Booms and Busts: Alabama Defense Holds Firm Against LSU Despite 457 Yards

A Mixed Opening Drive

LSU’s first possession showed both sides of Alabama’s defense. Zabien Brown missed a tackle against receiver Jackson Harris, and Kedrick Bingley-Jones could not bring down running back Dilin Jones on second down, allowing him to reach a first down and put LSU near the goal line.

Alabama recovered and held the Tigers to a field goal. Quarterback Leavitt also escaped a sack on third down, leaving open the possibility of a larger play, but LSU did not capitalize.

Swarm Defense Delivers

In the second quarter, Red Morgan quickly tackled Trey’Dez Green, with Caleb Woodson arriving to help bring him down. The stop preceded a missed 56-yard field goal, denying LSU a chance to add three points.

Morgan later described the play as an explanation of Kane Wommack’s “Swarm D” identity. Alabama largely contained Green, who is listed at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds.

McDonald Makes Key Plays

Sophomore Chuck McDonald blitzed LSU quarterback Leavitt, then pursued him after the quarterback evaded Woodson. McDonald helped prevent a potentially damaging gain and later disrupted a fourth-down attempt, sending LSU off the field. The account describes McDonald as making the most of limited opportunities in Alabama’s deep secondary and as a potential key part of the team’s 2027 defense.

Sack Changes Momentum

Alabama had an opportunity to get the ball back for a two-minute drive before halftime. Carmelo O’Neal’s missed tackle allowed LSU to convert and move into field-goal range.

After a five-game stretch without a tackle for loss, Devan Thompkins sacked Leavitt for a nine-yard loss. The article says the play underscored Thompkins’ potential despite a recent run of underwhelming production.