FOX CFB analyst Joel Klatt on Alabama-LSU game: 'Everything has to do with Tua's health'
The Alabama-LSU game is still over a week away, but all eyes are on Crimson Tide QB Tua Tagovailoa. Count FOX college football analyst among those who think the outcome of the Game of the Century II comes down to Tagovailoa’s health.
“Everything has to do with Tua’s health. … The game plan does not change,” Klatt said on Wednesday’s “Lock It In.” “You’re not going to have a different game plan for Tua than you would for Mac Jones because of the style of game that’s going to be.”
Klatt continued, “I think Tua needs to be 100 percent because there’s a good chance LSU-Bama is going to turn into somewhat of a shootout, even more so than LSU-Auburn. Auburn’s defense has played more consistently and has more veterans than the Alabama defense. Alabama cannot run the football all that well. … If Tua’s not healthy, I would lean toward LSU. All of this has to do with their quarterbacks’ health.”
By most standards, the LSU-Auburn game was no shootout at 23-20, especially considering the offense’s production under play-caller Joe Brady. With both the Alabama and LSU offenses putting up video game numbers this season, most people have been expecting a high-scoring game in Week 11 – assuming Tagovailoa is able to go.
On Wednesday’s SEC media teleconference, Alabama coach Nick Saban described Tagovailoa as a game-time decision. We’re sure to hear plenty more updates on the rehabbing QB between now and Nov. 9.