Jalen Milroe Leads Alabama to 42-28 Win Over LSU, Crimson Tide Closer to SEC West Title
BATON ROUGE, La. — Jalen Milroe put on a performance for the ages on Saturday night, accounting for five total touchdowns — four rushing and one passing — as No. 8 Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC) defeated No. 13 LSU (6-3, 4-2 SEC) 42-28 in a game that kept the Tide’s SEC West title hopes and College Football Playoff dreams alive.
Milroe’s dynamic play, combined with a balanced team effort and a crucial defensive stop in the fourth quarter, helped Alabama pick up its seventh consecutive victory. The win also avenged last season's devastating 32-31 overtime loss to LSU, with the Crimson Tide now just a few steps away from clinching the division.
Milroe Shines in Dual-Threat Showdown
The stage was set for a clash of Heisman-caliber quarterbacks, as Milroe and LSU's Jayden Daniels both dazzled in a high-stakes duel. Milroe was the star of the show, finishing the game with 155 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground, while also passing for 219 yards and a touchdown. His four rushing touchdowns set an Alabama single-game record for rushing TDs by a quarterback.
"I just wanted to set the tone throughout the game," Milroe said after the game. "When it's a play like that, you just try to make the most of it. I had a lot of fun on that play."
His 28-yard run in the second quarter, where he ran over LSU safety Javien Toviano, was a signature moment that energized the Tide and set the tone for the rest of the game. Milroe’s ability to stretch the field with both his legs and arm kept the LSU defense on its heels all night.
Jayden Daniels’ Injury Clouds LSU’s Effort
For much of the game, LSU’s Daniels was able to match Milroe’s brilliance, passing for 219 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 163 yards and a score. He opened the game with a 46-yard touchdown strike to Malik Nabers, the nation’s leading receiver, but was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter after a hard hit from Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner.
The hit drew a roughing-the-passer penalty, but Daniels was briefly evaluated in the medical tent and did not return to the game. LSU head coach Brian Kelly later confirmed that Daniels had sustained a head injury, though it was unclear if it was a concussion. His absence for the final stretch of the game proved costly for the Tigers, who had already been battling a physical Alabama team all night.
"Obviously, we have to put him through more testing before I can accurately say that it was a concussion or not," Kelly said. "But they cleared him initially, and then when they looked at him again, they felt like he wasn't prepared to go back into the game and held him out."
Alabama’s Defense Makes Key Plays
While the game featured some explosive offensive plays, it was a critical defensive stop in the fourth quarter that ultimately sealed the victory for Alabama. With LSU trailing by just one touchdown, Carson Beck’s pass was deflected by Dallas Turner and intercepted by Terrion Arnold, setting up a 10-yard touchdown run by Jase McClellan to give Alabama a two-score lead.
Although Garrett Nussmeier took over for Daniels and moved LSU into Alabama territory in the final moments, it was too little, too late for the Tigers. Alabama's defense, led by Turner and Arnold, showed the resilience that has become a hallmark of Nick Saban’s teams.
Alabama Controls the Clock
One of the most impressive aspects of Alabama's victory was its ability to dominate the time of possession, keeping LSU's explosive offense off the field. The Tide rushed for 288 yards as a team and converted 11 of 14 third-down attempts. Running back Roydell Williams added a touchdown, and the offensive line paved the way for Milroe to continue his strong rushing performance. Alabama’s ability to control the clock and sustain long drives helped neutralize LSU’s offensive firepower, keeping Jayden Daniels and the Tigers’ offense from gaining any real momentum in the second half.
Historical Milestones and Impressive Performances
In addition to Milroe’s dominant performance, Alabama also saw kicker Will Reichard make history. In the third quarter, Reichard became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer among kickers, surpassing the previous record of 499 points set by Austin Seibert of Oklahoma. The milestone was a testament to Reichard’s consistency and impact over his career.
For LSU, despite the loss, there were still some bright spots. Malik Nabers had a standout performance with 10 receptions for 171 yards, including the aforementioned 46-yard touchdown catch. But it wasn't enough to offset the toll of Daniels’ injury and Alabama’s relentless offense.
Takeaways and Playoff Implications
LSU: The Tigers have now suffered three losses but showed they can still compete with the best. Despite the injury to Daniels, LSU managed 478 total yards, and coach Brian Kelly will need to ensure his team bounces back quickly. LSU will have a three-game homestand to close out the season, starting with a matchup against Florida next week.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide’s victory keeps them on track for a possible SEC West title and a return to the SEC Championship Game. The win also moves Alabama closer to locking up a playoff spot, as they continue to ride a seven-game win streak after a tough loss to Texas in Week 2. Alabama needs a Mississippi loss or a win against Kentucky or Auburn to officially clinch the division.
Up Next:
LSU: Hosts Florida in the first of three straight home games to close the regular season.
Alabama: Visits Kentucky next week, with two of their final three regular-season games on the road.
Alabama’s win over LSU on Saturday night not only cemented Milroe’s place as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC but also kept the Tide’s playoff hopes alive. With the victory, Alabama has proven it is a team that can weather the toughest challenges and is now just one step away from securing a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
Author
Cameron Williams
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Senior Writer
