No. 2 Alabama faces a bevy of questions for its upcoming game with No. 1 LSU on Saturday. Here are four.
1. How productive will Tua be?
The bye came at a perfect time for Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, giving him an extra week to recover from ankle surgery. At 100 percent, Tagovailoa is almost impossible to stop. He won’t be at full strength for LSU, and how effective he will be is uncertain.
2. Under 100 yards for Jefferson?
LSU’s Justin Jefferson is the top SEC receiver with 819 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s topped 100 yards in a game four times, including 163 against Texas. The Alabama defensive backs will have to be aware of No. 20 at all times.
3. What about the run game?
Everyone’s talking about all he great receivers on display for both teams, but this game could be won in the trenches with the running backs. Alabama comes in averaging 168 yards per game while LSU boasts 158. Najee Harris leads Alabama, averaging 80 yards per game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire averages 85 yards per game.
4. Which DBU will reign supreme?
LSU considers itself DBU (Defensive Back University) with plenty of players and numbers to back up that claim. Alabama has some stars and impressive stats, too. Alabama allows 180 yards per game with 10 touchdowns. LSU allows 217 yards and has given up 13 touchdowns.
— Compiled by Edwin Stanton
