Week 10 game day is finally here, which means it’s time for the 2023 edition of LSU football vs. Alabama. This is the 88th all-time meeting between the two programs, with the Crimson Tide leading the series 55-27-5. Here are four predictions for how this year’s version could play out for coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
Four predictions ahead of LSU football vs. Alabama matchup
1. Quarterbacks combine for 600+ yards
If you’re Alabama, this is likely the last thing you want to see this evening. Coach Nick Saban’s team is much more defense-oriented in 2023, so a high-scoring shootout almost certainly plays into the favor of Brian Kelly. and the Tigers.
However, looking at the numbers, it feels inevitable that the game turns into a race to 40, as is tradition for LSU football in 2023.
The Tigers have one of if not the best offenses in college football. Additionally, both quarterbacks in this game are more than capable of throwing the ball for large chunks of yardage each game, with Jayden Daniels throwing 321.62 yards per game (3rd) while Jalen Milroe sits at 231 per game (45th).
Add in the fact that the Tiger secondary is missing several big-time pieces, and it would surprise if we didn’t see some big plays through the air.
The two quarterbacks in today’s week 10 matchup will combine for a hefty yardage total, eclipsing 600 on the day.
2. LSU DL totals 4+ sacks
If the LSU football defensive line is going to step up in any game, this needs to be the day.
Through eight games, the Tiger pass-rush has been largely unimpressive, recording just 1.75 sacks per game, good enough for 95th in the country.
However, with the injuries in the secondary and the extra week of rest coming in, I think we see a reinvigorated group.
Furthermore, the 2023 Alabama offensive line has been disappointing thus far, to say the least. They’ve allowed 4.38 sacks per game, one of the worst in the country, landing them at 126th.
I think coach Brian Kelly plans to get after first-year starter Jalen Milroe today and challenge him to throw the ball under pressure. Expect to see a sizable jump in production from the Tiger pass rush.
3. At least one LSU freshman cornerback records an interception
Speaking of the LSU football secondary, who is even available to play?
As of right now, depth is looking concerning at best, particularly at cornerback. In terms of impact players, the Tigers will be without juniors Zy Alexander and Duce Chestnut, sophomore Denver Harris and 5th-year senior safety Greg Brooks Jr.
Depth was already lacking heading into the season, so this likely means we’ll see plenty of young defenders on the field today, particularly freshmen.
It’s not an ideal situation going into week 10, particularly for what could be the biggest game of the 2023 season. However, the veteran defenders on the team haven’t lost any confidence.
“I’ve seen a lot of things. Those guys are doing a great job,” junior linebacker Greg Penn III said on Tuesday. “The three freshmen, (Ashton) Stamps, Jeremiah (Hughes) and (Javien) Toviano, they’re doing a good job of communicating out there.
“We’re just trying to make their job as easy as possible. Obviously, they’re young guys; we just want them to go out there and play fast and play with confidence. I think they’re gonna do a great job.”
The freshmen will be tested early on, and I think that quarterback Jalen Milroe suffers the consequence for it. Because of this, we could see someone get their first collegiate interception for the Tigers in Tuscaloosa this evening.
4. Final score prediction
We could be in for quite the show today. LSU football vs. Alabama has had some wild games over the years, and this top-15 matchup should be no exception.
Alabama will try and run the ball early, but it could quickly turn into a shootout. If it does, then we could see the game begin to flip in the direction of coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
Furthermore, don’t be surprised to see first-year quarterback Jalen Milroe make a mistake or two, giving an extra opportunity for the LSU football offense to put more points on the board.
For today’s week 10 matchup, we predict that LSU will win in dramatic fashion, coming away with a final score of 41-38.
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