Early angst aside, Alabama-LSU game is once again a huge factor in SEC West

Alabama head coach Nick Saban walks to the Alabama student section to salute the fans postgame, a rare occurrence, after an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Saban had asked for fans to be loud and help build momentum during his call-in show earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) Alabama head coach Nick Saban walks to the Alabama student section to salute the fans postgame, a rare occurrence, after an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Saban had asked for fans to be loud and help build momentum during his call-in show earlier in the week. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

By JOHN ZENOR / AP Sports Writer October 30, 2023 4 min read

After all the angst about Alabama’s offense and LSU’s defense, they’ll meet up with both still having a realistic shot at the Southeastern Conference title.

That, at least, is business as usual.

LSU and Alabama’s respective earlier stumbles haven’t derailed the prospect of either team finishing atop the SEC West. That shakeup doesn’t usually happen until they’ve met face to face, as they will on Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“Everybody knows this is one of those games that puts you in a position to challenge for an SEC championship,” Tigers coach Brian Kelly said on Monday.

The eighth-ranked Crimson Tide (7-1, 5-0), who already have a win over fellow contender No. 11 Mississippi, can strengthen their hold on the division with a victory.