No. 1 Alabama extends win streak against No. 15 LSU, 10-0

Going into Saturday’s game against Alabama, the Tigers have outscored opponents 73-7 in the second half under Orgeron.

After a tense defensive struggle for three quarters, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts broke free and untouched for a 21-yard keeper up the middle in the fourth quarter to give the Tide their first and only touchdown of the game as they defeated rival LSU 10-0. The Tigers were scared to take a chance, even if it meant moving just another 15 yards to move into manageable field goal position.

Saban could have used any number of superlatives to describe his defense, which didn’t let LSU run a play from inside the Crimson Tide 30. The opportunities to move the ball were there, but Etling couldn’t lead the Tigers.

The Cinderella story ends for Orgeron, whose team lost tonight for the first time under his direction.

Hurts is going to continue to make mistakes, but Alabama can win the second of back-to-back national titles with him because he forces defenses to keep defending him and eventually makes them to pay. LSU has averaged a measly 10.5 points against Alabama during that stretch. Thomas had nine tackles, three for loss, two pass breakups and a quarterback hurry. They made plays in space, they pursued, they frustrated Lane Kiffin’s high-octane attack.

Despite holding the Crimson Tide for much of the game, LSU was unable to pull ahead as the Tigers fall to Alabama, 10-0, in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers went nowhere in the ensuing three plays – with Fournette serving as nothing more than a decoy – leading to a 49-yard Colby Delahoussaye field goal try that was tipped and fell well short of the goalposts.

Over the past three games there had been a stark contrast in LSU post-game press conferences under Ed Orgeron and those during the days of the Les Miles era.

Etling, who was under pressure the entire night, continued to struggle against the defensive pressure of Alabama as he could not put together a scoring drive.

On the night, Hurts was only 10-of-19 through the air for 107 yards and he threw his sixth interception of the season.

“This game is all about competitive character, perseverance, playing in a tough place to play and making the choice that you’re going to do everything you have to do as a competitive to have success”, Saban said.

Alabama’s suffocating defense bottled up LSU running back Leonard Fournette and provided Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts the luxury of a few scoreless quarters to get accustomed to deafening Death Valley. Adam Griffith finished off a almost 10-minute drive with a 25-yard field goal from the right hash to push Alabama ahead, 10-0, with 2:41 to play. Bates delivered the biggest play of the game, as the freshman intercepted quarterback Kurt Benkert and returned the pick 39 yards for the game-winning score with just under seven minutes to go.

The Tigers finished with 125 total yards. This is now six straight wins for the Crimson Tide in the series and athletic director Joe Alleva has some serious decisions to make between now and next season.

Following an interception by Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Crimson Tide regained possession and added to their lead with a 25-yard field goal by Griffith. Hurts has accounted for eight touchdowns rushing and passing in three SEC road games, while topping 100 rushing yards twice.

For LSU, the Tigers have a lot left to fight for in the 2016 season.