Alabama vs. LSU. Though not an historic annual rivalry dating back decades, it’s been the marquee game in the SEC since Nick Saban became coach at Alabama in 2007.

Since the berth of the “Saban Bowl,” the regular-season winner has gone on to win the SEC Championship (Alabama tied Auburn, but lost the tiebreaker in 2013). Three games were decided in overtime.

Saturday’s matchup of the unbeaten No. 4 Tigers and the No. 7 Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa will likely decide the conference title for the ninth straight season, though Ole Miss remains a factor in the race.

Regardless, there’s so much on the line: the driver’s seat in the SEC West race and a boost toward a berth in the College Football Playoff. Perhaps, a defining moment in the Heisman Trophy race.

Let’s compare Saturday’s showdown to some recent Alabama-LSU classics:

2014: Alabama 20, LSU 13, OT

Blake Sims drove the Tide 55 yards in the final 50 seconds to set up a tying field goal then threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to DeAndrew White in overtime at Tiger Stadium. There was controversy late in regulation when LSU OG Vadal Alexander was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with the Tigers at the Alabama 6 following a T.J. Yeldon fumble. Backed up to the 21, LSU had to settle for a field goal and a 3-point lead with less than a minute left.

Most lasting memories: Christion Jones’ sprawling 26-yard catch to set up Alabama’s late tying field goal. Amari Cooper had eight catches for 83 yards and a TD, setting single-season records for catches and receiving yards as well as career receiving yardage.

Comparison: Most of LSU’s offensive weapons are back, though QB Brandon Harris is significantly improved as a passer. But the Tigers lost four defensive players to the NFL Draft, including two corner blitzers. DE Lewis Neal has proven to be an effective replacement. Alabama QB Jacob Coker has a slight edge over Sims. Freshman receiver Calvin Ridley is the latest in a long line of Tide game-breaking receivers, taking over for Amari Cooper.

2012: Alabama 21, LSU 17

AJ McCarron, 1-for-7 for 0 yards in the second half until the Tide’s final possession, drove the Crimson Tide down the field in the final minutes and threw a screen pass that T.J. Yeldon turned into a 28-yard game-winning TD with 51 seconds left in Baton Rouge. Zach Mettenberger’s 14-yard pass to Jarvis Landry had given the Tigers a 17-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

Most lasting memories: Alabama went on to win its second straight national championship and its third in four years. LSU coach Les Miles tried a fake field goal and an onside kick — neither were successful. Mettenberger, a Georgia transfer, threw for 298 yards — 202 in the second half — and freshman Jeremy Hill rushed for 107 yards and a TD for the Tigers.

Comparison: Alabama’s defense is better in 2015, led by pass rusher Jonathan Allen and a fantastic secondary sparked by DB Eddie Jackson’s 5 interceptions. Riddled by Johnny Manziel in its only loss, the Tide secondary was exposed by Mettenberger, who had an up-and-down season for the Tigers. Yeldon shared playing time with this year’s starter, Derrick Henry, who is bigger and more powerful, but not good as a receiver. Henry is less prone to turnovers. LSU’s offense is much more dangerous this season, though WR Odell Beckham Jr. made several big plays in 2012. Leonard Fournette is the nation’s top running back, fast and powerful. Brandon Harris is a dual threat at QB with deep-threat weapons in Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural.

2011: LSU 9, Alabama 6, OT

There was an abundance of talent on the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, especially on defense, when No. 1 LSU escaped with a victory over No. 2 Alabama. From the score, it’s no surprise 16 defensive players on the two teams have gone on to start in the NFL, led by LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, aka “The Honey Badger,” who went on to win the Chuck Bednarik award as the nation’s best defensive player and travel to New York as a Heisman finalist. Forty-five players on the two teams were eventually selected in the NFL Draft.

Most lasting memories: Alabama missed four field goals. Both teams produced less than 300 yards total offense – Alabama had 295, LSU 239. LSU’s Brad Wing had a 72-yard punt. “I’d be honored to face that team again,” said LSU coach Les Miles after the game about a possible rematch in the national title. Miles got that honor — Alabama won 21-0 to claim the national championship.

Comparison: This year’s game should feature more offense (it almost has to). Quarterbacks Jacob Coker and Brandon Harris — both dual threats — are far more talented than 2011 QBs A.J. McCarron (albeit a solid game manager) of Alabama and the LSU duo of Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee. The Tide has more big-play threats in RB Derrick Henry (Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy carried the ball in 2011) and WRs Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart. The 2015 teams have their share of talent: 21 players from the two teams are considered candidates for the 2016 NFL Draft.