First half takeaways from Alabama football at LSU

3 days ago

WBRC

BATON ROUGE, La. (WBRC) - No. 11 Alabama is leading No. 15 LSU 21-6 at halftime in a game that has major College Football Playoff implications.

Here are three takeaways from what we saw on the field in Baton Rouge over the first 30 minutes of action.

STARTING FAST: Alabama spoke all week about how a strong start would be critical to its success in Death Valley. After a false start backed the Tide up on their first play from scrimmage, quarterback Jalen Milroe led the team down the field and capped the opening drive with a 39-yard touchdown run. Unlike the losses at Vanderbilt and at Tennessee, the Tide scored on their first possession of the game.

That fast start led to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter and kept the LSU crowd out of the game.

DEFENSE GETTING OFF THE FIELD: This has been a problem for Alabama in big moments this season. So far, it hasn‘t been a problem in this high-stakes game. LSU’s offense is 2-for-6 on third downs. And midway through the third quarter, The Tide held the Tigers offense to a field goal when it looked like Garrett Nussmeier and the LSU offense were really getting things going.

CLOSING THE DEAL: Even though Alabama has a 15 point lead, this game is far from over. Do I even have to remind you what nearly happened in the Georgia game earlier this season. And by the way, the Tigers receive the kickoff to begin the second half.

That being said, you really couldn’t have scripted a better first half for Alabama. Milroe threw for 97 yards and rushed for 98 more. If that continues, Milroe will be back in the race for the Heisman and Alabama will be back in the contention to make the SEC Championship Game.

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