Alabama vs. LSU score, takeaways: Jalen Milroe embarrasses Tigers again, knocking them from CFP contention

Milroe broke Alabama's record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season in the win

The playoff dream is alive and well for No. 11 Alabama. The Tide emerged from a rain-drenched game with an impressive 42-13 victory Saturday at No. 14 LSU as Jalen Milroe broke a school record and rushed for four touchdowns.

After Milroe danced in the end zone following a 72-yard touchdown run, LSU fans headed to the exits early in the fourth quarter, leaving a mostly empty Tiger Stadium for Alabama fans to conquer and party in the soggy grandstands, their dreams of a potential run to the SEC Championship Game and College Football Playoff still within reach.

Milroe accounted for 294 yards, including 185 yards rushing, and he broke the school record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season (16). The Tide rushed for 311 yards, the most allowed by LSU's defense this season.

Alabama (7-2, 4-2 SEC) not only stayed alive in the race for the College Football Playoff while dashing the Tigers' hopes, the Tide sent a message to the rest of the SEC as a contender for the conference's crown with three weeks remaining in the regular season.

The Tide will need help with three teams ahead of them in the standings -- Texas A&M, Tennessee and Texas -- but they put together one of their more well-rounded performances of the season Saturday, continuing an impressive stretch that started two weeks ago with a 34-0 shutout of Missouri.

Meanwhile, LSU (6-3, 3-2) goes back to the drawing board. The offense was anemic, again, with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier committing three costly turnovers, including an interception in the end zone to end a promising drive early in the third quarter. The defense had too many costly penalties and gave up chunk plays too often, including six explosive runs -- five by Milroe, with four resulting in touchdowns.

• LSU's 14-game home winning streak, tied for the third longest in the country, came to an end.
• Milroe became the first FBS quarterback since 2000 to score four or more rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons against the same opponent.
• Alabama converted 10 of 13 third downs.

CBS Sports was here with you throughout the evening with updates, highlights and analysis. Read on below for takeaways from Alabama's big win over LSU. 

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:33 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Mistakes plague LSU's season

LSU had too many big mistakes in critical moments, particularly after potential shifts in momentum in their favor. The Tigers topped Alabama on fourth down, only for Garrett Nussmeier to fumble the ball away on the ensuing possession. Later, on the opening possession in the second half, Nussmeier threw an interception in the end zone to end a promising 14-play drive. Then came a backbreaker: a facemask penalty erasing a sack of Jalen Milroe on third-and-long, resulting in a first down that kept the drive alive and led to the Tide scoring again to grab a 28-6 lead late in the third quarter.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:32 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Alabama looks like a CFP threat

In all the chaos and uncertainty of the SEC's five-team pileup at the top of the SEC, we were provided some clarity in Week 11.

Ole Miss, Georgia, Alabama, Texas and Texas A&M are still alive in the College Football Playoff hunt -- and the Tide and Rebels might be the most dangerous of the bunch because of their electric production at quarterback.

Alabama's Jalen Milroe scored four rushing touchdowns for the second straight season against LSU while piling up nearly 300 total yards before LSU got the ball in the fourth quarter. Milroe now owns the Alabama record for most rushing touchdowns in a season by a quarterback (16). If Milroe continues to play at this incredible pace -- which had slowed a bit in recent games -- the Tide can compete against anyone in the upcoming playoff.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:23 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU falls flat — again

LSU looked the part of a playoff contender three weeks ago following a 34-10 blowout of Arkansas on the road, but it followed that up with two lackluster efforts against teams in the upper half of the SEC. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has looked the part of a mediocre quarterback, committing six turnovers in double-digit losses to the Tide and Texas A&M, and the defense hasn't been able to corral dual-threat quarterbacks.

Suddenly, Brian Kelly's seven-year streak of 10-win seasons is in jeopardy. That nation-leading streak can only be matched if the Tigers win their last three games of the regular season and their bowl game. 

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:19 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Final: Alabama 42, LSU 13

Alabama rolled over LSU from start to finish, accumulating 311 rushing yards as Jalen Milroe broke the school record for rushing touchdowns in a single season by a quarterback. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier continued his struggles against top-tier opponents, and has combined for six turnovers in the biggest games of the year (double-digit losses to Texas A&M and Alabama).

