Game Preview: No. 14 LSU Hosts No. 5 Alabama In Huge SEC Showdown

No. 14 LSU (6-2, 3-2 SEC) returns to Tiger Stadium on Saturday for a massive SEC showdown against No. 5 Alabama (6-2, 4-2 SEC).

Lane Kiffin's squad enters the matchup riding a two-game winning streak after impressive victories over Mississippi State and Auburn. Alabama is coming off a 31-20 victory over Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa.

Both teams had a bye last weekend and enter Saturday's rivalry matchup with plenty at stake as they look to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

This will also be the final annual meeting between LSU and Alabama, as the two programs will no longer play every season under the SEC's new scheduling format.

Here's everything you need to know heading into Saturday's matchup.

Game Information

Matchup: No. 5 Alabama (6-2) at No. 14 LSU (6-2)
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Kickoff: 2:45 p.m. CT
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Tiger Stadium)
TV: ABC

Series History

This will be the 91st meeting between the two schools. Alabama leads the all-time series 58-27-5 and has won the last three matchups.

The Crimson Tide defeated LSU 20-9 in Tuscaloosa last season and won their last trip to Baton Rouge, 42-13, in 2024.

LSU's last victory over Alabama came in 2022, when the Tigers pulled off a thrilling 32-31 overtime win in Tiger Stadium.

Saturday will also mark the first daytime LSU-Alabama game in Baton Rouge since 2010, when the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 24-21. Series History.

Betting Information

LSU enters Saturday's game as a 6-point favorite over Alabama, with the over/under set at 52.5 points.

The Tigers opened as 4-point favorites earlier in the week before the line moved in LSU's favor.

What To Watch For

1. Can LSU Keep Its College Football Playoff Hopes Alive?

Both LSU and Alabama enter Saturday with two losses, making this a crucial matchup for their postseason aspirations.

The Tigers debuted at No. 14 in the first College Football Playoff rankings earlier this week, while Alabama checked in at No. 5.

A victory over the Crimson Tide would give LSU a significant boost to its playoff résumé heading into the final three games of the regular season against Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

However, a third loss could put the Tigers in a difficult position with the selection committee.

2. Can Sam Leavitt And LSU's Offense Keep Rolling?

After an inconsistent start to the season, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has found his rhythm over the last two games.

Leavitt has completed 63 of 83 passes for 677 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception in victories over Mississippi State and Auburn.

The Tigers are coming off a 38-17 road victory over Auburn in which the offense piled up 552 total yards.

Wide receiver Jackson Harris was another standout in that victory, catching nine passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns.

LSU will look to continue that offensive momentum against a talented Alabama defense that Kiffin has praised throughout the week.

One injury situation to monitor is tight end Trey'Dez Green, who was added to Friday's injury report as questionable after returning to action against Auburn.

3. Can LSU's Defense Slow Down Alabama's Explosive Offense?

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell presents another significant challenge for LSU's defense.

Russell is coming off an impressive performance against Texas A&M, throwing for 311 yards and three touchdowns in the Crimson Tide's 31-20 victory.

Alabama could also get a major offensive weapon back with wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, who is listed as probable after missing the last two games following knee surgery.

The Tigers will need another strong performance from their defensive front, which recorded seven sacks against Auburn.

LSU could once again be without star linebacker Whit Weeks, who remains doubtful after missing the last four games with a fractured leg.

With a packed Tiger Stadium expected to provide a hostile environment, LSU's ability to pressure Russell and limit Alabama's explosive plays could be a deciding factor in Saturday's matchup.