Know Your Enemy: Alabama Isn't Facing the Same LSU Team as a Year Ago

For years, LSU has arguably been Alabama's most challenging opponent, and the only team in the SEC West that the Crimson Tide has meet in the national championship.

The fact that Nick Saban used to be the head coach of the Tigers has only fueled the rivalry, but this isn't your typical LSU team.

The reigning champions are 2-3 and before last week's bye were blown out by Auburn, 48-11.

Moreover, the Tigers are dealing with a coronavirus outbreak on the team, leaving Saturday's game (5 p.m. CBS) very much in doubt.

Regardless, we asked Glen West of LSU Country for some intel on the matchup and what's going on with the Tigers.

Best guess, how does LSU respond to getting thumped by Auburn? With a vengeance or with a whimper?

"That’s been the internal struggle with this team all season. When LSU gets down in a game, particularly on defense, the game has always spiraled out of control. It wasn’t until the Auburn game when both sides of the ball didn’t show up to play.

"With that being said, the Tigers can’t afford to go down with a whimper this Saturday and need to start building momentum for next season. LSU came out of its last bye week with a vengeance, hanging up 52 points in a blowout win over South Carolina. I’m not expecting that against the Crimson Tide but somewhere probably in the middle."

We're assuming that starter Myles Brennan won't be able to go. What can LSU do at the quarterback position without him, or is it simply a case of having to take its lumps with a freshman and hope for the best?

"LSU will be starting a true freshman if Brennan can’t go, the question is which one? Local product TJ Finley drew the start against the Gamecocks and played phenomenally in the win but then struggled mightily against Auburn

"That leaves the door open for fellow true freshman Max Johnson. Ed Orgeron said last week it’ll be an open competition between the two ahead of Saturday’s game so don’t expect anything definitive until the end of the week. Finley has a cannon for an arm while Johnson has proved to be a little more mobile of the two.

LSU still has Derek Stingley, JaCoby Stevens and Todd Harris in the secondary. How will it try and counter DeVonta Smith?

"If there’s one game Stingley probably highlighted in big red marker, it’s the rematch against the Crimson Tide. There’s no denying that last year, the Alabama game was his worst of the season, primarily matched up against Smith.

"I would expect LSU, because it’s struggled so much in the secondary this year, would put Stingley and potentially one of its safeties on whichever side Smith is on. After a great season last year, it’s been a struggle for the senior Stevens who’s been asked to play a lot of free safety as opposed to being closer to the line of scrimmage where he’s most effective.

Has the college game passed defensive coordinator Bo Pelini by?

"Through five weeks, the argument can certainly be made that it absolutely has. When Orgeron brought in Pelini this offseason, he did so with the vision that LSU could be an attack style defense that gets pressure on the quarterback.

"To a large degree that’s worked as LSU has recorded 14 sacks, five interceptions and six fumble recoveries. But it’s been at the sacrifice of the run defense, which has been gashed week-in and week-out as well as a young secondary that’s been inconsistent with assignments and coverage.

"There’s still time to turn it around but don’t be shocked if LSU is looking for a new defensive coordinator after the season."

Alabama vs. LSU is always huge in the trenches. Who are a couple of guys who really have to step up on both sides of the ball?

"I would start with the offensive line, a unit coming off an atrocious showing against Auburn. LSU had 35 yards on 23 carries against Auburn, largely because no holes were opened up. Finley was constantly pressured as well so a refocused O-line is where to start.

"Obviously the starters have to shine bright for LSU to have a chance so look for Stingley to potentially have a bounce back game. Also Terrace Marshall and Arik Gilbert have been consistent weapons all season, with Marshall up to nine touchdowns this season."