Tigers Fall 20–9 to Alabama as Offensive Struggles Continue

Photo By: LSU ATHLETICS: ELLA HALL

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In Tuscaloosa on Saturday night, LSU showed fight, but not finish. The Tigers fell 20–9 to No. 4 Alabama inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, a result that reflected two very different trajectories: Alabama’s continued steadiness under Kalen DeBoer, and LSU’s growing pains under interim head coach Frank Wilson in his first game since replacing Brian Kelly.

It wasn’t a blowout, but it wasn’t close either. LSU’s defense kept the game respectable. The offense, once again, couldn’t sustain drives or find the end zone.

First Quarter – LSU Hangs Early

LSU opened with composure. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed short, confident throws, and the Tigers drove into Alabama territory on their opening possession, but kicker Damian Ramos missed a 30-yard attempt that would’ve given LSU an early lead.

Alabama capitalized with a Will Reichard field goal to make it 3–0, and the tone was set. LSU looked prepared, but Alabama controlled tempo and field position.

End of 1st: Alabama 3, LSU 0.

Second Quarter – Missed Chances Define the Half

LSU tied it 3–3 with a nine-play, 48-yard drive capped by Ramos’ 25-yard field goal. The defense looked energized, forcing a turnover and holding Alabama to minimal rushing yardage.

But every LSU highlight was matched by an Alabama answer. Quarterback Ty Simpson settled in, connecting with Isaiah Bond on a touchdown and guiding another drive finished by Daniel Hill’s short score.

By halftime, Alabama led 17–3, not by overwhelming explosiveness, but by consistent execution. LSU’s offense, meanwhile, produced just 110 yards on its first three drives and finished the half with three straight possessions in negative yardage.

Third Quarter – Wilson Turns to Van Buren

Down 17–6 midway through the third, interim head coach Frank Wilson made the move fans had been calling for: he benched Nussmeier and inserted sophomore Michael Van Buren, hoping his dual-threat mobility could jump-start the offense.

The spark came briefly. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. forced a Simpson fumble that set up a short field, and Ramos drilled another kick to make it 17–9, putting the Tigers within one possession.

But that was as close as LSU would get. Alabama’s defense adjusted, tightened its rush lanes, and swatted away any chance of a comeback.

End of 3rd: Alabama 20, LSU 9.

Fourth Quarter – Defense Fights, Offense Fades

Van Buren showed flashes of poise — stepping up, extending plays, and escaping pressure, but LSU couldn’t sustain drives. He finished 5-of-11 for 52 yards and six rushes for one yard. Nussmeier went 18-of-21 for 121 yards, steady but limited.

Alabama’s defense, led by Yhonzae Pierre and LT Overton, combined for three sacks and seven tackles for loss. LSU’s offensive line, which features two underclassmen at tackle, struggled to hold protection long enough for deeper passing concepts to develop.

Final: Alabama 20, LSU 9.

LSU’s Fight Was Real, But the Offense Remains Stuck

Wilson said after the game that the quarterback change was about rhythm and mobility, not punishment. “We wanted to move him around and do some things,” Wilson explained. “I thought Van Buren gave us a chance to do those things.”

The reality is LSU’s defense gave them a chance to win; the offense took it away. Between 10 penalties for 74 yards, missed field position, and conservative play-calling, the Tigers never forced Alabama into panic mode.

It’s not a talent gap, it’s a leadership and execution issue. LSU has the athletes. Alabama simply plays like a team that knows exactly who it is.

What’s Next

LSU (5–4, 2–4 SEC) will regroup and face Arkansas next week, with Wilson undecided on who starts at quarterback. The defense has proven it can hold its own; the question is whether the offense can rediscover any identity before the season slips away.

Alabama (8–1, 6–0 SEC) will return home to host Oklahoma on Nov. 15, still firmly in control of its playoff hopes, and with a Heisman contender under center in Ty Simpson.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a blowout, but it was decisive. LSU’s defense kept them alive; Alabama’s structure buried them. The Tigers didn’t quit, they simply didn’t finish.

For a program still searching for stability, Saturday was a mirror, and what it reflected wasn’t a lack of talent, but a lack of direction.

Until LSU finds that identity again, games like this will keep ending the same: competitive, physical, but incomplete.

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