Jalen Milroe's dominant performance powers No. 11 Alabama to a 42-13 victory over No. 15 LSU.

 

No. 11 Alabama significantly bolstered its College Football Playoff hopes with a decisive 42-13 victory over No. 15 LSU on Saturday night. Central to Alabama's win was quarterback Jalen Milroe, who showcased his dual-threat capabilities with four rushing touchdowns. Milroe's explosive runs exposed LSU’s defensive vulnerabilities, echoing issues from their prior loss to Texas A&M when they struggled against a mobile quarterback.

Milroe started the game with a 39-yard touchdown that set the tone for Alabama’s offensive strategy. Throughout the game, his speed and escapability proved crucial, culminating in a game-sealing 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. By the end, Milroe accumulated 185 rushing yards on just 12 carries, highlighting his efficiency and dominance. With Alabama comfortably ahead, Milroe watched the final minutes from the bench, a testament to the Crimson Tide’s strong performance.

LSU’s defensive issues were evident again, as they failed to contain Alabama's designed quarterback runs. Just two weeks earlier, Texas A&M's Marcel Reed exposed similar weaknesses when he led touchdown drives on four consecutive possessions, three of which he scored on quarterback runs. That game laid a blueprint for Alabama’s offensive approach, which Milroe executed perfectly.

Offensively, LSU struggled to respond. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier had a tough outing, hindered by rainy conditions and Alabama’s defensive pressure. Nussmeier threw two interceptions, including a crucial one at the goal line on LSU’s first drive of the second half when Alabama led 21-6. This turnover was particularly costly as it marked the second time LSU failed to score a touchdown after driving inside Alabama’s 10-yard line. Their earlier trip to the red zone resulted in only a field goal after reaching the 6-yard line.

While Alabama’s playoff prospects remain alive, LSU’s third loss effectively ends their playoff hopes. The Tigers started the season with a disappointing loss to USC, which now looks even worse as USC’s own struggles continue. With a probable 9-3 finish, LSU is unlikely to make the expanded postseason.

Milroe’s performance has reignited discussions about the Heisman Trophy. Although frontrunners include Colorado’s Travis Hunter, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Miami’s Cam Ward, and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Milroe's resurgence and Alabama’s playoff push could make him a dark horse candidate. Despite being an underdog, Milroe’s 16 rushing touchdowns and 13 passing TDs are impressive enough to keep him in the conversation as a potential Heisman finalist.