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:14 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU finally scores a touchdown

Late 4Q: Alabama 42, LSU 13

Garrett Nussmeier hit Kyren Lacy in the end zone for a 12-yard touchdown on third-and-9 with 11 seconds remaining. That's the first touchdown allowed by Alabama's defense in eight quarters, dating back to its loss at Tennessee last month.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 11:03 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Alabama's backups join the party

Late 4Q: Alabama 42, LSU 6

Alabama scored its sixth rushing touchdown with the backups in the game. Richard Young's 8-yard run followed up Garrett Nussmeier's second interception of the game, which set the Tide up to extend the lead with their backups in the game.

It's a terrible night in the bayou, which has been drained. Not many LSU fans remain inside Tiger Stadium, which emptied early in the fourth quarter.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 10:54 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Garrett Nussmeier's concerning turnovers continue

Mid 4Q: Alabama 35, LSU 6

Garrett Nussmeier has failed to show up in the two biggest games of the season. The LSU quarterback threw his second interception against the Tide with 7:43 remaining in the game. He's responsible for three turnovers tonight. Remember, Nussmeier threw three interceptions in the double-digit loss at Texas A&M earlier this season. That's six costly turnovers in LSU's biggest games of the season.

Alabama still leads 35-6 and only needs to run out the clock at this point.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 10:36 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Jalen Milroe just scores, baby

Early 4Q: Alabama 35, LSU 6

That's it for LSU, folks. Jalen Milroe just scored his fourth rushing touchdown on the longest run of the season, a 72-yard stroll through the Tigers' defense. He's up to 190 yards rushing. This is the second straight season he has rushed for four touchdowns against the Tigers. He has accounted for 299 yards tonight for the Tide, who are very much still alive in the CFP race.

Meanwhile, you can put a fork in LSU. Its playoff hopes are dead.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 10:17 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Alabama pulling away

Late 3Q: Alabama 28, LSU 6

It seems everything that can go wrong for LSU has gone wrong. LSU sacked Jalen Milroe on third-and-long, but the play was erased for a facemask penalty. The penalty resulted in a first down, leading to LSU fans to throw trash on the field (more on that below). It sparked Alabama's offense, which quickly picked up 22 yards on an end-around run by receiver Ryan Williams. Later, Milroe scored his third rushing touchdown of the night on a 19-yard scamper.

Milroe has 117 yards and three scores on nine carries. He's 10 of 16 passing for 97 yards.

Alabama has piled up 204 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 10:14 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU fans throw trash on field because of facemask penalty

LSU fans were not happy with an obvious facemask penalty that erased a sack of Jalen Milroe on third down and resulted in a first down for the Tide. This has become a weird trend In college football after Texas fans threw trash on the field because they disagreed with a penalty call in a loss to Georgia earlier this season. As ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit put it during the game tonight: "That's enough, clowns."

[Nov 9, 2024 at 10:04 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Promising LSU drive ends with turnover in end zone

Mid 3Q: Alabama 21, LSU 6

Another promising drive for LSU ends in disaster. This time Garrett Nussmeier was picked off by Alabama's Deonate Lawson, who bumped into a crossing receiver, recovered and leaped in the air as Nussmeier threw the ball to another receiver behind him in the end zone. Nussmeier had done so well on the drive, using his feet to extend plays and hit receivers down field. He converted two fourth downs -- one with his arm, the other with his legs -- while digging the Tigers out of a big holding penalty, only for the 14-play drive to end with a turnover in the end zone.

Alabama still leads 21-6 with 8:44 remaining.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:52 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Alabama LB Que Robinson injured

Alabama Wolf linebacker Que Robinson was injured on the first possession of the second half and had to be helped to the Injury tent. Something to monitor for the Tide as LSU seems intent on getting the running game going here early out of the locker room.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:27 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Halftime: Alabama 21, LSU 6

Alabama is simply the more balanced team

Alabama has been able to call any play it needs because of Jalen Milroe's abilities to run. Meanwhile, LSU seems hesitant to throw the ball beyond the yard markers, attempting just two such passes (by my count) in the first half. The result is an uneven performance -- and a somewhat inconsistent showing at quarterback -- that has placed the Tigers behind the sticks, leading to a 2-of-5 conversion rate on third downs.

Alabama piled up 236 yards, with Milroe responsible for 195 of those yards and two of the three touchdowns. Milroe, who was a killer against LSU's defense last season, has done much of the same tonight on the road, running for 98 yards and two scores on eight scampers.

