T-Bob Hebert explains how LSU can prevent Alabama from another SEC, national title

History tends to repeat itself, and recent history is on LSU’s side. On Saturday, the Tigers will have a chance to squash Alabama’s College Football Playoff hopes for the second year in a row. In a conversation with On3’s Andy Staples, former LSU offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert weighed in on the massive SEC West matchup.

“What do they say? You’re only as strong as your weakest link? We’re going to find out,” Hebert said. “LSU clearly has the stronger of the strong links when you talk about this LSU offense over the Alabama defense. The Alabama offense is really good, but the LSU offense is otherworldly.

“In the same breath, LSU clearly has the weaker link of the weak links because the Alabama offense may not be great, you can even say bad, but they’re not awful. This LSU defense has been awful for much of the year.”

Hebert is spot-on. LSU is a tale of two sides. It boasts the best offense in the country, with nation-highs in yards (552.9) and points (47.4) per game. The other side of the coin isn’t as shiny. The Tigers’ defense is atrocious, allowing 395 total yards and 26.5 points per outing.

In its wins, LSU’s offense has done enough to wash away the errors of its defense. The Tigers average 51 points per win. However, even the best offenses have their limits. In LSU’s two losses this season, its opponents have scored a combined 100 points.

Keys to an LSU victory

For Hebert, the Tigers’ outcome in the Saturday matchup boils down to two factors.

“In order to win this game, obviously it starts with the offense. The offense is gonna have to put up points,” Hebert said. “The offense has to score in the 30s or they’re not going to have a chance. And then defensively, from LSU’s perspective, it just becomes a question of can you do enough?”

It won’t be easy for LSU’s defense to force the issue. Alabama only has eight turnovers this season, tied for the 24th-least in the country. The Crimson Tide’s offense looked better than ever in its latest two quarters.

Alabama rattled off 27 unanswered points in the second half of its 34-20 win over Tennessee in Week 8. If the Tigers’ defense follows suit, the team will pick up their third loss of the season. The two teams will go head-to-head at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS.