SEC Power Rankings, Week 11: Alabama back on top with big win vs LSU

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) brings down LSU Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris (6) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

With a 30-16 loss to Alabama Saturday night in Tuscaloosa (that wasn’t nearly as close as the score would indicate), the LSU Tigers are no longer perfect.

LSU was ranked No. 2 in this year’s first edition of the College Football and looked every bit like a national championship contender after seven straight wins to open the season. The Tigers were also the only undefeated team in the SEC, in the driver’s seat for a spot in the SEC Championship Game, and running back Leonard Fournette was the runaway favorite for the Heisman Trophy.

Fournette (and the LSU offensive line) was held in check all game by the SEC’s toughest rush defense and finished with just 31 rushing yards and a touchdown on 19 carries (1.8 yards per attempt). He gained just 14 yards on his first 14 carries and was held to fewer than 150 yards for the first time this season.

Though he connected on a few big plays, including a 40-yard touchdown pass to Travin Dural, LSU quarterback Brandon Harris completed just six of 19 pass attempts for 128 yards. Harris also tossed his first interception of the season. Overall, the Tigers gained just 182 total yards and 12 first downs.

LSU also struggled to stop the Alabama offense. The Crimson Tide gained 434 total yards, and running back Derrick Henry gained 210 rushing yards and three touchdowns – looking more like a Heisman candidate than Fournette.

The loss hurts, especially since Alabama now holds the tie-breaker in the SEC West, but the Tigers aren’t out of the national title hunt yet and Fournette certainly isn’t out of the Heisman hunt. And, should the Crimson Tide stumble, LSU would take control of the division again with wins over Arkansas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M down the stretch.

Next Game: Saturday November 15 vs. Arkansas

Next: Florida