Alabama football holds on vs LSU to continue win streak: Postgame grades

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Kalen DeBoer teams historically win after off weeks. Alabama football’s meeting with LSU Saturday, Nov. 8, was no exception, beating the Tigers 20-9 for the program’s eighth-straight win. 

It was another win at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a place Alabama hasn’t lost in since 2023. It was another SEC win at Bryant-Denny Stadium, a place Alabama hasn’t lost a conference game in since 2019. 

Here are our postgame grades for Alabama-LSU.

Alabama football offense: C-

It was the same old story for what Alabama tried to do offensively. The Crimson Tide passed first, using Ty Simpson’s arm as its main source of yardage. After a week of preaching excitement about the run game, Alabama remained stagnant on the ground, even after Daniel Hill scored the game’s first touchdown on a 4-yard run. The output was an inconsistent, one-dimensional and, in the second half, non-existent Alabama offense. 

Alabama defense: A

Alabama's defense carried the Crimson Tide to a victory. The Crimson Tide created its share of turnovers with fumbles from Nikhai Hill-Green, and the combination of Yhonzae Pierr and London Simmons. It had its share of pressure, including sacks from Yhonzae Pierre and LT Overton. But it was Alabama's ability to limit LSU's explosion that won Alabama the game. Outside of a 37-yard run by Harlem Berry, there was no semblance of an LSU run game. And the Tigers' passing game, while consistent, led to limited gains. And when Alabama needed it most, the Crimson Tide stood tall, forcing field goals and punts instead of scores.

Alabama special teams: A-

Blake Doud continues to shine, giving Alabama a consistent and massive field position advantage when the Crimson Tide needed it. Kicker remains shaky. While Conor Talty hit a 45-yard field goal, he missed a 26-yard chip shot. But Talty hit a key one a 44-yard fourth-quarter shot that gave the Tide a two-score lead.

Alabama coaching: B-

After a week of preaching Alabama's expectations for an improved run game, the Crimson Tide showed no improvement. But Alabama found another way to win, this time in the hands of Kane Wommack and a defense that did its job.

Alabama overall vs. LSU: B-

In the final edition of the annual Alabama-LSU rivalry, at least for the next four years, the Crimson Tide defense took center stage as a sluggish Alabama offense struggled to generate any momentum against the Tigers. 

Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama football vs LSU grades as Crimson Tide holds on for win

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