NCAAF · 1 year ago

5 Things I Learned About the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 11

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Taming Death Valley
LSU and Alabama both entered Saturday night with two losses. Neither side could afford a third loss in the crowded race to make the College Football Playoff. Much was made about LSU not losing a home game at night under Brian Kelly. Much was also made about how intense the atmosphere in Baton Rouge would be with the hated Alabama Crimson Tide in town and so much on the line. Alabama was unflustered, driving down the field on the opening series and scoring a touchdown to take the lead. They never let LSU off the mat, eliminated the Tigers from playoff contention, and vaulted themselves back into the heat of the conversation with a composed and mature performance.

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1. Taking Advantage of the Bye Week
Head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff deserve a lot of credit for getting their team ready and making the most of their bye week before playing at LSU. Jalen Milroe looked explosive and healthy, and the defense had a great plan to stop the Tigers in the red zone, keeping them out of the endzone until the final 11 seconds of the game. The game plan was effective, and the team was prepared. Alabama fans are much happier with the staff now than they were a few weeks ago.

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2. Jalen Milroe Eviscerates LSU
After weeks of Jalen Milroe's health being questioned and diminishing returns in the running game for the dynamic quarterback, the veteran playmaker exploded against LSU and led the Tide to victory. The Tigers have struggled against running quarterbacks for a while, and Milroe took full advantage, gashing them for 185 yards on 12 carries with four touchdowns. That included a 72-yard touchdown run that effectively ended the contest. The Crimson Tide did not try to stretch the field vertically, and wide receivers caught a combined six passes in the game. Milroe executed the game plan to perfection, and LSU had no answer.
3. Running Backs Chip In
Jalen Milroe carried the offense, but there were some excellent contributions from the running backs, mainly from Jam Miller. The Crimson Tide leaned on Miller in the screen game once the LSU defense scrambled, and he responded with five receptions for 50 yards. Miller, Richard Young, and Justice Haynes combined for 88 (primarily inefficient) yards on the ground and did an excellent job blocking when called upon. Milroe mostly did it alone, but the running backs chipped in enough to be mentioned.
4. Secondary Steps Up
The young Alabama secondary has come under fire all season but has improved steadily and passed a big test on Saturday night against the LSU Tigers. Garrett Nussmeier completed 27 of 42 passes but only had 239 yards, an average of just 5.7 yards per completion. In addition, the Tide had a pair of interceptions, including a critical one on the goal line by Deontae Lawson. Bray Hubbard has done a great job since stepping in, bringing a lot of physicality and playmaking to the safety group, and this unit had a strong night in Baton Rouge.
5. Taming Death Valley
LSU and Alabama both entered Saturday night with two losses. Neither side could afford a third loss in the crowded race to make the College Football Playoff. Much was made about LSU not losing a home game at night under Brian Kelly. Much was also made about how intense the atmosphere in Baton Rouge would be with the hated Alabama Crimson Tide in town and so much on the line. Alabama was unflustered, driving down the field on the opening series and scoring a touchdown to take the lead. They never let LSU off the mat, eliminated the Tigers from playoff contention, and vaulted themselves back into the heat of the conversation with a composed and mature performance.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Taking Advantage of the Bye Week
Head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff deserve a lot of credit for getting their team ready and making the most of their bye week before playing at LSU. Jalen Milroe looked explosive and healthy, and the defense had a great plan to stop the Tigers in the red zone, keeping them out of the endzone until the final 11 seconds of the game. The game plan was effective, and the team was prepared. Alabama fans are much happier with the staff now than they were a few weeks ago.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.

5 Things I Learned About the Alabama Crimson Tide in Week 11

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