Burning questions for CFB’s biggest Week 11 games
The College Football Playoff Rankings are out and it couldn’t come at a better time with Week 11 of the college football season setting up to be one of the best in 2019. © Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports Everyone’s focus will be on the highly anticipated clash in Tuscaloosa between No. 2 LSU and No. 3 Alabama. It’s the biggest game thus far in the 2019 season, though, it’s not the only one with major College Football Playoff implications.Saturday’s thrilling slate opens with No. 4 Penn State rolling into TCF Bank Stadium with a battle against No. 17 Minnesota.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield with his players following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield with family following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield with his players following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron hugs quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after defeating Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield with his players following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is carried off the field by teammates Tyler Shelvin (72) and Zach Von Rosenberg (38) after defeating Alabama 46-41 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield with his players following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates after defeating Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron reacts after LSU defeated Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates midfield following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with his team after the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts to a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with a coach after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with teammates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates as teammates hoist him after they defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is hoisted up by his teammates after the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is carried off the field by his teammates after defeating Alabama 46-41 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) hunts LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) after the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) hugs LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) after the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron hug in celebration after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts to a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is carries across the field by teammates celebrating following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron and LSU Tigers tight end Stephen Sullivan (10) celebrate as they run off the field after defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks away after meeting with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron after an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) pulls in the onside kick to seal the victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide 46-41 during the second half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles away from pressure against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) signals touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. LSU won 46-41. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) dives over Alabama's Raekwon Davis (99) and Markail Benton (36) to score a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU linebacker Patrick Queen (8) reacts after intercepting a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron embraces quarterback Joe Burrow (9) after defeating Alabama 46-41 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron celebrates with his players after defeating Alabama 46-41 in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron walks off the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks for an open receiver in the first half of an NCAA football game against Alabama Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) works against LSU offensive lineman Austin Deculus (76) in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the first half of an NCAA football game against Alabama Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU linebacker Patrick Queen (8) celebrates with Jacob Phillips (6) after intercepting a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) runs the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Markail Benton (36) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) throws a pass against LSU Tigers safety JaCoby Stevens (3) during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron waits to lead his team out at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU leads Alabama 33-13 at halftime.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) pitches the ball to LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU leads Alabama 33-13 at halftime.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) carries for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) catches a touchdown pass against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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LSU linebacker Patrick Queen (8) intercepts an Alabama pass at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers carries up the field past Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Xavier McKinney (15) during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) carries for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passing against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) greets tight end Thaddeus Moss (81) after a play against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) dives forward for extra yards at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. (6) carries for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron yells at his team from the sideline at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) and LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrate Edwards-Helaire's touchdown run at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) signals for a first down on late in the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) and LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) celebrate Chase's touchdown catch at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU leads Alabama 33-13 at halftime.
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Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs, III, (11) is swarmed during the opening kickoff during the Alabama-LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU fans cheer during an NCAA college football game against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron waits to lead his team out at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU leads Alabama 33-13 at halftime.
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Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) tries to get past LSU cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson (2) is tackled by Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney (15) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) dives over Alabama's Raekwon Davis (99) and Markail Benton (36) to score a touchdown and in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs as Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis (48) chases him in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is hit by Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Ty Perine (99) drops the snap as LSU Tigers safety JaCoby Stevens (3) closes in during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) scores a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) extends for a few extra yards as he is tackled during the Alabama-LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) sacks LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the Alabama-LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU tight end Jamal Pettigrew (80) and LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) celebrate Chase's touchdown catch during the Alabama-LSU game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron reacts after an LSU touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) makes a catch for a touchdown as Alabama defensive back Trevon Diggs (7) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa , Ala. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) fumbles in front of LSU safety JaCoby Stevens (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alb. LSU recovered. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron holds back his team before they are introduced at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. LSU defeated Alabama 46-41.
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide place kicker Ty Perine (99) drops the snap as LSU Tigers safety JaCoby Stevens (3) closes in during the first half at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) before the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron walks the field during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22) runs the ball during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU offensive line lines up during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) breaks huddle with his team during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence (90) pumps up his team during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws the ball during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) puts on his helmet during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws the ball during warm ups at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU players arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron taunts booing fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron walks the field has his team arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU head coach Ed Orgeron taunts a booing crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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LSU players arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban waves as he walks off the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban waves to the crowd as he walks the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban walks the field as his team arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban before the Alabama vs. LSU game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban before the Alabama vs. LSU game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks with Senator Joe manchineel as he walks onto the field before the Alabama vs. LSU game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday November 9, 2019.
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Editor’s note: This article is part of MSN’s ‘In Depth’ section, which offers the best of sports features, long reads, interviews and analysis curated from the world’s top journalists. For more, go here
10 biggest disappointments from college football's wild Week 11
Penn State's playoff hopes took a huge hit and nine other disappointments from a high-stakes Week 11 in college football.The losses by Alabama and Penn State highlight this week’s list of upsets. Plenty of other fan bases are wallowing in misery after a wild weekend of action as well.
BATON ROUGE — LSU has the hottest assistant football coach in the country on the college or pro level in pass game coordinator Joe Brady, who is single and just turned 30.
