No. 9 Alabama turned a late scare into a statement win on Saturday, November 7, 2026, storming back with 21 unanswered points to beat No. 15 LSU 31-13 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The Alabama LSU 31-13 final capped a top-15 SEC showdown with major College Football Playoff stakes, as sophomore quarterback Keelon Russell threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to erase LSU's only lead of the night.

Alabama improved to 7-2 while LSU fell to 6-3. For the second straight game between the teams in Baton Rouge, Tiger Stadium emptied early in the fourth quarter, and head coach Kalen DeBoer improved to 3-0 against LSU at Alabama. The Crimson Tide have not lost to the Tigers since 2022.

Key Points

• Alabama scored 21 unanswered points after LSU took a 13-10 lead late in the third quarter.
• Keelon Russell finished 17 of 24 for 206 yards and three touchdowns, all in the fourth quarter, adding 25 rushing yards.
• LSU turned the ball over six times: an interception, four failed fourth-down attempts and a muffed punt.
• Kalen DeBoer improved to 3-0 against LSU at Alabama; the Tide have not lost to LSU since 2022.
• Alabama's defence held LSU scoreless in the fourth quarter.

What Happened

Alabama struck first, driving 50 yards in nine plays before Conor Talty kicked a 43-yard field goal. LSU answered with a 14-play, 70-yard drive, tying the game on a 23-yard field goal from Scott Starzyk, and the first quarter ended 3-3. Kiffin chose to kick to open the second quarter, and Starzyk missed from 56 yards. Alabama made the Tigers pay, driving 62 yards in 11 plays before Ryan Coleman-Williams scored on a one-yard run for a 10-3 lead.

The Crimson Tide defence then delivered two huge stops inside its own 10-yard line, and linebacker Luke Metz intercepted Sam Leavitt in the final minute of the half. Alabama led 10-3 at the break despite being outgained 209-143. LSU roared back after halftime: Starzyk kicked a 41-yard field goal, then Dilin Jones scored on a five-yard run after an 11-play, 90-yard drive to give the Tigers their first lead, 13-10, with 2:44 left in the third quarter.

It was the only lead LSU would hold. Russell hit Rico Scott for a 57-yard gain on the next drive, then found Josh Ford for a seven-yard touchdown with 40 seconds left in the third quarter to retake the lead at 17-13. From there, the fourth quarter belonged entirely to Alabama.

Background and Context

Saturday's meeting was one of the biggest games of the Week 10 slate. Alabama arrived ranked No. 9 at 6-2, while No. 15 LSU stood at 6-2 with the backing of the home crowd and the oddsmakers, who had made the Tigers six-point favourites. The winner would keep its College Football Playoff hopes intact; the loser would face a steep climb with little margin for error.

The rivalry has been one of the fiercest in the SEC for two decades, and recent history has tilted Alabama's way. DeBoer had beaten LSU in both of his previous meetings with the Tigers, and Alabama had not lost to LSU since 2022. For LSU, the game was a chance to defend Tiger Stadium at night, one of the most feared environments in college football.

Alabama LSU 31-13: How the Crimson Tide Took Over

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter, in all three phases. Alabama's defence stuffed Dilin Jones on third-and-one, forcing LSU to punt from its own end zone. Ryan Coleman-Williams fielded the punt at the Alabama 43, made a gunner miss and returned it 32 yards to the Tiger 25. One snap later, Russell faked a pass to the flat and fired deep to freshman reserve receiver Cederian Morgan, who hauled in a 25-yard touchdown. Morgan had just one catch all season before the play.

The score made it 24-13, Alabama's first two-possession lead, and the stadium began to empty. LSU's next drive ended on downs at its own 18 after sacks from Yhonzae Pierre and Devan Thompkins, and Russell found tight end Kaleb Edwards for a four-yard touchdown, his third scoring pass of the quarter, to make it 31-13 with 6:23 to play. Alabama stopped LSU on fourth down again at the seven, and Noah Rogers recovered a muffed punt with 2:41 left to seal the win.

Reactions

The loudest reaction came from the stands, or rather their absence: Tiger Stadium began emptying midway through the fourth quarter as Alabama's 21-point run turned a tight contest into a comfortable road win. Alabama fans who had made the trip were still on their feet at the final whistle.

On the field, the story was Alabama's composure. Outgained for much of the night and trailing late in the third quarter, the Tide never panicked. Russell played his best football when the game was on the line, while LSU's mistakes, four failed fourth downs, a missed 56-yard field goal, an interception and a muffed punt, mattered more than its yardage.

Why It Matters

The result reshapes the SEC race and the playoff picture. Alabama, now 7-2, controls its own path to the playoff with three regular-season games left, and a road win over a ranked rival in a hostile stadium is exactly the kind of result the selection committee weighs heavily.

For LSU, the loss drops the Tigers to 6-3 and almost certainly ends their realistic playoff hopes. A team that entered the week ranked No. 12 in the first playoff rankings now faces playing out the season for a New Year's Six bowl at best.

What Happens Next

Alabama will look to carry its fourth-quarter momentum into the final stretch, with its playoff path firmly in its own hands. Russell's breakout performance gives the offence new confidence, and the defence's second-half shutout is a statement of its own.

LSU must regroup quickly. The Tigers still have winnable games ahead, but the margin for error is gone, and the staff must fix the turnover problem that cost them on Saturday. They will also hope to get injured starters such as Whit Weeks back on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Alabama vs LSU?
Alabama beat LSU 31-13 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, scoring 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Who was Alabama's quarterback against LSU?
Sophomore Keelon Russell, who finished 17 of 24 for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

How many turnovers did LSU commit?
Six: a Sam Leavitt interception, four failed fourth-down attempts and a muffed punt.

What is Kalen DeBoer's record against LSU?
DeBoer is now 3-0 against LSU as Alabama's head coach, and Alabama has not lost to the Tigers since 2022.

What does the win mean for Alabama's playoff hopes?
At 7-2, Alabama controls its own path to the College Football Playoff, while the loss drops LSU to 6-3.

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