LSU football vs. Alabama is quickly setting up to be one of the top matchups of not just week 10 but the entire 2023 college football season. With the game just days away now, here are three players on the Crimson Tide offense that coach Brian Kelly will need to keep in check if the Tigers hope to pull off an upset.
LSU football vs. Alabama: 3 players to know on the Crimson Tide offense
1. Redshirt sophomore QB Jalen Milroe
The Alabama offense goes as quarterback Jalen Milroe goes. While he didn’t necessarily start the season all that hot, he’s beginning to find his rhythm, and the timing couldn’t be any less convenient for coach Brian Kelly and the Tigers.
In his first three games starting this season, he totaled six touchdowns compared to an unimpressive three interceptions. Since then, he’s scored seven touchdowns and just two interceptions while throwing for 10.8 yards per pass attempt.
Furthermore, his running ability is something that needs to be kept in check. He’s ran the ball into the endzone five times in 2023 and has some serious speed that can break down any defense.
With the momentum he’s seen of late, don’t be surprised to see Nick Saban look to test a thin LSU football secondary by throwing the ball early and often.
2. Sophomore TE Amari Niblack
While Amari Niblack isn’t exactly the most threatening playmaker on the Crimson Tide offense, he’s certainly someone to be aware of.
Standing at 6-foot-4, 233 pounds, Niblack is one of the tougher matchups we’ll see, and the Tiger linebackers and safeties will likely be tasked with guarding him.
On the year, he has just 12 receptions for 218 yards and three touchdowns, but he averages 18.2 yards per reception and has some major big-play ability.
He might not be the first player you’d think of when looking at this LSU football vs. Alabama matchup, but he could easily tear apart a defense that isn’t ready for him.
3. Senior WR Jermaine Burton
Just chuck it up and find Jermaine Burton. While that might not be the exact game plan for coach Nick Saban, it wouldn’t exactly be a bad one.
Through eight games, Burton has 23 receptions for 508 yards and five touchdowns. While his numbers might not pop out immediately, it’s his yards per catch that’s particularly impressive.
He averages 22.1 yards per reception, good enough for fifth nationally. With the Tigers potentially missing all their starters at cornerback, this could be a significant concern.
However, with the BYE week, coach Brian Kelly has had plenty of time to figure out a plan for stopping the Crimson Tide passing game.
The week 10 matchup of LSU football vs. Alabama is set for 6:45 p.m. CST on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The annual game will air live on CBS from Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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