LSU vs. Alabama: Top prospects shine in college football classic

LSU’s meeting with Alabama fully lived up to the hype as the top prospects on show performed at a peak level in an instant classic.

The heavyweight showdown between LSU and Alabama more than lived up to the hype on Saturday, as Joe Burrow solidified his status as a contender for the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft in a game that saw a plethora of top prospects shine.

Burrow and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were unquestionably the stars as LSU emerged victorious in a 46-41 thriller in Tuscaloosa.

Any questions about Burrow’s ability to deliver against the best in the nation were emphatically answered. Burrow demonstrated excellent ball placement and pocket presence throughout while also showing he can make plays happen with his legs on a consistent basis, an 18-yard run on LSU’s final scoring drive one of the defining moments of his incredible final collegiate season.

Tagovailoa, clearly still struggling with an ankle injury, was not as consistent. However, he was just as impressive in evading pressure and produced flashes of the brilliance that saw him initially installed as the favorite to go first overall.

DeVonta Smith was able to take advantage of Tagovailoa’s astonishing deep ball accuracy, frequently cooking LSU corners with his work at the top of the route and scoring touchdowns of 64 and 85 yards.

Jerry Jeudy recovered from two dropped touchdown catches to haul one in to bring Alabama within five points in the fourth quarter. Justin Jefferson’s stat line — seven catches for 79 yards — may not be spectacular but the way in which he regularly found open space over the middle gave Burrow a dependable target on third down.

Alabama running back Najee Harris’ uber-athletic two-touchdown performance, which included a stunning back-shoulder catch for a score, should generate plenty of buzz around his draft hopes. Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s four-touchdown display will have plenty eyeing an undersized back who blends elusiveness and thump extremely well.

LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson (10 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss) answered some critics with an influential all-action display. Alabama safety Xavier McKinney was the best defensive player on the field and made a significant impact blitzing from the safety position, sacking Burrow twice and finishing with 13 total tackles.

Anfernee Jennings issued a timely reminder of his pedigree with a two-sack game. Jennings displayed tremendous burst off the snap, one of the more underrated pass rushers in the class recording two sacks.

This was a game that justified its billing because the vast majority of premier prospects played up to their potential. Only one set of fans left Bryant-Denny Stadium celebrating but the scouts in attendance will likely have exited with smiles on their faces after the best contest of the college football season so far.