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The details:
What: No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 LSU
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: Tiger Stadium
Line: Alabama is a 14 ½-point favorite, according to Vegas Insider
This game will determine …
It's the biggest challenge yet for Alabama. With a win, the Crimson Tide can clinch the SEC West and will be closer to securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Three things to look for:
1. Injuries: Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) practiced this week and seems to be able to play against LSU. Nick Saban said he's hopeful that Smith will be "very close to 100 percent by game time." As for Jalen Hurts (ankle), it's still not clear whether he'll be available for the game. Mac Jones will be the backup quarterback for the Tide.
2. Devin White-less defense for LSU: White being out for the first half is a huge deal for LSU. The junior is probably the Tigers' best player, is arguably the best linebacker in the country and is a potential early first-round draft pick.
3. LSU connections for Alabama: There are several key players for Alabama who are from Louisiana, including inside linebacker Dylan Moses. Moses is from Baton Rouge, committed to LSU as a ninth-grader and got a lot of grief from people around Louisiana when he decided to sign up with the Tide instead of his hometown school. In addition, Alabama cornerback Saivion Smith started his college career at LSU, but he left the program last year and ultimately landed with the Tide.
LSU game extra large for an Alabama LB
Key matchup: Tua Tagovailoa versus LSU secondary
LSU has got the best test for the Tagovailoa and the Alabama passing game. The Tigers are tied for first nationally with 14 interceptions.
By the numbers: Seven
Alabama has a seven-game winning streak against LSU. The Tigers have not beaten the Tide since 2011.
Former LSU DB stepping up for Alabama's defense
LSU player to watch: Quarterback Joe Burrow
While Burrow has helped LSU get off to a 7-1 start, the numbers are not great for LSU's new quarterback. He has not thrown to touchdown since late September, is just 53 percent of his passes and has thrown for 200 yards or less in the Tigers' last five games.
Matt Zenitz is an Alabama and Auburn reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @mzenitz.
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