Alabama uses special teams and reserve receiver to take 2-score lead on LSU
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The Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers are duking it out to remain in Death Valley with a possible College Football Playoff berth hanging in the balance. If that’s the case, Kalen DeBoer’s team may have just snatched it for themselves.
With roughly 10 minutes left in regulation, the Crimson Tide forced the Tigers to punt from their own 11-yard line. Ryan Coleman-Williams fielded Grant Chadwick’s punt at the Alabama 43-yard line, made an LSU gunner miss, then allowed his blockers to set themselves up for his return. He took the ball to the Tiger 25-yard line to give quarterback Keelon Russell excellent starting field position.
One snap later, Russell paid off Coleman-Williams’ hard work. He looked right, faked a pass to the flat and fired deep to freshman wide receiver Cederian Morgan. The Alexander City, AL prospect, with just one catch on the season prior to the play, hauled in Russell’s throw on a slot fade for a backbreaking 25-yard touchdown.
Alabama jumped in front 24-13 on the scoring toss, then struck again moments later. The Crimson Tide defense forced LSU to turn it over on downs at the Tiger 18-yard line on the ensuing possession, then found paydirt for the fourth time on Russell’s third touchdown pass of the afternoon, a 4-yarder to tight end Kaleb Edwards.
Another LSU turnover on downs with 3:48 to play in regulation, and a muffed punt with 2:41 to go, has all but sealed a huge win for Alabama. The Crimson Tide and Tigers are rounding out their contest on ABC.
