It’s not a trophy game, but it’s still a dang good rivalry. This Saturday, the LSU Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the #4 ranked Crimson Tide fresh off the firing of Brian Kelly. Because of the new SEC scheduling that starts in 2026, this is the last yearly meeting for these two programs, putting a pause in one of the fiercest rivalries in the SEC and the country, especially in recent years. Let’s dive into the history of what’s built this rivalry into what it is.
Tale of the Tape
Commonly known as the “First Saturday in November” (although it’s being played on the second Saturday this year), this rivalry started all the way back in 1895, kicking off with a 12-6 win by LSU, but wasn’t played annually until 1964. There have been 89 total meetings, and Alabama holds a 57-27-5 lead, in addition to the longest win streak, with eleven wins from 1971-1981. Interestingly enough, Alabama didn’t start consistently playing their home games in Tuscaloosa until 1988, originally playing in Birmingham at Legion Field.
The Saban Bowl
Nick Saban deserves a lot of credit for why this rivalry has come on so strong in recent years. Saban went 48-16 in his five years at LSU, winning the national championship in 2003 before leaving to give the NFL a shot. After coming back to the college game in 2007, he went a whopping 206-29 with Alabama, winning six national championships, including a 13-5 record against LSU, and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Leading up to his first game against LSU, the media dubbed the game “The Saban Bowl,” and the rivalry has not disappointed since. With the Crimson Tide as a top five team on a yearly basis, and LSU staying consistent as an SEC contender, it has been an elite matchup year in and year out for the better part of the last two decades. Since 2005, there have been SEVEN top five matchups between the two, including the national championship in 2012.
The 2011 Season
In 2011, #1 ranked LSU travelled to Tuscaloosa to take on #2 ranked Alabama, and it was an absolute rock fight. Neither team eclipsed 300 total yards in the game. LSU relied on the run, getting to 148 total rushing yards led by RB Michael Ford and QB Jordan Jefferson (older brother of NFL star and former Tiger Justin Jefferson). Trent Richardson carried the Crimson Tide with 89 rushing yards and 80 receiving yards, but neither team could get in the endzone. A fourth quarter field goal by LSU tied it up 6-6, and they clinched the win with a field goal in overtime, narrowly escaping with a 9-6 win.
The teams followed up that barn burner with a rematch in the national championship two months later, in yet another slog of a game. Alabama kicked SIX field goals throughout the game, finishing it off with a fourth quarter touchdown run by Trent Richardson, who led the team with 96 yards on the ground. It wasn’t pretty, but Alabama got their revenge in the sweetest way possible.
The Game of the Century
While the defenses dominated in the 2011 games, the offenses shined in the 2019 matchup. This time, it was #3 Alabama travelling to Death Valley to face an LSU team that was ranked #2. The game was riddled with future NFL players; nineteen players in the game went on to be first-round draft picks. To name a few, we had Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the LSU side, and Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris, Devonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, and Jaylen Waddle for Alabama. That’s not even mentioning the defensive players, which included Patrick Surtain II, Patrick Queen, and Derek Stingley Jr. Not bad.
The game itself was a roller coaster of emotions. LSU took a 33-13 lead into the half, but Alabama fought back to pull it within one score in the fourth quarter, until Clyde Edwards-Helaire put the nail in the coffin with a seven-yard touchdown run. Alabama tacked on a touchdown at the end, but it wasn’t enough, as the Tigers took the win with a score of 46-41. Joe Burrow was clinical, as he finished 31/39 for 393 yards and three touchdowns. Edwards-Helaire added 103 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. It was an incredible statement win for LSU, who went on to win the national championship, going down in history as one of the best teams of all time.
The 2025 edition of this rivalry may not have the firepower of the 2019 game, but it does have a unique storyline. LSU is fresh off the firing of Brian Kelly, so they head into Bryant-Denny stadium with an interim coach. Alabama is firmly in contention for the SEC championship and a bye in the playoffs, and they’ll need to put together a solid offensive performance against LSU’s stiff defense. My prediction is that they’ll be able to rely on Ty Simpson and the passing game and ride the home crowd to their eighth win in a row.
