The Numbers: Setting the Stage for LSU vs. Alabama in Week 10
No. 13 LSU (6-2 overall, 4-1 in SEC) hits the road to Tuscaloosa for an SEC West showdown against No. 8 Alabama (7-1 overall, 5-0 in SEC) with significant implications on the line in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Both programs will battle it out with a chance to boost their chances to take home the SEC West crown.
Jayden Daniels leads the charge for the Bayou Bengals as they look to continue their positive trajectory, but a star-studded Tide defense remains in their way.
A dive into the numbers between the superstars on each roster:
The Quarterback Battle: Jayden Daniels vs. Jalen Milroe
It's no secret Daniels has established himself as a Heisman Trophy candidate as the backend of the 2023 schedule takes shape. He's reignited the LSU offense while displaying improvement in every facet of the game.
While having no shortage of weapons, Daniels has utilized each to the best of his abilities. A one-two punch in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside gives the Tigers one of the best wide receiver duos in America.
On the other side of the field will be Jalen Milroe. The sophomore gunslinger struggled out the gate this season, but after given the keys to the offense, his game has taken shape.
Milroe can sling it. The deep ball has been his best friend but intermediate routes remain a problem. Which version of Milroe will the Tide get on Saturday? Time will tell.
Daniels' Passing Numbers... 163/223 (73.1%), 2,573 yards, 25 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Rushing Numbers: 91 carries, 521 yards and five touchdowns.
Milroe's Numbers... 99/153 (64.7%), 1,617 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Rushing Numbers: 77 carries, 142 yards and five touchdowns.
The Wide Receiver Duel: Malik Nabers vs. Jermaine Burton
The Daniels-Malik Nabers connection has stolen the show this season for the Tigers as this offense continues its dominance. The No. 1 unit in America, LSU is rolling with the ball in its hands.
But Nabers has been on a tear for this group. While splitting reps with Brian Thomas Jr, who leads the country in touchdown receptions (11), it's been a masterclass display for the Tigers' WR1.
The Crimson Tide have a vertical threat of their own in Jermaine Burton. Make no mistake about it, Alabama's WR1 is a problem, even if the box score doesn't say so.
It's been a work in progress for the Tide to get going through the air, but with a player of Burton's caliber facing a lackluster LSU secondary, it'll be key to keep tabs on him at all times.
Nabers' Numbers... 56 receptions, 981 yards and nine touchdowns.
Burton's Numbers... 23 receptions, 508 yards and five touchdowns.
The Running Back Comparison: Logan Diggs vs. Jase McClellan
Logan Diggs has filled the missing piece to this LSU offense. A year ago, it was a struggle for this group to see success on the ground with Daniels handling most duties in the rushing attack.
Now, Diggs has unlocked a new element. The Notre Dame transfer came to Baton Rouge with a chance to be the go-to guy for the Bayou Bengals, and through eight games, he's done just that.
On the other side of the field will be Alabama stud Jase McClellan. A workhorse who can be utilized in a myriad of ways, Nick Saban's coaching staff falls back on McClellan in a big way.
He's a force with his shoulder down, plowing over defenders, but can also run with finesse if need be. An LSU defensive line that will be without star Mekhi Wingo on the interior, McClellan will be a key component to Alabama's success.
Diggs' Numbers... 105 carries, 611 yards and six touchdowns.
McClellan's Numbers... 122 carries, 569 yards and four touchdowns.
The Defensive Numbers: Struggling Tigers vs. Rolling Crimson Tide
Brian Kelly has openly stated that the Alabama defense will be the best unit the Tigers face this season. The numbers back up his claim.
A group that rolls like a well-oiled machine, Saban's staff has the defense graded out near the top once again, but there have been a myriad of players leading the way.
True freshman Caleb Downs has been a bright spot in the secondary for the Tide. He's burst on the scene and made an immediate impact for Alabama alongside a savvy secondary.
For LSU, it'll be a sight to see on Saturday. Who will the Tigers roll out at cornerback? With all four transfer corners in Zy Alexander, Duce Chestnut, Denver Harris and JK Johnson either injured or inactive, the Bayou Bengals are in a difficult spot.
The Tigers will rely on their second level to make an impact in Greg Penn III, Omar Speights and Harold Perkins. A linebacker corps that has held it down through most of the season, this program will need another big-time performance from this group.
Caleb Downs' Numbers... 63 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one pass breakup.
Greg Penn III's Numbers... 51 total tackles, two sacks, one interception and one pass breakup.
