Alabama @ LSU preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 4, 2017 ) Louisiana State 10, Alabama 24

Top-ranked Alabama has been cruising through its schedule but might run into a stern test on Saturday when it visits fourth-ranked LSU in an SEC showdown. The Crimson Tide, who are also atop the first College Football Playoff rankings, have defeated six of their eight opponents by 34 or more points but now face a stingy LSU squad (third in CFP) allowing just 15.1 points per game.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said that none of his team's gaudy stats - like scoring more than 50 points six times - matter in the matchup with the Tigers. "(LSU) is one of the best teams in the nation," Saban said during a press conference. "I think they're very elite in a lot of ways in terms of the way they play defense. Their offense is very efficient. They've really done a great job this year and the quarterback (Joe Burrow) plays well for them." LSU coach Ed Orgeron is aware of the stakes as his team would greatly increase its CFP hopes with an upset. "I am not going to make it bigger than life that our guys can't handle it," Orgeron said during a press conference. "We're going to approach this game, we're not going to say it's like every other game, we understand this is 'the' game. But we're going to approach every day like we've done. We're not going to change our process."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Alabama -14.5

ABOUT ALABAMA (8-0, 5-0 SEC): Sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is having a season for the ages with 2,066 yards and 25 touchdowns without throwing a single interception. Wideout Jerry Jeudy is his top target with 31 receptions for 777 yards and 10 touchdowns but fellow sophomore DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is in danger of missing his second straight contest. The defense is allowing an average of 15.9 points per game with senior defensive end Isaiah Buggs (team-high 8.5 sacks) enjoying a strong season and junior cornerback Saivion Smith posting a team-best three interceptions.

ABOUT LSU (7-1, 4-1): The only blemish is a loss to Florida for an opportunistic team that is tied for the national lead with 14 interceptions, including five from sophomore safety Grant Delpit, who also has four sacks. The Tigers will be without standout junior linebacker Devin White (team-best 76 tackles) for the first half due to a targeting infraction in their last game against Mississippi State. Burrow, a junior, has passed for 1,544 yards and six touchdowns and senior running back Nick Brossette has recorded 697 yards and 10 scores on the ground for an offense averaging 30.4 points per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Alabama has won the past seven meetings, including a 24-10 victory last season.

2. Tigers senior S John Battle has recorded interceptions in each of the past two games and has three on the season.

3. Crimson Tide junior RB Josh Jacobs, who averages 30.9 yards per kickoff return, is second on the team with nine touchdowns (eight rushing, one kickoff return).

PREDICTION: Alabama 31, LSU 21