Vanderbilt is off this week, so that leaves plenty of time for coach Derek Mason to sit back and take in the Alabama-LSU game. Mason said he expects to spend time with family and “take in some ball” this weekend.

Mason on the SEC coaches media teleconference on Wednesday previewed the Alabama-LSU game and said Alabama’s depth is a key element when facing the Crimson Tide.

“The reality is, I don’t care who is new, they are healthy, their depth mounts,” he said. “They don’t beat themselves, they don’t play perfect but they are consistent. They have depth and athleticism.”

While Mason is familiar with Alabama, he’s not been to Tiger Stadium, but he’s sure the atmosphere will be exciting.

“They play each other, they understand each other, for these teams, the game is going to be the game,” he said. “It will be like watching championship football.”

Against the Alabama offense, the key is stopping the run, Mason said.

“LSU is good enough to do that,” he said. “This is an LSU team that can cover, the difference will be Tua’s legs. They have guys that can cover up guys. Bama has premiere playmakers but so does LSU. You will see two fairly-matched teams, play action will make it tough, it will be a long day for the LSU secondary if Bama gets the run game going.”