3 things worth talking about

Blake Sims

He didn't have his best game, but Sims came through when it truly mattered. He continues to show why Alabama chose him instead of Jacob Coker.

Momentum changer

Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster's hit on Leonard Fournette on the kickoff to end regulation lit a fire in the team, its fan base and set the tone for how the OT was played.

Big Flag

LSU didn't turn the Yeldon fumble into a touchdown late in regulation largely because of an unsportsmanlike conduct call on Vadal Alexander. If LSU doesn't get that penalty, does it win the game? We'll never know.


Rushing offense — D: T.J. Yeldon had a couple of decent runs, but Derrick Henry was kept in check. Yeldon also had big fumble in fourth quarter. Tide had just 106 yards rushing.

Rushing defense — C: Alabama came into the game with the second-best rushing defense in college football, allowing just 78 yards rushing. LSU had 183 yards.

Passing offense — B: Blake Sims didn't complete a high percentage (20-of-45) of passes, but was clutch on Alabama's final drive in regulation and threw game-winning TD in OT.

Passing defense — B: Anthony Jennings is not the best passing quarterback, but Alabama intercepted him once. Jennings 8-of-26 for just 76 yards with a TD, but that was on a 1-handed catch by Malachi Dupre.

Special teams — A: JK Scott had three punts that traveled at least 50 yards. He had a long of 66. Adam Griffith made up for his missed field goal by hitting a big one to force overtime.

Coaching — B: Considering the atmosphere Alabama was playing against, the coaches kept the players engaged even when it appeared the game was lost.

Overall — B: Alabama gutted it out in one of the toughest places to win.