With a playoff spot in sight and LSU visiting, No. 4 Alabama looks to ‘finish it out’
TUSCALOOSA Ala AP No Alabama stumbled last November with a College Football Playoff spot within reach The Crimson Tide lost at unranked Oklahoma and got left out of the postseason bracket The setback still resonates with this year s organization heading into Saturday s home event against regrouping LSU In order to be remembered by what you did in November it starts in September and October quarterback Ty Simpson noted And we need to make sure that we don t throw it away and just be glad we had a good season in the front end We need to finish it out and make sure that we come ready to play and we separate ourselves these next couple games Alabama will try to remain in the mix for the Southeastern Conference title encounter and the CFP when the Tide - - SEC host the Tigers - - who will play their first battle since firing coach Brian Kelly Interim coach Frank Wilson has been tasked with keeping the unit together for the final four games of the regular season and a promising bowl trip Really pleased with the morale of our football club Wilson noted It s extremely high Our crew really came together during the bye week It was a time of reflection for our football band to look at things we had not done well and correct those Several former LSU players have attended practice since Kelly s dismissal including running back Jacob Hester quarterback Matt Flynn and receiver Jarvis Landry Kelly did not allow former players at practice during his four years in Baton Rouge Other changes tight ends coach Alex Atkins has taken over as offensive coordinator and the association has practiced more game-like situations at the request of defensive coordinator Blake Baker The Tigers who have lost two in a row and three of four are hoping to see better results against the Tide Alabama has won seven consecutive games since a season-opening loss at Florida State and in a row at Bryant-Denny Stadium A tremendous opportunity before us against a very quality opponent in Alabama Wilson commented Tall task but I think our unit will be up for it The presentation and preparation indicate that we re eager to go play Alabama is heavily favored again The Crimson Tide are double-digit favorites for the sixth time in the series last nine meetings LSU is a -pount underdog according to BetMGM Sportsbook It s the th consecutive event in which Alabama has been favored against LSU A expected twist at QB for LSU LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hasn t had the season several expected with touchdowns and five interceptions But he has Alabama s full attention He s got various real toughness and moxie Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack announced Making critical throws even when it s not a clean pocket There s also a chance LSU gives snaps to athletic backup Michael Van Buren who started for Mississippi State in We do think that Michael brings particular special things to the table that makes the defense have to defend him as well Wilson announced We ll look at the opportunities and when they present themselves we ll take advantage Keep an eye on the rushing battle LSU and Alabama rank th and th respectively in the SEC in rushing Both teams made improving their ground games a priority during their off week A feasible X-factor for LSU is freshman Harlem Berry who averaged yards a carry in his last two games Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top throughout the season Sign up here and here AP News mobile app AP college football https apnews com hub ap-top- -college-football-poll and https apnews com hub college-football Source
