TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In a game that didn’t feature a single touchdown, No. 1 LSU defeated No. 2 Alabama 9-6 on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Here’s an instant analysis:
How the game was won: LSU’s defense made one stand after another, giving up some yardage between the 20s during the game, but stiffening any time Alabama would get close. And then in overtime, the Tigers won it on Drew Alleman’s 25-yard field goal. Alabama had the ball first in overtime, but quarterback AJ McCarron was sacked on third down, and Cade Foster’s 52-yard field goal attempt was no good. Alabama missed four field goals in the game, all from long distance.
Turning point: The Crimson Tide were driving midway through the fourth quarter thanks to a spectacular 24-yard run by Trent Richardson down to the LSU 28-yard line. On the next play, the Crimson Tide had receiver Marquis Maze throw a pass out of the Wildcat formation, and it was intercepted at the 1 by LSU’s Eric Reid.
Stat of the game: Neither team scored a touchdown. LSU has now gone its past five games without allowing the opposition to score more than 11 points.
Unsung hero: LSU punter Brad Wing kept Alabama pinned in deep all game and then launched a 73-yard punt in the fourth quarter to completely change the field position. Two of Wing’s punts were downed inside the 5.
Best call: The Tigers’ option play in overtime to Michael Ford, who popped open to the left side and put Alleman in position for his game-winner.
What it means: LSU now moves into the driver’s seat to play in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game. The Tigers still have two SEC games remaining against Ole Miss and Arkansas. Ole Miss is on the road and Arkansas at home. For Alabama, it’s going to be difficult to climb back into the race. The Crimson Tide will need a lot of help. LSU’s win also keeps Arkansas in the hunt. If the Hogs can beat the Tigers the last weekend of the regular season, it could create a three-way tie, and the highest ranked team in the BCS standings would go to the SEC championship game.