The No. 14 LSU Tigers had a major opportunity on Saturday afternoon to secure a top-five victory over the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide on their home field at Tiger Stadium.
However, it was all Alabama. Despite an unusual statistical game that saw LSU record more yards and 14 more first downs, the Crimson Tide won 31-13 to move to 7-2 on the season, while the Tigers are now 6-3.
The Crimson Tide were led by star freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who at times has shown some of his youth in big games on the road. Yet, he was the best player on the field Saturday.
He finished the game completing 17-of-24 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns while rushing eight times for 25 yards.
Lane Kiffin Makes Strong Statement on Russell
Speaking after the game, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin had some strong words when asked what he saw from Russell’s performance against his team.
“I thought he played really well right from the beginning,” Kiffin said. “We had a hard time getting him on the ground and catching him and he outran us a number of times you know, for first downs, for very critical plays. I thought we had a lot of stuff covered at times throughout the game and then he took of running… he was really good. Said all week if you don’t get him to the ground and you let him extend plays you know he played really well.”
Lane Kiffin tipping his cap to Alabama QB Keelon Russell following the LSU loss to Bama
#LSU #Bama #GeauxTigers https://t.co/HBr7bb3fI5
— 104.5 ESPN (@1045espn) November 8, 2026
Kalen DeBoer Speaks About Russell’s Performance
Also praising Russell for how he played and his toughness throughout the game was his own head coach, Kalen DeBoer.
“Yeah, the guys tough. It doesn’t surprise me because I’ve seen it before with him… it wasn’t just tonight I’ve seen it throughout the course of the year at different times. I thought he did just a great job of staying focused and locked in,” DeBoer said. “The things that we’ve talked about, all of us, trying to do to much at times… but I thought he did a great job just running and managing the offense and making plays when he had the chance.”
LSU’s Lane Kiffin Makes Strong Statement on Alabama QB Keelon Russell After Loss