Alabama QB Keelon Russell Just Sent a Resounding Message

The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the LSU Tigers by a score of 31-13 on Saturday, preserving their place in the College Football Playoff field and likely putting the kibosh on Lane Kiffin's chances in the process.

While there is a whole lot of credit to go around for Alabama's huge win, we need to give Keelon Russell is flowers above all.

In an incredibly hostile environment in an extraordinarily high-pressure situation, Russell was unfazed, going 17-for-24 with 206 yards and three touchdowns. He also did not turn the ball over, which had become a big problem for Russell in recent weeks.

There were serious questions about Russell following his uneven performances against Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Overall, most people understood because of the fact that Russell is in his first season as a starter.

But given that Alabama is perpetually in win-now mode, there were concerns about whether or not Russell had what it took to lead the Crimson Tide on a potential CFP run as soon as this year.

On Saturday, Russell answered the bell, especially once 'Bama fell behind 13-10 late in the third quarter.

At that point, the sophomore signal-caller did not have a single touchdown pass. He then responded by leading Alabama on a 21-0 run, throwing a trio of touchdown tosses to guide the Tide to a pivotal SEC victory.

Had 'Bama lost this game, you can bet that the Russell critics would have emerged. Sure, the Kalen DeBoer bashers would have been front and center, but Russell's doubters would not have been far behind.

Thankfully, Russell staved all of that off.

It certainly isn't the first time the former five-star prospect has come alive in the second half. He did it against Kentucky back in Week 2, and that road win certainly looks a lot better now than it did at the time.

Russell still has a whole lot to learn, but there is no question his ability to lead his team back in the second half on the road once again opened up a whole lot of eyes.

This was the toughest game Alabama had remaining on its regular-season schedule. It does not have a single ranked opponent left, as it will take on Vanderbilt, Chattanooga and Auburn over its final three games of the campaign.

And now, it's looking more and more like a rematch with Georgia in the SEC Championship Game could be on tap. With Russell leading the way.