A.J. McCarron elevated his play big-time. McElwain got him some easy flat throws immediately, which gave him some confidence. The Tide got some plays out of its WR group, even after Maze left with an injured hamstring. Thought they did a nice job of using back-up RB Eddie Lacey early in the game, so Trent Richardson would be fresh late. 

   Kirby's defense pitched a shutout. They stuffed the option. Obviously, they worked overtime on that, with 6 weeks to prepare. As always, they smothered the run game on 1st down. Courtney Upshaw, the games defensive MVP, was a difference-maker up front. On the edge, CBs Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie played tough. Barron was a beast, at safety. 

   The big keys to victory? I've got one on each side of the ball. 

   The Alabama offense is going to miss OC Jim McElwain, who has left to lead the Colorado State program. His plan was masterful. THE TIDE USED A 2 TE SET THE ENTIRE GAME TO HELP CONTROL THE TALENTED LSU FRONT 4. So, Alabama had 7 capable blockers on the field, at all times. Michael Williams and Brad Smelley played a huge role in the win. 

   Defensively, THE TIDE TOOK AWAY THE RUN GAME AND MADE JORDAN JEFFERSON TRY TO BEAT THEM WITH HIS ARM...and that wasn't going to happen. Jordan is a runner, not a thrower. How did they take away the run game? They put 8 strong players in the box. They were disciplined against the option. 

   ALABAMA WON THE SPECIAL TEAMS BATTLE TOO, which was huge. Cover team got after Claiborne on kick-offs. Return teams executed. And Shelley was 5-7 on FGs. 

   Saban's team had only 1 penalty. They just dominated the top-rated team in CF. Impressive.