Alabama beats LSU 31-13 behind Russell’s three TD passes

Alabama defeated LSU 31-13 on November 7, as quarterback Keelon Russell threw three touchdown passes and the Crimson Tide made four fourth-down stops to secure the win in Baton Rouge.

Russell connected with Josh Ford for a 7-yard score, Cederian Morgan for 25 yards and Kaleb Edwards for 4 yards. Alabama also scored on Ryan Coleman-Williams’ 1-yard run and a Conor Talty field goal. The ninth-ranked Crimson Tide led 10-3 at halftime and pulled away after LSU briefly moved in front in the third quarter.

LSU’s Dilin Jones scored on a 5-yard run to cap an 11-play, 90-yard drive, giving the Tigers a short-lived lead. Alabama answered with Ford’s touchdown catch, set up by Rico Scott’s 57-yard reception. Later, LSU coach Lane Kiffin kept the offense on the field on fourth-and-10 from the Alabama 25-yard line with eight minutes remaining. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was sacked, and Alabama scored three plays later.

Leavitt completed 35 of 47 passes for 380 yards, but threw an interception and LSU failed on all four fourth-down attempts. The Tigers also missed a 56-yard field goal and lost a turnover in Alabama territory. LSU finished with 457 total yards to Alabama’s 285, but the Crimson...