If you’re checking your phone or scouring the internet to find out who won the Alabama and LSU game, you likely missed a defensive masterclass that felt more like a 1990s slugfest than a modern-day shootout.
Alabama won. The No. 4 Crimson Tide walked away with a 20-9 victory over the LSU Tigers on November 8, 2025. It wasn't pretty. Honestly, it was a bit of a grind for both sides. For the first time since 2012, Alabama’s defense completely barred LSU from the end zone. No touchdowns for the Tigers. Just three field goals and a lot of frustration for the folks in Baton Rouge.
The Scoreboard Breakdown
The game took place at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the atmosphere was exactly what you’d expect for a night game in Tuscaloosa. Everyone thought it might be a back-and-forth affair, but Kalen DeBoer’s squad decided to lean heavily on their defense.
- Final Score: Alabama 20, LSU 9
- Alabama's Record: Improved to 8-1 (6-0 in the SEC)
- LSU's Record: Dropped to 5-4 (2-4 in the SEC)
The Tide’s defense, led by Deontae Lawson and Yhonzae Pierre, was basically a brick wall. Pierre, in particular, was a nightmare for the LSU backfield, racking up two sacks and forcing a fumble that felt like a momentum-shifter.
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LSU actually kept things close for a while. It was 3-3 in the second quarter before Alabama started to pull away. A four-yard rumble by Daniel Hill put the Tide up 10-3. Then, right before the half, Ty Simpson—who got the start at QB—found Ryan Williams for a 14-yard touchdown. That score, coming with just 22 seconds left on the clock, was a total gut punch for the Tigers.
Why the LSU Offense Stalled
It’s weird seeing an LSU team struggle to find the end zone. This is a program known for explosive plays, but they just couldn't get the engine started. Garrett Nussmeier, the veteran starter, had a rough night. He only threw for 121 yards. That’s his lowest total in two years.
Eventually, things got so stagnant that interim coach Frank Wilson (who took over after Brian Kelly's departure earlier in the season) pulled the plug. He benched Nussmeier for the sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. in the second half. Van Buren showed some flashes of life, but a 12-yard sack in the fourth quarter essentially killed their last real hope of a comeback.
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LSU finished with only 59 rushing yards. You aren't going to win many games in the SEC when you’re averaging 2.3 yards per carry. Alabama's defensive front was just too physical.
Key Players Who Shaped the Outcome
Ty Simpson didn't put up video game numbers, but he was efficient enough. He went 21-of-35 for 277 yards and that crucial touchdown to Williams. He also had the longest run of the day for Bama, a 17-yard scramble that showed he’s got some wheels when the pocket collapses.
Lotzeir Brooks was probably the biggest surprise. The freshman from New Jersey had a career-high 67 receiving yards, including a massive 53-yard catch that set up the Williams touchdown.
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On the flip side, LSU’s Harlem Berry had one bright spot—a 37-yard run in the first half—but otherwise, the Tigers' playmakers were kept under wraps.
The Playoff Picture and Rivalry Context
This win was huge for Alabama’s postseason hopes. They stayed firm at No. 4 in the rankings, keeping them on a collision course for the SEC Championship Game. For LSU, it was another disappointing chapter in a season that hasn't gone according to plan.
This victory also marked Alabama’s third straight win in the series. The "Saban Bowl" might be a thing of the past now that Nick Saban has a field named after him and is watching from the sidelines, but the intensity hasn't dipped.
What this means for the rest of the season:
- Alabama’s Defense is Legit: If they can hold an SEC rival without a touchdown, they can compete with anyone in the playoffs.
- LSU is in Transition: The coaching change and the quarterback shuffle suggest they are looking toward 2026.
- Ty Simpson is the Man (For Now): While he didn't throw multiple touchdowns for the first time this season, he managed the game perfectly.
If you're looking for what to do next, keep an eye on the injury reports for Alabama’s defensive line, as they took a few bumps late in the fourth quarter. You should also watch the SEC standings closely; Alabama’s win keeps them tied at the top, making their upcoming matchup with Oklahoma a must-watch.