What can we expect from LSU at Alabama?

Get ready for one of the most highly anticipated games of the season as LSU, with a record of 6-2, travels to Tuscaloosa to face 7-1 Alabama this Saturday. This SEC matchup between two powerhouses is a clash of strength versus strength, adding to the intrigue.

When it comes to college football quarterbacks, Daniels stands out as one of the best. Despite LSU’s losses to Florida State and Ole Miss, Daniels has consistently delivered outstanding performances. This senior QB stands at an impressive 6-foot-4 and is on track to throw nearly 40 touchdowns, pass for 4,000 yards, rush for 800 yards, and score 10 rushing touchdowns this season. He showcased his skills in leading a comeback from a 22-7 deficit against Missouri, rushing for 130 yards and a touchdown while also passing for 259 yards and three touchdowns.

Even though LSU won’t be making the playoffs, it’s important to recognize Daniels’ exceptional talent and the Heisman hype surrounding him.

LSU’s weak secondary, ranked 93rd in the country, has placed additional pressure on Daniels to demonstrate his various abilities to keep LSU competitive. He has proven himself with his arm strength, ability to throw while on the move, and his skill at eluding pressure. Daniels leads the FBS in completions of 20 yards or longer, completing 67% of these passes. Additionally, he has thrown 15 touchdowns from that distance, the most in the FBS. As a mobile quarterback, he has been sacked 17 times, but his ability to evade pressure is evident in his ranking for total scrambles, the third-most in the country. It is Daniels’ athleticism and dual-threat mobility that make him such a formidable opponent.

Alabama’s strength: defense

According to PFF, Alabama ranks as the third-best defense in the nation, backed by the seventh-best pass rush.

However, even a solid defense like Alabama’s can be exploited, as we saw when Joe Milton III of Tennessee faced them. In the first half, Milton tore through Bama’s defense and led the Vols to a 20-7 halftime lead with a completion rate of 69% and an average of 11.4 yards per attempt, resulting in 126 passing yards and 13 first-quarter points.

But Alabama’s strength emerged in the second half, as they shut down Milton and limited the Vols to just 109 total yards and no points in a 34-20 victory. This is the Alabama defense we all know.

While Daniels is more mobile, consistent, and a greater deep-ball threat than Milton, he will be facing the best defense LSU has encountered this season. The closest they came to a challenge was against Florida State (ranked 20th) in Week 1. Although LSU racked up 346 yards, they only managed to score one passing touchdown and ultimately lost 45-24.

Implications for the Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff

Last year, the Tigers had the upper hand against Alabama. If Daniels manages to defeat the Crimson Tide or puts up impressive numbers in a close loss, he will undoubtedly be a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy. In the past, we have seen quarterbacks invited to New York for the Heisman ceremony, despite their teams not making the College Football Playoff. Some recent examples include Lamar Jackson from Louisville in 2016, Baker Mayfield from Oklahoma in 2016, and Caleb Williams from USC in 2022.

If Alabama can contain Daniels and secure a victory, their playoff hopes will remain alive. However, they will need to win all their remaining games and defeat Georgia in the SEC championship to solidify their place in the playoffs.

Alabama has yet to deliver a consistent four-quarter performance, which is why the over on 60 points seems likely. While a three-point win and cover for Alabama is a possibility, we can hope for an exciting, competitive matchup with plenty of fireworks. Daniels has proven he never gives up, relishes playing the spoiler, and can certainly match pace with his opponents if required.