"He's done a really nice job playing in the elements and everything," Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said at halftime on the ABC telecast. "The first touchdown got him in a rhythm. I like where he's at right now."

The heartbreaker for LSU in the first half was the fantastic turnover on downs by the defense, which was then negated by Garrett Nussmeier fumbling the ball on the ensuing possession. Alabama scored a few plays later to stretch the lead to 21-6. Nussmeier is 10 of 17 passing for 82 yards -- and he ended the first half with a terrible 6-yard loss on a throw to running back Caden Durham.

LSU didn't score a touchdown in the first half for the first time since 2022. The fans booed the Tigers as they ran to the locker room.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:14 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Late 2Q: Alabama 21, LSU 6

Crazy sequence ends with Alabama touchdown

Phew, what a sequence. Let's catch our breath. Jalen Milroe is having himself a game. He just scored on a 10-yard keeper to stretch the Tide's lead to 21-6 after LSU's fumble by Garrett Nussmeier, whose fumble came on the first play following a big stop by LSU's defense to force a turnover on downs. Just a terrible series of events for the home-standing Tigers.

Milroe ran for 22 yards on the first play of the ensuing possession, which he capped with the 10-yard touchdown run two plays later. Milroe is up to 195 total yards and two touchdowns (98 yards and 2 scores rushing).

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:11 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier fumbles on strip-sack

Just as LSU got a big stop, Alabama responded with one of its own. Jihaad Campbell strip-sacked Garrett Nussmeier on LSU's first play after the turnover on downs and Tim Smith recovered it at LSU's 32-yard line to set up the Tide with great field position. The Tide could put a lot of unneeded pressure against the Tigers here at home.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:09 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU stops Tide on fourth down; Alabama right guard injured

LSU stopped Jam Miller on fourth-and-1 for the biggest stop yet in this game. LSU is down one possession with 3:37 remaining in the first half.

Alabama right guard Jaeden Roberts had to be helped off the field with an apparent left leg injury after a third-down play. He went to the locker room to be examined.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 9:00 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Mid 2Q: Alabama 14, LSU 6

Penalties slow LSU drive

A big holding penalty on offensive lineman Will Campbell erased an 11-yard gain by Ju'Juan Johnson on a direct snap play, pushing the Tigers back to its own 31. Two plays later, the Tigers had to settle for a field goal to end a promising drive that finally had Garrett Nussmier connecting on throws. The LSU QB hit a pair of deep throws, then got a defensive pass interference to help push the Tigers inside the red zone. LSU closed the gap on the scoreboard, and has also churned up some much-needed yardage, bumping up to 120 yards to give the defense a much-needed breather after three long Alabama possessions.

The rain is falling harder in Baton Rouge now. Which team can brave the elements? Alabama seems to have the more consistent plan at running back -- for now.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 8:53 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Early 2Q: Alabama 14, LSU 3

Communication an issue for Alabama

No coach likes penalties. Getting called for a false start following a timeout? Well, that's just inexcusable. Follow that up with a delay of game as your special teams line up for a field goal attempt, pushing you out of range and forcing you to punt on the road? Well, that'll make even the calmest of coaches come unglued. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer was not a happy camper with the ending of the TIde's third drive of the game, which seemed promising, only for it to crumble in impressive fashion with communication issues on the road.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 8:33 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

End 1Q: Alabama 14, LSU 3

LSU needs a long drive to help the defense

LSU's defense needs to settle down. The Tigers gave up 150 yards on 23 plays in the first quarter, effectively eliminating their offense from getting a second possession in the opening quarter. Alabama averaged 6.5 yards per play and converted all four third downs. That's not yet a trend, but if it continues, this thing could get out of hand for the home team. LSU needs a solid drive here to start the second quarter. Garrett Nussmeier is 1 of 4 passing for 7 yards. Caden Durham has provided some nice stability out of the backfield, but he can't do it all for the Tigers. They need more balance (and a defense capable of slowing down Jalen Milroe, who has been unstoppable so far).

