DeBoer's ranked record puts Alabama in prime spot for LSU showdown
The Crimson Tide enter Saturday's game in Baton Rouge with a 21-8 record against AP-ranked opponents, a statistic that ranks fourth in major college football history.
By James Foster ·
Kalen DeBoer has compiled a 21-8 record against AP-ranked teams in his career as a head coach. That .724 winning percentage places him fourth in all-time major college football history among coaches with at least 20 games against ranked opponents. He sits one spot behind Urban Meyer and one ahead of Kirby Smart on that list.
The statistic arrives as DeBoer prepares to lead No. 5 Alabama to Baton Rouge on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Crimson Tide will face No. 14 LSU in the 91st meeting between the programs. Alabama holds a 58-27-5 all-time advantage in the series, including a 13-2 record in the last 15 matchups.
The contest is the 25th time both schools have ranked in the AP Top 15 simultaneously. Alabama entered the week in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings. LSU enters the game at 32-3 in its last 35 home contests at Tiger Stadium, seeking to use that home field advantage to return to the playoff race.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin carries a 0-5 record against Alabama as a head coach. He lost to Nick Saban once at Tennessee in 2009 and four times at Ole Miss between 2020 and 2023. Kiffin will look to break that streak against a team that has struggled offensively recently.
Alabama's injury report has impacted its production. The team has failed to record 70 or more rushing yards in its last two games. It has also allowed 21 sacks in SEC play, a total that ranks 14th among the 16 teams in the league. Starting center Racin Delgatty has missed multiple games due to injury. The offense has also cooled after scoring 49 or more points in consecutive wins against Florida State, South Carolina, and Mississippi State.
LSU's passing attack has found consistency. The Tigers averaged 339.5 passing yards per game in October and now lead the SEC with 318.0 yards per game on the season. That total ranks seventh nationally. Receiver Jackson Harris has caught seven touchdowns in his last five games, including four multi-touchdown performances. His 17.6 yards per reception ranks fourth among SEC players.
The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. SportsLine's computer model simulated the matchup 10,000 times and favored the home team to make big plays late. The model predicted an under on the total line of 52.5 points.
