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LSU vs. Alabama: The best plays and biggest moments from Crimson Tide's win over Tigers

Jordan Mendoza, Cydney Henderson and Jace Evans, USA TODAY
·16 min read
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Alabama’s dreams of another SEC championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff are still alive.

The Crimson Tide defeated rival LSU 42-28 Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium, getting some revenge for last year’s defeat while staying on the inside track in the race for the SEC West title.

This one started as a shootout, but the Tide took control down the stretch to put the Tigers away.

Crimson Tide QB Jalen Milroe was brilliant, throwing for 219 yards and rushing 20 times for 155 yards. He set an Alabama quarterback record with four rushing touchdowns.

His play was matched most of the game by Jayden Daniels. Alabama had few answers in the early going for LSU’s Heisman Trophy contender, who finished 15-for-25 passing for 219 yards with two touchdowns and added 163 yards and another touchdown on the ground. But Daniels was forced from the game in the fourth quarter after he entered concussion protocol following a hit that drew a roughing the passer penalty.

That took the air out of any potential LSU comeback.

The game was tied 21-21 at halftime, and LSU drove right down the field on its first possession of the second half to take the lead. But that would end the scoring for college football’s best offense.

Alabama answered with a touchdown to tie the game. LSU followed up with its first punt of the day and Alabama took the lead for good with a touchdown. Two plays into LSU’s next drive, Daniels threw an interception and Alabama cashed in once again to go up two touchdowns.

Daniels was hurt the next drive, and that was that.

LSU vs. Alabama highlights

College football Week 10 scores

LSU QB Jayden Daniels knocked out of the game

A 42-28 deficit in the fourth quarter is suddenly a secondary issue for LSU. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, a Heisman Trophy contender, was forced from the game after he absorbed a high hit that drew a roughing the passer penalty on Alabama’s Dallas Turner.

Daniels appeared shaken up on the play, lying on his stomach for a few moments. He was checked on by trainers and came out for Garrett Nussmeier, who completed a 5-yard pass to Brian Thomas. Daniels came back in, but then, following a false start and LSU timeout, he exited again and headed to the blue medical tent. Nussmeier came back in to replace him.

CBS reported that Daniels was in concussion protocol and would be out for the remainder of the game.

Alabama football extends lead after LSU's Jayden Daniels throws interception

LSU and Alabama played clean football for three quarters, but Tigers QB Jayden Daniels surrendered the first turnover of the game. Daniels attempted a pass to Malik Nabers, but it was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by Alabama DB Terrion Arnold at LSU’s 27-yard line. It was Daniels’ fourth interception of the season.

Alabama capitalized on the takeaway and found the end zone to extend its lead over LSU to 42-28. Running back Jase McClellan ran for a 10-yard touchdown. The drive was kept alive by a horse collar tackle penalty called on LSU LB Harold Perkins.

“We got to make a stop sooner or later defensively,” LSU coach Brian Kelly said. "We have battled."

Jalen Milroe's fourth rushing TD gives Alabama football lead vs. LSU

Four rushing touchdowns for No. 4.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe ended the team’s six-play, 68-yard touchdown drive with a 11-yard rushing score. It marked his fourth rushing touchdown of the game, a school record for a quarterback. He came into this game with five rushing touchdowns on the season.

His fourth TD run was reminiscent of his third. He faked out a defender by appearing like he was going to throw the ball before turning on the jets and breaking several tackles.

Milroe’s now up to 142 rushing yards in the game, in addition to 200 passing yards.

He’s not the only one making history. Alabama Kicker Will Reichard became the NCAA’s all-time points leader with his 500th point scored on Saturday. Bama is up 35-28.

Alabama football ties it back up vs. LSU on Roydell Williams' 16-yard TD run

The Crimson Tide responded with a touchdown picked up entirely on the ground. Receiver Kendrick Law set Alabama up with good field position with a 30-yard kickoff return. They worked their way all the way down the field on seven run plays, the longest coming from QB Jalen Milroe, an 18-yard rush to convert a third-and-10. The drive ended on Roydell Williams’ 16-yard touchdown run.

The game is tied again at 28-28.

LSU takes lead vs. Alabama after Malik Nabers' incredible toe-tap catch

LSU opened the second half with a score. Quarterback Jayden Daniels found receiver Malik Nabers for 17-yard and 30-yard completions on the 9-play, 75-yard drive, which was capped off by a 2-yard rushing TD from running back Josh Williams.

Daniels has 211 passing yards and two touchdowns, plus 155 rushing yards and another touchdown. Nabers has seven receptions for 136 yards.

The Tigers lead the Crimson Tide 28-21.

Halftime: Alabama 21, LSU 21

Alabama left LSU with too much time.

