TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Forget the coaches. The defenses of Alabama and LSU are taking center stage for Saturday's SEC West showdown.
Nick Saban's third-ranked Crimson Tide and Les Miles' ninth-ranked Tigers bring two of the nation's stingiest defenses into Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) ranks fifth nationally in scoring defense and has allowed one touchdown in the past three games. LSU (7-1, 4-1) is only two spots behind and has given up just 36 points in its last four games.
Bama can clinch the SEC West and a date with Florida in the league championship game with a victory. Or LSU could win and take control of the division.
Lost in the shuffle is Saban's latest meeting with his former team. He coached LSU from 2000 through 2004.
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