From Alabama coach Nick Saban’s point of view, LSU’s offensive turnaround under interim coach Ed Orgeron isn’t so much about a revolutionized system.

The Tigers are just playing at higher level, he said.

“They have run the ball well, their play action game is working well,” Saban said Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. “They are balanced, they’re probably playing two tights more. We see subtle differences, but the execution has been better.”

Saban and the No. 1 Crimson Tide will try to stop that re-energized offense when they face No. 19 LSU on Nov. 5 in Tiger Stadium. The coach said Tigers quarterback Danny Etling has provided quick decision-making and explosive plays, but he knows the LSU’s biggest threat is junior running back Leonard Fournette.

“He’s a fantastic player, been fantastic for three years now,” Saban said. “I haven’t seen a game dominate a game like he did (vs. Ole Miss last week) in a long time. He may be better than he has ever been.”

Despite Fournette’s record-breaking 284 rushing yards against the Rebels, Alabama has had no problem shutting him down in the past. Fournette has rushed 40 times for just 110 yards in two appearances against the Crimson Tide, an average of 2.75 yards per carry.

And LSU’s defense? Well, Saban had high praise for Dave Aranda’s unit, which is the nation’s No. 8 scoring defense.

“They probably will be the best defense we’ll face this year,” Saban said.