LSU vs. Alabama: Prospect Match-Ups to Watch For

LSU Defense v. Alabama Offense

Tua Tagovailoa, Quarterback v. Grant Delpit, Safety

Tagovailoa may not be at his best as he returns from an ankle sprain, and he will need to avoid testing Delpit too often. The safety has had something of a down year but will undoubtedly be primed to pounce on any mistakes from Alabama’s ailing signal-caller.

Najee Harris, Running back v. Jacob Phillips, Linebacker

Harris will likely be leaned on to take the pressure off Tagovailoa and has shown the ability to produce the kind of game-breaking runs that could give Alabama control. Phillips leads LSU in tackles this year, and, with Michael Divinity no longer on the team, he has an even more significant role on the defense. He will be crucial to stopping Harris from getting into the secondary.

Alabama’s Wide Receivers v. Kristian Fulton, Cornerback

Fulton is likely to be tested by each of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and Devonta Smith at some point on Saturday. If he helps keep them under wraps, then he could be seen as on a par with Jeffrey Okudah in a loaded cornerback class.

Alabama’s Offensive Tackles v. K’Lavon Chaisson, Outside Linebacker

Chaisson is athletically gifted but raw as a pass rusher. Alabama tackles Alex Leatherwood, and Jedrick Wills are both first-round talents, and success against them would be a significant boost to Chaisson’s hopes of being a day-one pick.