The Tigers were able to march 75 yards down the field in 56 seconds to tie the ball game heading into halftime, 21-21. LSU did so in only five plays, including a 40-yard run and 28-yard run from quarterback Jayden Daniels, the drive capped by Daniels’ 26-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kyren Lacy.

So far, it has been a battle of the quarterbacks, who have looked unstoppable on the ground. Daniels has 164 yards in the air and two passing touchdowns, in addition to 137 rushing yards and one touchdown. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has 165 yards in the air, in addition to 82 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.

“Both quarterbacks are elusive. Both teams can make plays. It’s about making stops, really,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said at halftime. “This is what it’s going to be for four quarters. Buckle up. We got more work to do..”

Alabama has been slightly more efficient with the ball, converting 7-for-9 third downs, compared to LSU going 2-for-4 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down.

The score could be higher. Both teams missed a field goal.

Alabama football's Jalen Milroe picks up third rushing touchdown vs. LSU

The LSU Tigers haven’t found an answer for Alabama Crimson Tide QB Jalen Milroe.

Alabama needed three yards to convert a third down on its 33-yard line. LSU expected a run or short pass from Milroe, who instead connected with running back Jam Miller for a 35-yard pass down the field. Milroe overthrew receiver Isaiah Bond on what would have been a walk-in touchdown, but he was able to find the end zone on a 21-yard touchdown run, his third rushing touchdown of the game.

Milroe faked out defenders on the run by acting like he was going to throw at the line of scrimmage before he accelerated up the middle for the score. He’s up to 165 yards in the air and 82 yards on the ground.

Alabama leads 21-14.

LSU QB Jayden Daniels gets rushing TD of his own to tie Alabama

It’s all even in Tuscaloosa.

After coming up empty the previous two drives following a failed fourth-down conversion and missed field goal, the Tigers put some points on the board. Jayden Daniels punched the ball into the end zone on a 9-yard touchdown run to tie the game 14-14.

Daniels has thrown eight completions for 137 yards and one touchdown and he’s picked up 69 yards with his feet, along with one rushing touchdown.

Malik Nabers, who caught two passes for 21 yards during the touchdown drive, leads all Tigers receivers with 89 yards on the game.

Alabama football kicker misses field goal vs. Tigers. Announcer jinx to blame?

Call it an announcer jinx?

CBS announcer Brad Nessler mentioned that Alabama kicker Will Reichard has not missed a field goal or extra point this entire year as he trotted onto the field for a 47-yard attempt. Reichard then missed the field goal attempt wide right.

“Oh boy, no good,” Nessler followed up.

Both teams have missed field goals in the contest. Alabama still leads LSU 14-7.

LSU football kicker misses 46-yard field goal vs. Alabama

Tigers QB Jayden Daniels exploded for a 28-yard run to get to the 50-yard line. He connected with his favorite target, receiver Malik Nabers, for a 22-yard pass to get to Alabama’s 25-yard line, but the drive stalled after an incomplete pass, run for no gain and a sack.

LSU sent kicker Damian Ramos onto the field for a 46-yard attempt, but he missed.

Alabama still leads LSU 14-7.

Alabama 14, LSU 7: LSU football's gamble backfires

The Tigers gambled and it didn’t pay off.

LSU QB Jayden Daniels opted to throw to receiver Malik Nabers on fourth-and-1, but the Tigers were unable to convert and turned the ball over on downs at the Crimson Tide 42-yard line.

Alabama QB Jalen Milroe connected with receiver Isaiah Bond for a 21-yard pass to enter the red zone. Milroe did the rest with his feet. He rattled off three consecutive runs, capped off by a 4-yard touchdown run, his second rushing score of the game.

Alabama has scored 14 unanswered points and leads LSU 14-7. Milroe has 86 passing yards and 35 rushing yards.

Alabama football answers with Jalen Milroe touchdown run

We might have a shootout on our hands, folks.

After LSU went 85 yards on just five plays, Alabama answered with a five-play, 76-yard drive of its own. Quarterback Jalen Milroe was responsible for all but 4 yards on the drive, dicing up LSU with his arm and legs. He capped the drive with a 23-yard dash to the end zone that knotted the game 7-7 after the extra point.

LSU football strikes first with 46-yard TD pass from Jayden Daniels

The Tigers got on the board first on quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 46-yard touchdown pass downfield to receiver Malik Nabers, who trotted into the end zone untouched. LSU got help on the drive after a personal foul was called on Alabama LB Dallas Turner to set the Tigers up at their 42-yard line.

The Tigers lead 7-0.

What TV channel is LSU vs. Alabama on?

LSU vs. Alabama is slated to begin at 7:45 p.m. ET on CBS.

LSU-Alabama history

LSU and Alabama have played each other 87 times, with the Crimson Tide holding the series lead at 55-27-5.

The early years of the rivalry was dominated by Alabama, which included an 11-game winning streak from 1971-81. But since then, it’s been much more competitive, with Alabama leading the past 42 meetings at 24-17-1.

