This will be the first game for the Bayou Bengals since the firing of Brian Kelly, and despite the turmoil surrounding the program, LSU could become an even more lethal opponent in their quest to challenge No. 4 Alabama. The Crimson Tide currently boasts a record of 7-1 and remains undefeated in SEC play at 5-0.
In this intense SEC rivalry, will luck and analytics favor either team? According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) for Week 11, Alabama is heavily favored with an 80.8% chance of victory over LSU, which sits at just 19.2%.
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LSU has struggled to regain its footing this season, suffering a defeat against Vanderbilt followed by a disappointing loss to Texas A&M, a 49-25 defeat at home. This loss effectively dashed any hopes for a title run or a College Football Playoff appearance, marking a challenging end for Kelly’s tenure in Baton Rouge.
Now, Frank Wilson steps in as interim head coach for LSU, aiming to harness the team’s potential against Alabama. Despite recent setbacks, LSU possesses considerable talent and still has the capability to finish strong this season. However, the Tigers must improve their struggling ground game and enhance their blocking and tackling if they hope to score points against the Tide. Perhaps they will channel their frustrations into a determined performance come Week 11.
Alabama remains resilient and has demonstrated an ability to secure victories even in tight situations. Yet, the Tide are not invincible; they had close calls against teams like Georgia, South Carolina, and Missouri. This matchup will transcend mere strategy; it will test which team can endure under pressure. The Tide knows how to navigate challenging games at home in Tuscaloosa.
This storied rivalry is deeply rooted in Southern football tradition and may take on a different dynamic with DeBoer looking to establish his legacy at Alabama while Wilson strives to maintain momentum for LSU. Historically, Alabama leads the all-time series with a record of 57 wins, 27 losses, and 5 ties.
The First Saturday in November rivalry returns with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
