Alabama’s defensive line will need to bring its A-game against LSU’s offensive line.
The Tigers have allowed only four sacks this season. In week three, LSU surrendered two sacks to an elite South Carolina pass rush. In its most recent game against Texas A&M, the Tigers allowed two sacks. Altogether, the offensive line is the best position group on LSU’s roster this season.
The group is headlined by a projected first-round pick in left tackle Will Campbell. In the past two seasons, Campbell has made 15 of 17 starts against SEC opponents that LSU has played. On the opposite side, starting right tackle Emery Jones is just as good. The Louisiana native has made 24 starts since 2022. He will likely be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft.
Alabama’s pass rush has been inconsistent at times this season. With Campbell and Jones being the anchors of the offensive line, the interior defensive linemen could be called on to step up in a big way. Players like Tim Keenan III, Tim Smith Jr., and James Smith will each need to have good games and be able to apply pressure on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. If the pass rush is lacking, Nussmeier will have plenty of time to operate in the pocket and will slowly pick apart Alabama’s defense. He is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season.
The outside linebackers “Wolfs” and edge rushers “Bandits” will need to find ways to get to the quarterback. Stunts, blitzes, and different looks will be crucial in this game. Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and the Alabama defense will need to keep LSU’s offensive tackles — Jones and Campbell on their toes as much as possible.
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Brody Smoot is a team reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “follow” him on X, via @brodysmoot.