[Nov 9, 2024 at 8:25 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Late 1Q: Alabama 14, LSU 3

Tide's offense leaning on Jam Miller

Alabama is mixing up the play calls with an amazing balance of pass, QB run and screens to keep LSU off balanced. The Tide's second drive resulted in yet another touchdown (15 plays, 75 yards). Jamarion Miller and Jalen Milroe were the stars of this possession, with Miller slipping out of the backfield for four catches for 39 yards, along with a pair of runs for 2 yards. Milroe exits the second drive 9 of 11 passing for 86 yards and four runs for 56 yards, which also leads the Tide. Alabama has 150 yards of offense with 1:56 remaining in the first quarter. It's an incredible start for the Tide's offense in front of the night crowd in the bayou.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 8:05 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Early 1Q: Alabama 7, LSU 3

Run game is key for LSU

LSU hasn't been dependable running the ball this season, but there have been sparks of promise. Caden Durham finally got warmed up a few weeks ago in a 34-10 win at Arkansas (101 yards, 3 TDs), and it appears he's picking up steam early here with an impressive 45-yard run that placed LSU inside the 5-yard line. As much as QB Garrett Nussmeier has struggled with his consistency in big moments this season, he needs some help in the running game to alleviate the pressure. Nussmeier was unable to deliver on a couple of passing opportunities in the red zone, forcing LSU to settle for the 23-yard field goal.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 7:57 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Early 1Q: Alabama 7, LSU 0

Jalen Milroe is so dangerous when plays break down, and he's even better on designed runs. The Alabama quarterback kept the ball and followed the left guard's block, cut inside and then ran upfield for a 39-yard touchdown to cap a fantastic eight-play, 75-yard drive to open the game. The Tide opened the game with a false start penalty, but marched down the field with relative ease. Milroe connected on all three passes as well, including a 19-yard to freshman phenom Ryan Williams, for 38 yards.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 6:45 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

Jalen Milroe carrying 'Bama into critical showdown

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe Is doing a little bit of everything to keep the Tide afloat, ranking second among Power 4 players In points responsible for (152), but he has struggled of late, writes Bama247's Alex Scarborough. He has scored five touchdowns but he's also thrown four Interceptions.

Scarborough's take:

Big-picture, some of his regression can be attributed to an offense that keeps putting itself in bad situations. Penalties, sacks and rushes for negative yards have resulted in far too many second- and third-and-longs; in other words, obvious passing situations. The same goes for when Alabama has been playing from behind. Milroe could be at the top of his game and he'd still struggle against defenses that can reliably predict what he's going to do.

Milroe needs to do a better job of getting himself and the offense out of trouble in terms of protection calls, audibles and where to go in the run-pass option. Eliminate the unforced errors and the offense is dramatically better overnight. But mostly Milroe needs to stop trying to be so perfect. 

[Nov 9, 2024 at 5:55 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU's inconsistency has held Tigers back this fall

LSU has come out hot In Its last two games, but the Tigers slowed to a crawl in the second half two weeks ago in a disheartening 35-23 loss at Texas A&M.

"For us it's been about the consistency of our play," LSU coach Brian Kelly said this week. "We clearly know our identity in terms of how we need to play. Taking care of the football, being good against the rush, being balanced on offense. We know what those winning ingredients are, whether it's night time or day time. It's really been about doubling down on our process and that our guys clearly understand that focus needs to show itself when it's time to perform.

"We've done it at times for a few quarters. Sometimes we've started slow and had to play great in the second half, sometimes we start fast and don't play well in the second half. This has gotta be four quarters of consistent play and if we do that, we're gonna put ourselves in great positions to have the outcomes that we want. That is the challenge in front of us."

[Nov 9, 2024 at 5:40 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

LSU OL Garrett Dellinger unavailable

LSU offensive guard Garrett Dellinger will miss today's game with an ankle injury requiring tightrope surgery. He could return next week against Florida. Redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga Is slated to start for the Tigers. He replaced Dellinger when he went down in the second half of LSU's loss at Texas A&M two weeks ago.

[Nov 9, 2024 at 5:30 pm ET · Brandon Marcello]

No. 11 Alabama vs. No. 14 LSU prediction

Which Garrett Nussmeier shows up Saturday night? The LSU quarterback was fantastic in the first half two weeks ago against Texas A&M but fell apart after halftime with three interceptions. As a result, LSU's 10-point melted into a 15-point loss. Alabama's secondary is not going to scare many quarterbacks, but the Tide can mix things up and force them into mistakes thanks to their defensive line. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is the straw that mixes the TIde's drink. If he can find room and rushes for 50-ish yards, Alabama wins. I'd feel more confident with this pick if it wasn't at night, but we'll stick with the Tide as the slight favorite on sports betting apps. Pick: Alabama -3