It wasn’t pretty.

It wasn’t dominant.

But it was a win.

On a cold November night in Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama outlasted LSU 20–9 in a gritty, defensive slugfest. It was LSU’s first game since firing head coach Brian Kelly. For the Crimson Tide, it was more of a survive-and-advance kind of night than a statement win.

Defensively, Alabama carried the load.

The Tide forced two LSU fumbles and smothered the Tigers’ offense when it mattered most.

Senior linebacker Deontae Lawson led the charge with nine total tackles (five solo), anchoring a defense that refused to break. Justin Jefferson added seven tackles (four solo), while safety Bray Hubbard contributed five tackles (four solo) and a key pass deflection.

And then there was Yhonzae Pierre, who delivered one of his best games in an Alabama uniform. He had two solo tackles, two sacks, and two tackles for loss, constantly pressuring LSU’s quarterbacks and igniting the Tide sideline.

The same can’t be said for the offense.

Quarterback Ty Simpson finished 21-of-35 for 277 yards and one touchdown, but it was far from his sharpest performance. He looked somewhat uncomfortable in the pocket, at times visibly frustrated, even slapping his helmet after a missed throw, and the rhythm never came. The confidence Alabama fans have grown used to seeing just wasn’t there.

Maybe it was the bye week?

Maybe it was just an off game? 

Not sure. 

But it was a struggle offensively in more way than one. 

Then there was the run game... or lack thereof. Alabama posted just 56 total rushing yards, its worst rushing performance of the season. The line struggled to open lanes, and the backs couldn’t find daylight. Simply put, it was an embarrassing showing for a program that prides itself on physicality, and having a dominant running game.

A win is a win.

But man… that was a struggle.

Still, the Tide’s defense answered the call when it mattered most, bending but never breaking, and closing out a game that easily could’ve slipped away.

If Alabama plays like this next week against Oklahoma, they won’t be so lucky.

The Sooners come to Tuscaloosa with one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, and the Tide can’t afford another night of offensive inconsistency.

For now, Alabama escapes.

But if they want to stay in the playoff conversation, they’ll have to do more than just survive.

They'll have to thrive.