LSU vs. Alabama is a game that most college football fans have circled on their calendar.

But there was something different about this game that had Gump Nation a tad skittish.

LSU had fired its coach Brian Kelly immediately after the Tigers got run out of their stadium by Texas A&M. And with a new coach in town, as well as a bye week to get situated, there was a concern that this was a trap game for the Tide.

After the first quarter, it looked like it.

Alabama only led by the score of 3-0, and quarterback Ty Simpson only completed three passes out of eight tries for just 56 yards.

But in the end, it was the Crimson Tide that pulled away with a 20-9 victory, mostly in ugly fashion, and we came away with a few takeaways from last night’s game.

Ty Simpson Wasn’t Himself

Perhaps it was just a result of LSU’s stifling defense, as it has one of the best secondaries in the country. But apart from the second quarter, Simpson showcased poor accuracy, something we’re not used to seeing from him.

Simpson had his second worst outing on the field, completing passes at a 60% rate, and had a big fumble in the first play of the fourth quarter. At the time, the ball was on Alabama’s own 38 yard line, and it resulted in an LSU field goal.

Throwing for the long ball was a constant struggle, as he only completed two out of six passes in attempts over six throws.

Even Simpson knew it was a weakness in his game.

“Kind of brutal to be honest with you,” Simpson said. “There were a couple that were underthrown. There were a couple that were overthrown. Just kind of didn’t find a great rhythm. Being honest. That’s something that we need to work on in practice.” 

Run Game Couldn’t Get Going

It was on our keys to the game earlier – Alabama needed to run the ball at a high level.

The difference is, it did not. 

We’re starting to approach the territory that Jam Miller isn’t worthy of being the lead running back anymore.

Will he get benched? That’s a different story since he’s among the team’s veterans, but after running for just 13 yards on eight attempts, it’s just unacceptable for a program with National Championship aspirations.

In his previous three games, Miller has only run for 54 yards on 30 carries, which is good enough for 1.8 yards per carry.

Sophomore running back Daniel Hill was fine, with a rushing touchdown, but he only averaged three yards per carry.

It makes you wonder, can true freshman running back AK Dear get an opportunity? We don’t know how he’s done in practice, but he did have an eye-popping 56-yard rushing touchdown in Week 3 against UL-Monroe.

No running back has truly separated themselves from the pack. While Hill has been solid and Kevin Riley has popped in glimpses, we haven’t received consistent play from anyone in the backfield.

Difference Makers on Defense

The defense was buzzing all night, not allowing a touchdown all game and limiting LSU to just three field goals. They also forced the Tigers to bench starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for backup Michael Van Buren.

There were situations where Tiger running back Harlem Berry made an explosive play or two, but the Tide managed to keep LSU out of their endzone.

Here at BamaRoundtable, we have been waving the Yhonzae Pierre flag all season.

Pierre has been everything the Crimson Tide has needed and more as their premier pass rusher. Last night, he recorded two sacks, including a forced fumble that London Simmons recovered.

Not only that, it was Pierre’s best game according to PFF, with a season high 82.9 grade and 84.2 pass rush grade.

Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green seemed to have his best game all season, posting an Alabama-best 92.4 PFF defensive grade with a forced fumble and recovery.

In the secondary, defensive backs Bray Hubbard and Dijon Lee were exceptional in coverage, with Hubbard forcing a fumble, while both he and Lee each registered a pass breakup.