Red-zone efficiency drives Alabama’s 31-13 win at LSU

Alabama separated from LSU through red-zone execution, turning a nearly even efficiency matchup into a 31-13 road victory. Roll Bama Roll’s analysis calculated a 67% success rate for the Crimson Tide in the red zone, compared with 20% for the Tigers.

After removing garbage time with the standard SP+ method, Alabama finished with a 45.5% success rate and LSU posted 45.8%. The Tide’s second-quarter offense helped keep the efficiency numbers close before a fourth-quarter surge created scoreboard separation.

Fourth-down results supplied another major swing. Alabama did not attempt a fourth down, while LSU finished 0-for-4. The Crimson Tide also recorded four sacks to LSU’s two. On the ground, Alabama held narrow advantages with 79 yards to 77 and 2.7 yards per carry to 2.3.

Short-yardage performance was particularly important for an Alabama offense that did not produce consistently on the ground. The Tide recorded successful results on six of eight plays needing fewer than 4 yards, including four runs and two passes. The offense had a 41% rushing rate before its final clock-burning possession.

Tight ends gave Keelon Russell several answers in the passing game. Kaleb Edwards produced two explosive catches and another successful reception, including the late touchdown that helped seal the win. Before leaving late with an injury whose status was still to be determined, Josh Ford made two key catches. Marshall Pritchett’s two receptions did not qualify as successful gains.

With nearly even overall success rates, Alabama gained its scoring advantage through Ryan Grubb’s offense finishing drives more effectively. Kane Wommack’s defense repeatedly denied LSU when the field shortened or fourth down arrived.

Why it matters

Alabama turned nearly even overall success rates into an 18-point win by controlling the highest-impact situations. Red-zone execution, short-yardage success and LSU’s 0-for-4 fourth-down result supplied the separation.

What to watch next

Josh Ford’s injury status was still to be determined after he left the game late.