LSU Takes Down Alabama for First Win Over Tide Since 2011

LSU outlasted Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night to earn its first win over the rival Tide since 2011.

Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

No. 2 LSU outlasted No. 3 Alabama 46–41 in an instant classic in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night to beat the Crimson Tide for the first time since 2011.

With 1:21 remaining on the clock, Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa connected with DeVonta Smith on an 85-yard pass to narrow the Tigers' lead. However, the Tide's late efforts weren't enough to catch up to LSU.

DEVONTA SMITH IS A BURNER 🏎

Game isn't over yet.

(via @CBSSports)pic.twitter.com/hP9iEuhXH8

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 10, 2019

Despite being ranked behind the Tigers, the Tide entered the game favored to win the rivalry matchup. However, LSU scored first with a touchdown halfway through the first quarter and held the lead throughout the entire game.

The Tigers added three TDs and a field goal in the second quarter and entered halftime ahead 33–13. LSU's 33 points were the most scored in a single half against Alabama under Nick Saban, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Alabama added a touchdown in the third quarter and another score early in the fourth to cut down LSU's lead to 33–27. Both teams traded pairs of touchdowns, and despite the Tide's late score, the Tigers survived to cut off Alabama's seven-year winning streak in the rivalry. 

In what many consider to be the game of the year, Heisman Trophy candidate Joe Burrow added to his strong campaign by finishing the night 31-for-39 with 393 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also added 64 yards on the ground for a total of 457.

Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire also starred for the Tigers, running for three touchdowns across 103 yards. He put the finishing touches on LSU's big win with a powerful 7-yard end zone run late in the fourth quarter.

Tagovailoa tallied 418 yards, four touchdowns and an interception while going 21-for-40. The junior signal-caller, who was a game-time decision for Saturday's match after suffering a high ankle sprain against Tennessee on Oct. 20, was limping by the end of the contest.

LSU improved to 9–0 and will travel to play Ole Miss next week. Alabama earned their first loss of the season (8–1) before facing Mississippi State.