The LSU Tigers are facing off against the Alabama Crimson Tide this weekend, finally getting back to the football of it all after the circus that has ensued since firing head coach Brian Kelly.

There is some uncertainty around what the Tigers' offense will look like with Alex Atkins taking over play-calling duties from Joe Sloan. The defense should look similar, but the team's vibe overall will be an unknown factor.

 What won't be a mystery is the Crimson Tide approach. Unlike LSU, Alabama has a set identity and are rolling. Here are some names from teams that will be important to watch, as they could end up as game-wreckers on the Crimson Tide sideline:

QB Ty Simpson

Simpson has been waiting in the wings since 2022 and finally got his chance this year. He's been fantastic this season.

The redshirt junior has completed 67.8% of his passes for 2,184 yards, 20 touchdowns and an interception. He leads the conference in passing efficiency rating. He can run a little bit, but doesn't really use his legs at all.

It feels weird to say this, because duh, but he is just talented at throwing the football. He hits tight windows and makes NFL-level plays. 

He's a dominant mid-deep ball thrower, so this should be a good test on the vaunted Tigers secondary. Both corners and safeties are going to be tested consistently.

EDGEs Yhonzae Pierre and LT Overton

Pierre and Overton are worth talking about at the same time, because LSU will have to worry about both coming off the edge. The Tigers' offensive tackles have been a great weakness this season, especially following the injury to Tyree Adams.

Overton is the big first-round projected EDGE rusher for Alabama this season. He's 6-foot-5 and 278 pounds, strong and solidly athletic for his size. He can also line up in several different ways, which can be difficult for young tackles to keep up with and react to.

Pierre has been the Crimson Tide's most effective EDGE defender this year. Pro Football Focus has credited him with 30 pressures against the pass and 19 stops in the run game. He's smaller and quicker than Overton, which could create a nightmare for LSU.

WR Germie Bernard

Ryan Williams had all of the hype entering the year, but Bernard has been more effective. He'll get the ball in several different ways in this offense, very quickly.

He leads Alabama in all receiving categories with 38 catches, 526 yards and six touchdowns. He also has 15 carries for 94 yards and is tied for the team lead with two touchdowns.

Bernard is a fantastic athlete and can pretty much do it all. He has the size at 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds, can make contested catches and can make something out of nothing on screens.

Even if the Tigers corners shut him down on their reps against him, they will find ways to get Bernard involved.