One of their most famous matchups happened in 2011, when No. 1 LSU defeated No. 2 Alabama 9-6 in Tuscaloosa. The two teams later met in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, the first time in the BCS era the national title game was decided between two teams in the same conference. Alabama would dominate the game with a 21-0 win to claim the national championship.

Saturday will be the 31st time the two teams have met as ranked opponents, the fourth most in FBS history behind Michigan vs. Ohio State, Oklahoma vs. Texas and Notre Dame vs. USC.

Alabama 2023 season

The Crimson Tide are 7-1 and 5-0 in the SEC, joining Georgia as the only SEC teams undefeated in conference play. Alabama was stunned in the home loss to Texas in Week 2, and questions lingered on a suspect offense, but it’s picked it up and the Tide have won their past six games to remain a College Football Playoff contender.

Jalen Milroe has found some rhythm as the quarterback after he was benched earlier in the season, but the story has been the Crimson Tide defense. The unit only gives up 16.5 points and 306.4 yards per game, both of which are 17th in the country. The defense hasn’t given up more than 21 points this season in all of their wins; Texas scored 34 points in the win in September.

LSU 2023 season

LSU will head into Bryant-Denny Stadium at 6-2 and 4-1 in the SEC. After the Tigers were embarrassed by Florida State in the season opener in Orlando, LSU rattled off three straight wins against Grambling, Mississippi State and Arkansas.

The Tigers were handed their first SEC defeat in a road shootout against Ole Miss, but have won another three games in a row with double-digit wins against Missouri, Auburn and Army.

LSU has had the best offense in the country this season; its 47.4 points and 552.9 yards per game is first in the country. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is also a Heisman Trophy candidate as his 321.6 passing yards per game is third in the country, and his 25 passing touchdowns is tied for most in FBS with reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams.

The biggest games left that will alter the College Football Playoff race

November means the 2023 college football regular season is in its final month, which means there are a few games left that will determine which teams eventually play for the national championship.

That starts on Saturday with a series of games involving some of the top teams in the US LBM Coaches Poll, including a matchup between No. 13 LSU and No. 8 Alabama that should decide the SEC West.

And this continues through the month, culminating in what looks again to be the biggest pairing of the year in college football: No. 3 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan, with the winner likely advancing to the Big Ten championship game.

Sprinkled in between are make-or-break games featuring every Power Five league and the best teams in the Group of Five.

Read what the most important games left in the college football season are by clicking here. — Paul Myerberg

Big college football games tonight

No. 5 Washington at No. 22 Southern California

Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC

Why watch: Buckle up. This one should be quite a ride, an aerial show that would make Bessie Coleman proud. The Huskies have to hope their bad games are behind them as they begin a challenging final month. The Trojans, coming off a narrow escape themselves against California, aren’t firing on all cylinders either but remain more than capable of putting up a big score. USC’s Caleb Williams and the Huskies’ Michael Penix Jr. have combined for 49 scoring throws. They’ve also both had to take some chances to compensate for defensive shortcomings, so we might see opportunities for picks as well for the likes of Trojans DB Calen Bullock or Washington CB Mishael Powell. The primary breakaway threats for Williams are WRs Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice, and Penix looks most often for WRs Rome Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk.

Why it could disappoint: If you find poor defensive execution, well, offensive, then this might not be the game for you. But the explosive potential of both passing attacks should keep this one interesting well into the fourth quarter. — Eddie Timanus

College football picks Week 10

Here are our college football Week 10 expert picks:

College Football Fix

Ohio State was installed as the No. 1 team in the initial College Football Playoff rankings. But are the Buckeyes really the best team in the country ahead of Georgia, Michigan or even Florida State? Not part of the committee's consideration when doing its ranking of the best 25 teams is the Michigan sign-stealing scandal that continues to get stranger and stranger. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had a wild interaction with a caller on his radio show Monday after the team's loss to North Carolina State. Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg discuss these topics and look ahead to an important slate of Week 10 games in this week's version of the College Football Fix. — Erick Smith

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Dive into college football and tailgating traditions in six states, and share your tailgating experiences with us by using #greatamericantailgate.

Enter the Great American Tailgate by clicking here.

College football Week 10 odds

The top college football betting apps favor No. 8 Alabama in the SEC showdown with No. 13 LSU. The Crimson Tide are 3-point favorites over the Tigers in the matchup in Tuscaloosa, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering college football betting promos in 2023.

Not interested in this game? Our college football betting guide can help you get started.

If you’re new to sports betting, don’t worry. We have tips for beginners on how to place a bet online. And USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the online sportsbooks and sports betting sites. — Richard Morin

All odds provided by BetMGM

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LSU vs. Alabama highlights: Top moments from Crimson Tide's victory