Booger McFarland didn’t wait long to make his call after Alabama’s 31-13 win over LSU on Saturday night in Baton Rouge.
“Bama locked up a playoff spot tonight,” McFarland posted on X.
That’s a notable stance coming from one of LSU’s most recognizable alumni, and it landed after the Crimson Tide handled his alma mater in a game that pushed Alabama to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in SEC play. The victory also gave the No. 5 Tide a third win over a team ranked in the first College Football Playoff poll.
LSU entered the night ranked No. 14 and left at 6-3, with first-year coach Lane Kiffin now 0-6 against Alabama in his career, including his stops at Ole Miss and Tennessee.
The final score didn’t tell the whole story. LSU actually outgained Alabama 457-285 and ran 28 more plays, but the Tigers couldn’t finish enough drives.
They went 0 for 4 on fourth down, missed a 56-yard field goal and threw an interception to linebacker Luke Metz at the Alabama 24. Alabama, meanwhile, turned all three of its red zone trips into touchdowns, while LSU scored once in four chances.
Before kickoff, the selection committee had already given Alabama the edge, ranking the Tide as its highest-rated two-loss team. That put Alabama ahead of 7-1 Kentucky, which the Tide beat 45-17 in Week 2.
Both of Alabama’s losses came against ranked opponents, No. 2 Georgia and No.
13 Tennessee, though that placement sparked SEC favoritism talk around the sport.
LSU had a chance to change the narrative late in the third quarter. Dilin Jones finished a 90-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers ahead 13-10. But Alabama answered immediately and took control from there.
Quarterback Keelon Russell had already visited the medical tent with an ankle injury early in the second half, then came back with his ankle taped and sparked the Tide’s closing surge. On the first snap after Jones’ touchdown, Russell connected with Rico Scott for 57 yards.
Four plays later, he hit tight end Josh Ford for a 7-yard score. He later added a 25-yard touchdown pass to Cederian Morgan and a 4-yard touchdown throw to Kaleb Edwards.
Russell finished 17 of 24 for 206 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover.
“I felt like going into the tent, I had to keep myself confident, keep myself optimistic and keep myself going,” Russell said.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said the response didn’t surprise him.
“Guy’s tough, and you know, it doesn’t surprise me because I’ve seen it before with him,” DeBoer said.
Alabama now heads to Vanderbilt on Nov. 14 before finishing the regular season with Chattanooga on Nov. 21 and Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Nov. 28 in Tuscaloosa. The committee will keep updating its rankings every Tuesday until the 12-team bracket is set on Dec. 6, and seeds 5 through 8 will host first-round games on campus. As things stand, Alabama’s spot would send a playoff game to Tuscaloosa.
A win in Nashville would move Alabama to 8-2 with two home games still left before Selection Day.
In Other News...
LSU Star Took A Shot At Alabama Even After The Loss
Alabamas 31-13 win over LSU was built in the second half, when the Crimson Tide put together three touchdown drives and steadily pulled away from a game that had been tighter earlier on. The result pushed Alabama to 7-2 and left LSU at 6-3, a setback that did more than just dent the Tigers record.
Afterward, LSU safety Ty Benefield pointed the blame inward, saying the loss came down to his own teams mistakes rather than anything Alabamas offense did. It was the kind of postgame assessment that can linger, especially with LSUs playoff hopes now taking a hit and Alabama continuing to build momentum down the stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama's Playoff Hopes Were Slipping Until One Drive Changed Everything
Alabamas playoff push had started to look shaky when LSU nudged ahead late in the third quarter, but the Tide steadied themselves just in time to keep the conversation alive. Kalen DeBoers team leaned into the kind of simple, disciplined football he has stressed all season, staying focused and executing when the game tightened up.
One drive flipped the feel of the night, sparked by Rico Scotts 57-yard reception and finished with a touchdown pass from Keelon Russell to Josh Ford. Ryan Coleman-Williams also made his presence felt in his return from injury, giving Alabama another needed piece as it found a way to answer LSU and protect its postseason hopes. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Fans Got Another Reason To Enjoy Lane Kiffins Misery
Lane Kiffins latest trip through Tuscaloosa ended the same way so many of the others have, with Alabama leaving him looking for answers. LSUs loss to the Crimson Tide pushed Kiffin to 0-6 against Alabama in his coaching career, and it came in a game where the Tide got enough from quarterback Keelon Russell to keep control even after Russell dealt with an injury. For Alabama fans, it was another satisfying chapter in a long-running storyline that has rarely gone their way when Kiffin is on the opposing sideline.
The biggest moment came late, when Kiffins fourth-and-10 decision turned into a sack and effectively shut the door on LSUs chances. It was the kind of call that invites second-guessing immediately, especially in a game already tilted by Alabamas steadier execution. For the Tide, the win was about more than just another conference result. It was also another reminder that Kiffins frustration against Alabama continues to pile up, one loss at a time. [Read more 🡒]