LSU prepares to face No. 1 Crimson Tide during bye week

The LSU Tigers seem to have found their rhythm in the middle of the season, and are now No. 23 in the NCAA College Football Rankings.

The Tigers are entering their bye week coming off a 40-24 win against Ole Miss. Running back Derrius Guice ran for a season-high 276 yards and a touchdown to add to the Tigers win. LSU has won three straight conference games and are looking for their fourth. Head coach Ed Orgeron says that his team is in need of a break. After a pleasing performance against Ole Miss, Orgeron believes that a bye week is just what the Tigers need before taking on Alabama.

Orgeron is expecting a full roster, with Arden Key returning to the field. The junior linebacker took a leave of absence earlier this Spring, recovering from a shoulder injury. Key is one of the top defenders in college football, finishing second in the SEC with 12 sacks last season. Orgeron stated that he plans for Derrius Guice to play against Alabama, despite not dressing out in practice this week. The reigning offensive player of the week is taking the time to rest his leg after an impressive performance against Ole Miss.

What’s Next

Next on the schedule, the Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama on November 4. Orgeron states that his players are motivated and ready to put up big plays.

The top ranked Crimson Tide is currently undefeated and are also going into a bye week before the rivalry. This matchup dates back to 1895 with a 12-6 LSU win in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and have been playing each other on an annual basis since 1964. Alabama has won 6 straight in the most recent years against LSU and are seeking for a seventh. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.

Alabama-LSU game will kickoff at 7 pm CT on Nov. 4.https://t.co/b5pOWBVYZq#RollTide

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 23, 2017