The Sports Xchange
Nov 7, 2015
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A game billed as a clash of the titans turned into an old fashioned beatdown as No. 4 Alabama pounded No. 2 LSU 30-16 on Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
During the week of buildup, Alabama coach Nick Saban said this game would come down to who could keep punching. It was the Tide who was able to push through as LSU couldn't find a rhythm offensively.
After the LSU tied the game at 10, Alabama ripped off 20 straight points to put the matchup out of reach.
Tide tailback Derrick Henry led the way with 210 yards and three touchdowns on 38 carries.
The second half didn't start well for the Tigers. Quarterback Brandon Harris hadn't thrown an interception on the year, but his first pass of the second half was an overthrow, resulting in an interception for Alabama linebacker Dillon Lee.
The Tide turned the takeaway into points as Henry ran in for his second score of the day to make it 20-10. Henry's short TD was set up by a 25-yard screen pass which moved the Tide inside the 5-yard line.
Later in the third quarter, Henry added his third score of the night on a 7-yard rush to make it 27-10.
Tide kicker Adam Griffith added a 29-yard field goal to make it 30-10 with 12:45 remaining.
A fumble by Henry deep in Alabama's territory set up LSU's final score. Tailback Leonard Fournette punched it in from a yard out, but the extra point was blocked making it 30-16 with 9:18 left.
NOTES: With Arkansas beating Ole Miss, Alabama now has the lead in the SEC West race. If the Tide wins out, it will be in the SEC Championship Game. ... Saturday's win gave Alabama its fifth straight in the series. กญ LSU running back Leonard Fournette entered Saturday's game averaging 193 yards per contest. He had a season-low 31 on 19 carries against Alabama -- his first game with fewer than 150 yards this season.