What makes rivalries great isn’t just the overarching history and discord between each other’s fan bases. It’s the mini battles and storylines which can take place within the game that add an extra layer of competitiveness to an already exhilarating lead-up.
The in-game matchup which fits this definition will be the duel between LSU cornerback Derek Stingley and Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
Both are heralded as some of the top players at their positions when looking at their entire careers. The two have made a major impact right from the beginning of their careers, and last year culminated in a showdown in Tuscaloosa between the Crimson Tide and Tigers who were each ranked inside the top five.
The game was as good as advertised, a 46-41 classic inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium which resulted in an LSU victory.
But the individual matchup was utterly one-sided in favor of Smith.
On the day Smith caught seven passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns as exposed the then-freshman cornerback for the first time all season.
Other than that game Stingley had been stellar, not just as a true freshman, but as one of the best defenders in all of college football. In 2019 he led the nation in pass deflections (15) and interceptions (6) which later rewarded him with a unanimous All-American selection.
This season has been different for Stingley in terms of production. In the six games he’s appeared in, he is yet to record an interception and has four pass deflections on the season.
The Tigers defense has also taken a step back since last season as Stingley was one of the few notable starters to return for the 2020 season and it’s showed. So far the unit has given up over 40 points three times this season which included a 48-11 loss to Auburn.
Recently it’s performed much better as it forced Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond into having a very challenging night in its 20-7 loss.
But Smith and Alabama have been a completely different beast.
It seems as if Smith sets a new record every time he steps on the field nowadays. Even with fellow speedster, Jaylen Waddle lost for the year, Smith has still made a mockery of opposing defenses gameplans and racked up an impressive season.
And based on what the Crimson Tide offense has done to defenses like Mississippi State’s and Georgia’s, more dominance should be expected when going up against LSU.
Which may bring trouble Stingley’s way.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
