No. 5 Alabama beats No. 14 LSU 31-13 on the road

Alabama, ranked No. 5 by the College Football Playoff committee, beat No. 14 LSU 31-13 on the road in Baton Rouge, strengthening its playoff case and answering criticism of the committee’s ranking. After LSU briefly took the lead in the third quarter, quarterback Keelon Russell returned from an ankle injury and led a 75-yard touchdown drive before throwing two more scoring passes. Alabama’s defense repeatedly stopped LSU from converting promising drives and red-zone chances into touchdowns, despite the Tigers gaining more yards overall. The win leaves Alabama well positioned for the playoff with three regular-season games remaining, while LSU’s hopes took a major blow; Lane Kiffin’s team likely needs to win its remaining marquee games, including against Texas and Tennessee, to stay in contention.