The LSU Tigers host the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday night.
LSU comes in to the game as a 29.5 point underdog, which is the largest margin for a defending national championship program to face in the past 40 years.
Alabama rolls in with an 8-0 record, while LSU sits at 3-4 on the season.
While the Tigers offense has struggled in the past few games, the defense has begun to look impressive. The unit could be key to keeping the game relatively closer than expected this weekend.
Here are the defensive keys to an LSU victory over Alabama on Saturday.
Better pass coverage
First and foremost, LSU has to play excellent in defending the pass. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones loves to find wide receiver Devonta Smith wide open in any spot on the field for long completions.
The Tigers’ secondary must play its best game of the season in order to contain Smith, John Metchie and Miller Forristall.
If LSU gives up a ton of big gain plays, this defense will have a tough time keeping the Crimson Tide in check.