The nation's top running back will be going up against one of the best run-stopping defenses as the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers add another exciting matchup into their history book. These two teams have been providing fireworks over the past few years as the SEC West could begin to take shape on Saturday. The undefeated Tigers are set to put their perfect record on the line as Leonard Fournette prepares to be tested against the stout Tide defense.
Both LSU and Alabama are sitting in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings. One of those teams will not be there come Sunday. However, while all eyes will be on Fournette and Derrick Henry as they battle two quality run defenses, the make-or-break moments will come from the quarterback position. Jake Coker and Brandon Harris will determine the outcome of this game as both quarterbacks must put together their best performance to make the key plays for the win.
Traditionally, the games between LSU and Alabama are low scoring. Defense has been the name of the game while the Tide have won the last four matchups including last year's overtime victory. This year should be no different. It is the seventh time since 2005 that both teams have been ranked in the top 10 when facing one another. While both defenses aim to take the run game out of the mix early, the wide receivers and secondaries could be where the real battles lie.
Alabama is banged up in the secondary. Eddie Jackson and Ronnie Harrison are both dealing with injuries. Head coach Nick Saban noted that they are both expected to play on Saturday. Meanwhile Tre'Davious White is dealing with a knee injury, but like Alabama's injury issues, he is expected to play on Saturday. Alabama has found success in the secondary recently as the team has gotten a knack for turnovers. That could be a key stat to watch in this game.
There was a lot made about both LSU and Alabama being ranked in the top four in the first playoff rankings considering how many unbeaten teams there are in the Big 12. The fact is that they control their own destiny as either the Tigers or Tide will be eliminated from contention this weekend.
