managed to throw a late touchdown pass to Kyren Lacy, the Tigers’ three turnovers proved too costly. They simply couldn’t find a way to stop Milroe and the Alabama offense.
This defeat marks LSU’s third loss of the season and their second consecutive setback after a 33-18 defeat at Texas A&M on October 26. The road ahead looks challenging for the Tigers under third-year coach Brian Kelly, as they will need to regroup quickly to remain competitive in the SEC.
Breaking Down SEC Playoff Contenders
As we look ahead to the playoff picture, it’s worth noting that eight SEC teams have two losses or fewer in conference play heading into Week 12. Here’s how they stack up:
| TEAM | SEC | OVERALL | PF | PA | PD |
|———————-|——————-|———————–|——————-|——————-|——————-|
| Tennessee | 5-1 | 8-1 | 338 | 113 | 225 |
| Texas A&M | 5-1 | 7-2 | 278 | 191 | 87 |
| Texas | 4-1 | 8-1 | 350 | 109 | 241 |
| Georgia | 5-2 | 7-2 | 275 | 166 | 109 |
| Ole Miss | 4-2 | 8-2 | 407 | 129 | 278 |
| Alabama | 4-2 | 7-2 | 343 | 155 | 188 |
| Missouri | 3-2 | 7-2 | 252 | 166 | 86 |
| LSU | 3-2 | 6-3 | 275 | 224 | 51 |
Texas (8-1, 4-1 SEC) and Tennessee (8-1, 5-1 SEC) remain the only one-loss teams in the conference. With their victory against LSU, Alabama positions itself at the top of the two-loss teams, with upcoming games against Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn. These matchups are crucial, as they could solidify Alabama’s place in the 12-team playoff field when the next College Football Playoff rankings are released.
Looking Ahead: The SEC Landscape
Let’s take a closer look at some of the other two-loss teams in the SEC and their playoff hopes:
Ole Miss (8-2, 4-2)
The Rebels are in the mix after a strong 28-10 victory against the Bulldogs. Despite suffering narrow losses to Kentucky and LSU, their performance has kept them in contention. With a bye week ahead, they’ll prepare for a road trip to Florida on November 23, followed by the Egg Bowl on November 30.
Georgia (7-2, 5-2)
Georgia holds a head-to-head victory over Texas, which could play a significant role in the committee’s rankings. However, their recent loss to Ole Miss may impact their standing. The Bulldogs have three home games left against Tennessee, UMass, and Georgia Tech, and winning out could see them bounce back into playoff contention.
Texas A&M (7-2, 5-1)
Texas A&M remains tied at the top of the conference standings. After a bye week, they’ll look to regroup following a tough loss to South Carolina. With upcoming games against New Mexico State and Auburn, the Aggies are eyeing a crucial showdown against Texas that could determine their SEC championship fate.
Missouri (7-2, 3-2)
Missouri kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 30-23 comeback victory against Oklahoma. Quarterback Drew Pyne stepped up in place of the injured Brady Cook, showcasing the depth of the team. Despite blowout losses to Texas A&M and Alabama, Missouri remains a contender, proving that any SEC team with two losses still has a chance.
As the season progresses, the drama in the SEC continues to unfold. With each game, the stakes get higher, and the race for the College Football Playoff intensifies. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is far from over!
