Greg McElroy is viewing Alabama and LSU on equal footing as the SEC West rivals head into this offseason.

The Crimson Tide and Tigers are widely viewed as the top contenders for the West in 2023. McElroy said he would give the slight edge to Alabama because it will host LSU next season, but he called the race a “toss-up.”

“I think LSU and Bama are neck-and-neck heading into next year,” McElroy said. “Bama, of course, because they host LSU, maybe you give them a slight edge. But I think that gap is as close as its been in awhile in the preseason that is.

“It appears as though, this year, the division — more than it’s been in awhile — feels a little bit like a toss-up.”

Here’d video of his comments:

Alabama has won the SEC West an impressive 8 times since 2009, but LSU has been on equal footing in recent years. The Tigers have won 2 of the last 4 division crowns, including the 2022 title.

Alabama will be looking for revenge in 2023. The Crimson Tide lost to LSU 32-31 in Baton Rouge this season. It was just Alabama’s 2nd loss to the Tigers since 2011. The other came in 2019 when LSU went undefeated en route to a National Championship.

The Crimson Tide will host LSU on Saturday, Nov. 4.