LSU football vs. Alabama: Five tide players who can wreck LSU's game plan
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LSU football returns to the field for a Week 11 game vs. Alabama.
LSU football has completely overhauled its staff since it last took the field against Texas A&M, firing head coach Brian Kelly and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan.
With Kelly out, Frank Wilson takes over as LSU’s interim head coach. Alex Atkins steps in as LSU’s offensive coordinator with Tim Rattay coaching QBs.
Some teams experience a strong rebound after their head coach is fired; however, LSU’s upcoming game against Alabama will make a quick resurgence difficult. This game will be played in Tuscaloosa, at night, facing off against a talented Alabama team fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Here are five Crimson Tide players who will make it difficult for LSU to pull off an upset.
Ty Simpson — Quarterback
Simpson is the obvious pick here, as his performance this season has quickly vaulted him into the Heisman conversation. Simpson ranks third in the SEC in passing yards, second in passing touchdowns, and third in adjusted completion rate, per Pro Football Focus.
He’s done an excellent job of keeping the ball out of harm’s way and running the offense effectively. Considering Alabama’s struggles moving the ball on the ground, Simpson’s ability to operate the passing game effectively is crucial for the Tide to win this one.
LT Overton — EDGE
Overton came into this season as one of the top-ranked edge prospects in the country, and he’s made good on that billing so far this season. Overton isn’t the bendy type of rusher many come to expect these days, instead using his violent hands and power to get into opposing backfields.
He hasn’t had the most productive season from a pass-rushing perspective, with just 17 pressures and four sacks on the year, but he has a gettable matchup against LSU’s struggling tackle duo.
Germie Bernard — Wide Receiver
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams has generated most of the hype in Alabama’s wide receiver room, but Bernard is an equally dangerous option, and arguably more reliable.
According to PFF, Bernard has just one drop on 57 targets this season, for a drop rate of 2.6%. He doesn’t often make the flashy plays his running mate Williams does, but Bernard’s willingness to make tough grabs over the middle and his ability to win downfield make him a tough matchup, even for LSU’s top-tier secondary.
Yhonzae Pierre — EDGE
Pierre is one of the more underrated pass-rushers in the country. According to PFSN’s Cam Mellor, he has the highest pressure rate in the SEC this season.
Pierre’s blend of power, speed, and bend will make for an extremely dangerous matchup against LSU’s tackles. If the Tigers face third-and-long situations as often as they have in most games this season, Pierre could deliver an extremely disruptive performance.
Kadyn Proctor — Offensive Tackle
It might seem unusual to see an offensive lineman on this list, but Proctor’s influence will be a crucial factor for LSU’s chances of winning this game. Proctor has been one of the best offensive tackles in college football this season.
Since his poor performance in Week 1 against Florida State, Proctor has allowed only nine pressures and zero sacks, an impeccable string of performances given the level of talent he’s faced during that stretch.
As mentioned earlier, the Tigers need to keep Ty Simpson uncomfortable to have a shot at stopping Alabama’s offense. Proctor stands squarely in the way of that goal.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU Football vs. Alabama: 5 Crimson Tide Players who can wreck LSU’s plan
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