LSU hosts Alabama with playoff ambitions and annual rivalry at a turning point

LSU and Alabama bring matching 6-2 records into their Saturday, Nov. 7, meeting at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, with both teams pursuing a place in the College Football Playoff. Alabama holds the No. 5 spot in the season’s initial playoff rankings, while LSU is ranked No. 14.

The game also represents a change for the longtime Southeastern Conference rivalry. It is the last regularly scheduled annual matchup between the programs as the SEC shifts away from permanent yearly opponents. With two losses apiece, both teams face added pressure to keep their postseason ambitions on track.

LSU approaches the contest after consecutive conference victories, beating Mississippi State 31-0 before earning a 38-17 win at Auburn. Quarterback Sam Leavitt passed for 387 yards and three touchdowns against Auburn. Receiver Jackson Harris finished that game with 178 yards on nine receptions.

Alabama also enters following a victory, having defeated Texas A&M 31-20. Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell contributed 311 passing yards and three touchdown passes in that performance. For LSU coach Lane Kiffin, Saturday will be his first game against Alabama since assuming leadership of the Tigers.

Recent results in the rivalry favor Alabama, which has claimed the last three meetings. That run includes a 20-9 win in Tuscaloosa in 2025. LSU most recently beat the Crimson Tide in 2022, when quarterback Jayden Daniels guided the Tigers to a 32-31 overtime victory at Tiger Stadium. LSU has not hosted Alabama in an afternoon game since 2010.

ABC will carry Saturday’s matchup in its 2:30 p.m. broadcast window, although LSU’s latest preview gives the kickoff time as 2:45 p.m. Listeners can follow the game through the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU Athletics has sold out its ticket allotment, but resale seats may remain available through SeatGeek, the university’s official ticket marketplace.

First Lady Melania Trump is expected at the game to help announce a $5 million donation establishing a Fostering the Future endowed scholarship. Security arrangements associated with her visit will mean additional restrictions near Tiger Stadium, including limits affecting certain roads, walkways and tailgating spaces.

LSU Athletics has urged spectators to reach campus early and allow for delays. Closures of interior campus streets begin at 5 a.m., and stadium gates are scheduled to open at 9 a.m. Fans are advised to check LSU’s enhanced security guidance and map of restricted areas before traveling to campus.