The LSU Tigers face their perennially toughest opponent this week: the Alabama Crimson Tide.
There’s no question that Bama Coach Nick Saban is still smarting from last season’s last-second loss that knocked the Tide out of College Football Playoff contention and ripped the SEC West title out of his hands. Can the Tigers beat Bama again?
LSU Has Key Injuries Heading Into Alabama Game
Tigers Coach Brian Kelly talked to the media on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, telling them that LSU defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo is likely out for the season after undergoing surgery during the bye week.
Kelly said the earliest Wingo could return would be six weeks. Wingo, who has having a breakout season, will be a major blow to the Tigers stoutness upfront.
Other key injuries for the Bayou Bengals include defensive backs Duce Chestnut , Zy Alexander and Denver Harris, who won’t play against Alabama.
If there is any good news for LSU, it’s that Ashton Stamps will suit up and is likely to see action, according to Kelly.
Can LSU’s Young Defense Stop Alabama’s Young Offense?
Alabama is sort of green on the offensive end itself with first-time starter Jalen Milroe behind center. He will face a young LSU secondary that has been burned early and often this season, although things have improved a bit over the past two weeks.
Kelly said that he expects the youthfulness of his cornerbacks to be balanced by their knowledge of the defensive scheme eight weeks into the season.
“More than anything else, you have to have confidence in your players and I have confidence in those guys,” Kelly told reporters.
“These guys are ready to go. They’ve got no choice,” Kelly said.
