Here are the takeaways from LSU’s loss to Alabama

LSU vs Alabama is a series that has played out each season since 1964. The Tigers have not been that successful against the Crimson Tide in recent years, and Saturday night in Bryant-Denny Stadium was more of the same for LSU in a 20-9 loss to Alabama in Frank Wilson’s debut as LSU’s head coach.

First-half takeaways

No offense: LSU could not find a rhythm on offense against the defense of Alabama. The Tigers spent the first half focusing on the section of the playbook that calls for screen passes.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was dinking and dunking in the first half and averaged just five yards per pass play in the first half.

Rushing attack: When a rushing play was called, the Crimson Tide defense ate it up for short gains or loss of yards. The Tigers rushed for only 55 yards in the first half and averaged north of four yards per carry.

The LSU running game was an opportunity to maybe catch Alabama sleeping, considering LSU has not run the ball with authority all season.

Penalties: These hurt the Tigers in the first half, committing three for 30 yards. These infractions killed positive plays and set up Alabama for scoring opportunities, including a pass interference call on PJ Woodland that set up Alabama on first and goal.

By contrast, Alabama committed zero penalties and zero turnovers in the first half. Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson passed for 210 yards and a touchdown to Ryan Williams and averaged 10 yards per pass play in the first 30 minutes.

TY SIMPSON OFF HIS BACK FOOT TO RYAN WILLIAMS FOR THE TD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MlWutg9BUr

— ESPN (@espn) November 9, 2025

Explosive plays: Alabama recorded four pass plays that covered 30+ yards or more. LSU had a 37-yard run by Harlem Berry.

Scoring: LSU could not find the end zone and had to settle for a Damian Ramos field goal.

Second-half takeaways

Nussmeier benched: LSU coach Frank Wilson sent starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in favor of the shifty Michael Van Buren. Van Buren was 2-for-4 for 16 yards and rushed twice for 12 yards in the third quarter, and finished the game 5-of-11 passing for 52 yards and no touchdowns.

Nussmeier was 18-of-21 for 121 yards and no touchdowns.

Clock management: LSU had to burn a timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty, which left the Tigers with just one timeout for the remainder of the game. This issue raised its ugly head in the first half as well.

Penalties: LSU was their own worst enemy with penalties, especially on offense. The Tigers committed a total of 10 penalties for 74 yards, including five false-start infractions.

Scoring: The Tigers were held out of the end zone and were forced to settle for two field goals.

Play calling: From new offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, two straight running plays from their own 2-yard line and an incompletion that forced a punt from LSU’s own end zone just will not cut it.

Drops: LSU had four dropped passes, including two in the fourth quarter that could have gone for big yardage.

Final Thoughts

LSU has no identity on offense. They cannot run the ball with any dominance (64 yards tonight) and their vertical passing game is inconsistent (longest pass play was 20 yards). LSU had a bye week to prepare for their greatest rivalry game and all they could muster is three field goals.

Lack of discipline, failure to execute from a fundamental standpoint, no creativity in play calling to take advantage of team speed at the offensive skill positions. In one game, that sums up the LSU 2025 season.

LSU falls to 5-4 on the season and will welcome Arkansas into Death Valley next Saturday. Alabama improves to 8-1 and remains unbeaten in Southeastern Conference play and they will host Oklahoma next Saturday.