Lane Kiffin Compares Alabama To Crimson Tide Teams Of The Past Ahead Of LSU Matchup

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin had some high praise for Alabama while previewing next Saturday's matchup against the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium.

During Wednesday's SEC Coaches Teleconference, Kiffin called Alabama the most talented team the Tigers have faced this season, comparing the Crimson Tide's personnel to some of the powerhouse Alabama teams from years past.

"Getting ready for the most talented team we've played," Kiffin said.

"These guys really are loaded. Look like the old Alabama teams. Really long, fast receivers, really special, unique defensive players."

Kiffin was particularly impressed with Alabama's defense, which he said presents a different challenge than anything LSU has seen through its first eight games.

"Yeah, athleticism. Really athletic. Reminds me of old Alabama defenses," Kiffin said, pointing to the unit's ability to make plays on the ball, along with its length and quickness.

"We really have not played a defense like that this year," he added, noting that "these 11 guys look different than the other teams we played."

Kiffin also praised Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, whom LSU recruited before he ultimately signed with the Crimson Tide.

"We recruited him ... we were pretty close to getting him," Kiffin said.

He described Russell as "a really great player with elite traits and really smart, too, beyond his years."

"So it's not surprising that he's played so great."

LSU (6-2) enters the bye week riding back-to-back SEC wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, outscoring those opponents by a combined 69-17.

The Tigers will look to carry that momentum into a game against Alabama that many consider one of their biggest tests of the season.

Kickoff from Tiger Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.