The weekend following Halloween has, for more than 15 years now, become a highlight in college football as two of the sport's premier programs, Alabama and LSU, usually face off. Both teams typically come off bye weeks and are often ranked within the top 10, making this matchup a consistent source of classic college football moments filled with high-end NFL talent year after year. This game has often determined SEC Conference champions and served as a signal of who would advance to the national championship, carrying ultimate implications.
While the new 12-team playoff system was expected to reduce the significance of some key in-season matchups, this week’s game is not one of those cases. Both Alabama and LSU enter the weekend with two losses, making them fringe playoff teams. This matchup sets up as a potential playoff elimination game, as neither team can afford a third loss while also missing the conference championship game.
As with most matchups, quarterback play will be critical to each team’s success, and Jalen Milroe and Garrett Nussmeier may face more pressure than any other players in college football this weekend. Both quarterbacks are tasked with leading their teams in an intense showdown. This game not only holds heavy playoff implications but could also influence the NFL draft, as both quarterbacks have been projected as potential first-round picks vying for the No. 3 QB slot in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
What To Look For: Last year against LSU, Jalen Milroe had one of his most productive games, throwing for more than 200 yards, rushing for another 150 yards, and scoring four touchdowns—a standout performance in his 2023 season. This year, LSU’s defense has shown improvement, with players like Bradyn Swinson, Whit Weeks, and Greg Penn III making key plays. However, Milroe’s skill set will be challenging for them to contain.
Texas A&M freshman quarterback Marcel Reed managed to make plays on the ground against this defense, and I expect Milroe to do the same. Milroe embodies the dual-threat quarterback and is difficult to stop when both his legs and arm are functioning at a high level. I anticipate that Milroe will have a balanced, impactful game both on the ground and in the air, similar to last year. This game could solidify him as a first-round pick and the standout dual-threat quarterback in the draft.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
What To Look For: The last time the Tigers faced Texas A&M, Garrett Nussmeier was regarded by some as the top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class. However, he finished that game with a few interceptions, highlighting a need to protect the football. This is the first time the Tigers have played since then, so it will be interesting to see whether Nussmeier maintains his aggressive approach or chooses to dial it back, taking fewer risks.
This Alabama defense is vulnerable to big plays, so part of the game plan should involve Nussmeier taking calculated risks. I’m curious to see Nussmeier’s mentality in this game, as LSU has a solid chance to win. However, LSU won’t succeed if Nussmeier turns the ball over or if he doesn’t take opportunities to make big plays. The key to Nussmeier’s evolution will be finding a balance between calculated risks and protecting the football.
