5 LSU players who could pose serious threat to Alabama's playoff hopes in Week 11
In what amounts to a CFP elimination game, No. 14 LSU (6-2, 3-1 in SEC) will face No. 11 Alabama (6-2, 3-2). The victorious team will jump up into the heart of the CFP field, while the loser will probably be out of playoff contention. Alabama is a mild favorite (about 2.5 points), but here are five Tigers who could help LSU pick up the pivotal victory.
5 LSU players who could pose serious threat to Alabama in Week 11
5. Will Campbell, OT
The massive 6-foot-6 Campbell, who could end up going first in the 2025 NFL draft, anchors the Tiger offense. Campbell is a big part of the reason that LSU has allowed just four sacks all season long.
For a team with 338 pass attempts, that record is remarkable. LSU has allowed the fewest tackles for loss in the SEC and again, Campbell is a big part of that success.
4. Caden Durham, RB
Alabama has shown itself vulnerable to the running game, and Durham is developing into a massive ground threat. Durham played his way into the rotation with 98 yards on 11 carries in a win at South Carolina in Week 3.
Since then, he's added a pair of 100 yard games. Last week, A&M held him to just 15 yards on 11 carries in beating the Tigers. Durham could earn redemption against Alabama.
Over the last four games, Alabama has allowed 132 rushing yards or more in each game. That's a big part of why they're 2-2 in that run. Successful running could also help LSU keep the Tide offense on the sideline for longer spans of the matchup.
3. Kyren Lacy, WR
The 6-2 senior receiver has taken over as the heir apparent to Malik Nabers as LSU's big-play outside guy. Lacy has 100+ yard outings in three of LSU's last four games, and has been a reliable pass catcher for the Tigers.
Alabama won't be defeated without a successful air attack and Lacy is a key part of that threat for LSU.
Alabama has allowed 12 30+ yard passes so far this season. That's just 12th in the SEC and the ability to sneak a couple of those type of plays to Lacy could well end up making the difference in this game.
2. Garrett Nussmeier, QB
During Alabama's four-game run of tough battles to open SEC play, the Tide allowed 6.9 yards per pass or more in each game and went just 2-2.
In the rest of their schedule, they held opponents to 4.5 yards per pass or less. Enter Nussmeier, who has been solid all year. Nussmeier hasn't gone under 6.6 yards per pass all year and has 2,627 yards and 20 touchdowns.
1. Bradyn Swinson, DE
Alabama has allowed 17 sacks this year, which is in the middle of the SEC pack and more than four times what LSU has allowed. That's why Swinson matters. The 6-4 senior has played his way into a bigger role and this year and has 34 tackles and eight sacks. Six of Swinson's sacks came in SEC play, so he's definitely not fed on easy comptition.
If Swinson can keep Jalen Milroe off balance, the turnover-prone Tide could stumble. There's no question that Alabama functions best when Milroe is comfortable, so Swinson's role in hurrying him and creating pocket havoc will be a pivotal one.