Give credit to Joe Burrow for putting LSU fans on notice, no Tigers will be intimidated facing the No. 1 team in the nation on Saturday when Alabama rolls into Death Valley for a night game.

That’s something every team may say prior to heading into a game against Alabama but something very few teams seem to follow through on after meeting the Crimson Tide on the field. The psychology of facing Alabama has defeated many SEC teams before ever the physical domination ever kicks in. That was a big part Ole Miss’ success against the Tide under Hugh Freeze — they knew they could play with Nick Saban’s teams.

We will find out if LSU can finally accomplish the same after two relatively tight games against Alabama in back-to-back years.

During his Monday media availability, Burrow expressed his confidence in himself and his LSU teammates following the battles they have experienced this season leading up to the Alabama game. To this point in the season, LSU has faced the toughest schedule in the league and arguably in the nation.

“I’m not scared of this game,” Burrow said. “I don’t think any of our guys are scared of this game. This is the reason you play football. This is why you grow up working so hard — for moments like this. If you’re timid, then don’t come out of that locker room, because we’re going to be ready to go.”

Apparently, Burrow’s words have quickly reached Tuscaloosa.

While this may be simply a coincidence, it sure seems like Alabama is trying to subtly fire back a message of their own to Burrow and LSU. Check out this hype video touting the Tide’s ability to get to opposing quarterbacks, as Alabama leads the SEC with 26 sacks after eight games of competition.

The “No QB is Safe” caption sticks out following Burrow’s comments:

The Tigers have allowed 13 sacks in five league games this season which is tied with three teams for 11th worst in the SEC. Protecting Burrow will likely be a key to this game, something both teams appear confident in their ability to hold up heading into Saturday’s showdown for the SEC West title.