No. 14 LSU was undone by poor red zone and fourth-down offense, losing 31-13 to No. 5 Alabama despite outgaining the Crimson Tide by 172 yards. The Tigers were 0-for-4 on fourth downs — the most attempts without a conversion in coach Lane Kiffin's career — and scored just one touchdown and one field goal on four red zone trips. Kiffin called the outcome "really disappointing." Alabama outscored LSU 21-0 in the fourth quarter after a 32-yard punt return by Ryan Coleman-Williams set up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Keelon Russell to Cederian Morgan.
LSU's playoff chances fell from 51% to 25% per the Allstate Playoff Predictor. Kiffin acknowledged the team's 6-3 record was unexpected but emphasized the need to "go back to work" ahead of a top-10 Texas matchup. The only bright spot was 457 total offensive yards, including 380 passing from Sam Leavitt.
Special teams were a liability: LSU missed a 56-yard field goal, committed a punt drop, and allowed Coleman-Williams' return. Russell threw for 206 yards and three touchdowns while rushing eight times for 25 yards, extending plays consistently against LSU's defense.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing