No. 14 LSU faced a crushing defeat at home, falling to No. 11 Alabama, 42-13, in a game that showcased the Crimson Tide’s relentless ground attack led by quarterback Jalen Milroe. The Tigers’ defense struggled to contain Milroe, who ran for a career-high 185 yards and four touchdowns, including a stunning 72-yard sprint early in the fourth quarter that sealed the game.
The Crimson Tide’s victory not only bolstered their College Football Playoff hopes but also dealt a severe blow to LSU’s season aspirations, marking their second consecutive loss by over 15 points. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s performance was marred by turnovers, including a costly fumble in the first half that set up one of Milroe’s four scores and two interceptions, which derailed any hopes of a Tiger comeback.
The game was a sobering reminder of the challenges facing LSU this season, especially on defense. The Tigers failed to stop Milroe’s explosive runs, reminiscent of his four-touchdown performance against them last year in Tuscaloosa. LSU fans, who had hoped for a strong showing in Death Valley, began to leave the stadium by the end of the third quarter as Alabama extended their lead to 28-6.
The Tigers’ offense showed flashes of promise but couldn’t overcome Nussmeier’s turnovers or convert key opportunities, such as the third-quarter interception in the red zone. With this loss, LSU drops to 6-3 (3-2 SEC), effectively ending their slim playoff hopes, while Alabama, now 7-2 (4-2 SEC), continues their march toward a potential SEC Championship berth. LSU will look to regroup as they head to Gainesville to face Florida, hoping to salvage what’s left of a season that once held so much promise.
