By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor
This will be the last time … for two years.
And that’s a long time in between games for a rivalry like LSU-Alabama, particularly on the LSU side, as the Tigers do not have a natural in-state rival on their level as Alabama has with Auburn.
And LSU-Alabama has often been the showcase game of the Southeastern Conference for most of this century.
From 2005 through 2019, there were six top five matchups, including two Game of the Century pairings of No. 1 vs. No. 2 in 2011 and 2019 LSU winning both. Also from 2005-19, there were eight top 10 matchups.
On Saturday, No. 9 Alabama (6-2, 4-2 SEC) and No. 15 LSU (6-2, 3-2 SEC) will meet in a top 15 duel at Tiger Stadium (2:30 p.m., ABC) for the fourth time since 2022, which was the last time the Tigers beat the Crimson Tide – 32-31 in overtime in Baton Rouge.
But after this game, LSU and Alabama will not meet in 2027 because of SEC schedule changes made before this season that has all league teams playing nine SEC games instead of eight. LSU’s new permanent opponents for the first four-year rotation that began this season are Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Arkansas. Alabama and LSU have met in every season since 1964. The two programs did not play from 1959-63.
After not playing in 2027, LSU will play at Alabama in 2028 with no game in 2029. The second four-year rotation begins in 2030, and the rotation could be altered between now and then, so the next LSU-Bama meeting after 2028 is not yet known.
Alabama leads the series with LSU, 58-27-5, including a 30-10-2 advantage in Baton Rouge, 16-10 in Tuscaloosa, 8-5-1 in Birmingham and 4-2-2 at other sites in Mobile (1-2-1), Montgomery (2-0) and New Orleans (1-0-1). The Tide has won three in a row overall and six of the last seven in Tiger Stadium.
So, make this one count, says LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who was 3-0 against the Tigers as Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2014-16.
“I think that’s just sad,” Kiffin said of the annual LSU-Alabama rivalry taking a hiatus after Saturday’s game. “Not a criticism, but all decisions come down to money. But it’s all sad in the big picture of things. A lot of people wish things were like they were. But it’s where we are.”
Alabama is 21-6-2 at LSU at night. Could the SEC be helping LSU by making this a day game? Tigers have won 2 of last 3 vs. Alabama at home during the day.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) October 28, 2026
That goes double for the kickoff time for LSU fans. LSU has played Alabama in Tiger Stadium at night the last seven times they have met in Baton Rouge. But the SEC and ABC chose to play this game at 2:30 p.m. with No. 2 Georgia playing No. 12 Ole Miss at 6:30 p.m. on ABC in the prime time game.
“So, have breakfast earlier Saturday,” Kiffin said. “Start drinking earlier. Go to bed early Friday night. I’d like to see the city shut down at 10 p.m. Friday, so everybody can get ready.”
MUM IS THE WORD ON WHIT WEEKS
LSU team captain and top linebacker Whit Weeks is reportedly returning to practice this week after breaking his leg (fibula between knee and ankle) in the Texas A&M game on Sept. 26 and having surgery. He has missed the Tigers’ last four games, but made the trip to Auburn on Oct. 24 before the open week last week.
“I don’t have any injury updates for you,” Kiffin said.
Kiffin will give the SEC office an availability report for the SEC to release on Wednesday. That will likely have Weeks’ status for the game as out, doubtful or questionable. Reports will follow from the league office on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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