As noted previously, the importance of the Alabama Crimson Tide’s Week 11 trip to Baton Rouge to face the LSU Tigers cannot be overstated.
With the Crimson Tide and Tigers each owning two losses so far this season, this is essentially an elimination game when it comes to making the College Football Playoff for both teams, with this a thought that has echoed by many across the sport.
The latest of those was USA TODAY Sports’ Blake Toppmeyer, who gave his thoughts Friday on the importance of Alabama vs. LSU for both programs, in particular when it comes to each’s CFP chances exiting November 9.
“Now, though, after Alabama trounced Missouri in what could become a get-right game, I’ve put down the shovel, but I’m keeping it close at hand. It will be needed Nov. 9, after Alabama plays LSU,” Toppmeyer said.
Simply put, Alabama’s chances at making the College Football Playoff would be gone with a loss next Saturday night at LSU.
However, if the Crimson Tide were to beat LSU, then Alabama would have a favorable schedule lying ahead in the weeks to come that includes home matchups against Mercer and Auburn, as well as a road trip to Oklahoma.
This means that if Alabama defeats LSU, then the Crimson Tide will likely be favored to win out and finish 10-2, which Toppmeyer hints could be hard to argue against to get into the CFP.
“Alabama’s subsequent games come against Oklahoma, Mercer and Auburn to form about as enviable of a closing draw as it could hope for, but that’ll be moot if the Tide loses to LSU,” Toppmeyer said. “Even with a loss to Vanderbilt, a 10-win Alabama with victories against Georgia, LSU and Missouri would tout a healthy body of work. So, while one SEC power will be buried Nov. 9, the other will resurrect its playoff bid.”
In all, it’s clear that Alabama’s upcoming trip to Baton Rouge is nothing short of a must-win for the Crimson Tide.