Alabama defense vs. Joe Burrow

Historically, Nick Saban-coached teams are centered around a stout defense, but this year it has taken a while for the defense to look like its usual self. The defense is still ranked 16th in the nation, giving up an average of 307.5 yards and 15.3 points per game, but on Saturday it faces its toughest test of the year: LSU senior quarterback Joe Burrow. Burrow was able to pick apart the solid defenses of Florida and Auburn, throwing for over 300 yards in both contests. In order to win the battle against Burrow, the Crimson Tide defense must maintain pressure on him and force him to make unwise throws. With a 54th-ranked sack rate of 6.74% this season and a 60th-ranked tackle for loss rate of 9.04%, the Alabama defense will need to boost those numbers Saturday if it hopes to win. 

LSU secondary vs. Alabama wide receivers

Alabama’s wide receiver corps is widely considered as the best in program history. Juniors Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith and sophomore Jaylen Waddle match up well with one of the best secondaries in the country at LSU. Freshman Derek Stingley Jr., juniors Grant Delpit and JaCoby Stevens and senior Kristian Fulton have all put up impressive numbers this year, and their response to junior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide receivers will most likely determine the outcome of the game. The Alabama receivers have averaged 338.6 receiving yards per game, which puts them at fifth in the nation. Meanwhile, the LSU secondary is currently ranked 60th in passing yards allowed per game with 217.5. This, if anything, is the most crucial matchup to watch this Saturday in Bryant-Denny.

The turnover battle 

Both defenses rank in the top 25 in the nation in total defense, with Alabama coming in 16th and LSU in 23rd. Turnovers, however, tell a different story. The Crimson Tide currently sits tied for eighth in the nation with eight fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions, while LSU is tied for 67th place with three fumble recoveries and nine interceptions. On the offensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide has only turned the ball over five times, while the Tigers have turned it over eight times. Alabama has recovered at least one turnover in every game this season, and if it wants to wake up as the victors on Sunday morning, keeping that streak alive is in its best interest.