Alabama beats LSU 31-13, dimming Tigers' playoff hopes

Alabama defeated LSU 31-13 on Saturday in Baton Rouge. Ninth-ranked Alabama improved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the Southeastern Conference.

Keelon Russell passed for three touchdowns despite playing through an ankle injury. His scoring throws covered seven yards to Josh Ford, 25 yards to Cederian Morgan, and four yards to Kaleb Edwards.

“At the end of the game you can play to try and just keep the score low or whatever when you are on your own 20, but you have no chance to win by punting analytically. So, you go for it.”

LSU fell to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. Quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 35 of 47 passes for 380 yards but threw his first interception in three games.

The Tigers went zero for four on fourth down and missed a 56-yard field goal attempt. They also committed a turnover in Alabama territory, limiting them to a single touchdown.

Kiffin chose to keep his offense on the field on fourth-and-10 from the LSU 25 with eight minutes remaining. Leavitt was sacked, and Alabama scored three plays later.

Alabama remains firmly in the College Football Playoff picture. LSU still faces Top-15 opponents Texas at home on November 14 and Tennessee on the road on November 21.