3 reasons why Alabama will defeat LSU in Week 10 clash, 3 why not

Alabama heads into another hostile environment on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Tiger Stadium to take on a fellow two-loss squad in LSU.

One of the headliners of a loaded Week 10 college football slate, both teams are looking to avoid a consequential third loss and to stay in the SEC race. This game could also potentially be the difference between making the College Football Playoff and missing it. That's not even taking into consideration the rivalry aspect of it between the Crimson Tide and Tigers.

With everything on the line, here are three reasons why Alabama will win on Saturday, as well as three why they will not.

Why: Big day from Keelon Russell

There is a good chance that if Alabama is going to win this game, they are going to need a big day from Keelon Russell. LSU has statistically one of the top defenses in the SEC, however, opposing quarterbacks have been able to have some success against them. Most notably, Trinidad Chambliss threw for 363 yards with three total touchdowns against them earlier this season. Kenny Minchey also had a solid day against them in LSU's other loss. Alabama is going to need the Keelon Russell that they got against South Carolina and Mississippi State, not the one they got against Georgia and Tennessee, if they are going to go on the road and win this game.

Why Not: Big day from Sam Leavitt

LSU has beaten Alabama twice in the last 16 matchups, and both times they had an eventual Heisman quarterback at the helm (Joe Burrow in 2019 and Jayden Daniels in 2022 - Daniels won the Heisman the following season in 2023). Leavitt has put up some big numbers this season. He is second in the SEC with 2,173 passing yards and is tied for the conference lead in total touchdowns with 25. He also has 324 rushing yards and can make plays with his legs. If LSU is going to win, it will likely come with a big day from their quarterback.

Why: Sam Leavitt turnovers

For all the good stuff that Leavitt shows, he still struggles with turnovers and that is the biggest thing holding him back. He has thrown eight interceptions this season and has also lost a fumble. In LSU's two losses, Leavitt has three of his nine turnovers. With an Alabama defense that has made a living on defensive touchdowns, there is the potential for a game-breaking play from the Alabama defense.

Why Not: Tiger Stadium

While it is a rare non-night game in Tiger Stadium, it is still a tough place to play, especially in big games. Alabama is in the bottom half nationally in penalties per game at 7.1, and are one of the worst in the country on the road with 9.3 per game (tenth-most) away from Bryant-Denny. Three weeks ago on the road in their loss to Tennessee, Alabama was penalized 10 times for 68 yards. They have at least eight penalties in all three road games this season. That problem is exacerbated, as it was against Tennessee, if starting center Racin Delgatty is unable to go.

Why: Alabama's success against Lane Kiffin

Alabama has had Lane Kiffin's number throughout his career. In fact, Lane Kiffin is looking for his first win over Alabama as he comes into this game 0-5 against the Tide. He went 0-4 against Alabama while at Ole Miss, and had previously lost to the Tide while at Tennessee. While this is arguably the most talented team that Kiffin has had while facing Alabama, history is on Alabama's side when facing Lane Kiffin.

Why Not: LSU's pass rush

LSU boasts one of the nation's best pass rushes with 34 sacks on the season. They lead the nation in both sacks per game and sack percentage. They are led by Princewell Umanmielen who ranks fifth nationally and second in the SEC with 8.5 sacks on the year. He's not the only threat for the Tigers however as Jordan Ross and Deuce Geralds both also have five sacks apiece. With the injuries Alabama is dealing with the offensive line, LSU's pass rush could have a big day and help lead the Tigers to victory.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: 3 reasons why Alabama will defeat LSU in Week 10 clash, 3 why not