By college football standards, though, he is making the Mickey Mouse salary of $410,000 a year in the first year of a three-year contract that will pay him $435,000 next year and $460,000 in 2021.
Related: How did LSU coach Ed Orgeron find Joe Brady?
LSU has the highest paid assistant coach in college football in Dave Aranda at $2.5 million a year, and he is not having nearly as good a season as Brady and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, who makes $800,000 a year. Brady and Ensminger, who at 61 could be Brady's father, together make $1.2 million a year, which is $1.3 million less than Aranda, whose pass defense is No. 87 in the nation and 12th in the Southeastern Conference with 240 yards allowed a game.
15 most jaw-dropping performances from CFB Week 11
Joe Burrow's Heisman statement leads the best performances this week in college football.We’ll remember this weekend for some outstanding performances on both sides of the ball. While the spotlight is on this weekend’s impact on the College Football Playoff rankings, it also played a vital role in the race for the Heisman Trophy.
Brady and Ensminger together make $300,000 less than Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who is making $1.5 million a year. Even Missouri offensive coordinator Derek Dooley, who has the No. 72 offense in the nation and No. 10 in the SEC at 402 yards a game, is making nearly $500,000 more than Brady.
And the addition of Brady has LSU's offense up to No. 4 in the nation in total yards with 538.4 yards a game and No. 4 in scoring with 46.7 points a game, which the Tigers maintained in their 46-41 win against the nation's No. 9 scoring defense (15.2 a game) at No. 1 Alabama Saturday. LSU finished No. 68 in the nation in 2018 in total offense with 402 yards a game and No. 37 in scoring offense with 32.4 points a game.
The Tigers (9-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference) are also No. 1 in the nation in the USA TODAY coaches' poll and in the Associated Press media poll after the win over previous USA TODAY No. 1 Alabama (8-1, 5-1 SEC).
LSU is new No. 1 in Amway Coaches Poll after Alabama victory, while Minnesota joins top 10
LSU has taken the No. 1 spot in the Amway Coaches Poll after beating then-No. 1 Alabama. Minnesota moved in the top 10 after beating Penn State.LSU claimed the top position as expected, thanks to its win at Alabama. The Tigers received 55 of 64 first-place votes and assume the coaches’ No.-1 ranking for the first time since the 2012 preseason poll. The Crimson Tide were demoted to No. 4 and are sure to be the subject of much debate as the final playoff rankings draw closer.
© Derick E. Hingle, Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Oct 26, 2019; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and passing game coordinator Joe Brady (right) watch during warm ups prior to kickoff against the Auburn Tigers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports LSU was expected to jump from No. 2 in the College Football Playoff poll's latest rankings on Tuesday night over No. 1 Ohio State (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten). The Tigers play at Ole Miss (4-6, 2-4 SEC) at 6 p.m. Saturday on ESPN.
Senior quarterback Joe Burrow, meanwhile, is No. 2 in the nation in passing yards a game at 355.3 in Brady and Ensminger's new offense and running away with the Heisman Trophy, which would be the first for LSU since Billy Cannon won it in 1959.
Burrow completed 31 of 39 passes for 393 yards and three touchdowns at Alabama while rushing 14 times for 96 yards around five sacks for -32 yards. He was named the Walter Camp national offensive player of the week for the second time this season on Sunday in addition to co-SEC offensive player of the week with tailback Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Burrow also took the Maxwell Award player of the week honor on Tuesday for the second time this season.
NFL draft winners and losers: Joe Burrow not the only standout in LSU-Bama thriller
Calgary Flames head coach Bill Peters calls Jim Rome to discuss the performance of left winger Matthew Tkachuk.
Before Brady, Burrow finished No. 51 in the nation in passing with 222.6 yards a game in 2018. In passing efficiency before Brady, Burrow was 65th last year with a 133.2 rating (219-of-379 passing, 2,894 yards, 16 TDs, 5 interceptions). Burrow has climbed to 202.5 this year (236-of-299 passing, 3,198 yards, 33 touchdowns, 4 interceptions) for No. 3 in the nation.
"Joe's as hot a name as anyone today in college football, and it has been meteoric," NFL Draft analyst Mike Detillier of WWL Radio in New Orleans said Tuesday. He was talking about Joe Brady.
"I have never seen anything happen this good so fast for an assistant coach in recent memory," he said. "Remarkable turnaround for a team that had a certain culture of smash-mouth football/grind-it-out rushing attack. And he's taken it and turned it into a national contender and made LSU the talk of college football. Joe's smoking hot right now."
And not just on the college level.
"In a football world with Sean Payton and Sean McVay (head coach of the Los Angeles Rams), Joe Brady has been the talk of college and pro football offense," Detillier said.
FLASHBACK: LSU hires Joe Brady
The fact that Brady has not been allowed to talk himself since the summer, according to head coach Ed Orgeron's policy against assistants doing in-season interviews, has not hurt the wunderkind's splash.
Burrow throws 5 TDs, No. 1 LSU beats Mississippi 58-37
Joe Burrow threw for 489 yards and five touchdowns as No. 1 LSU built a big lead and held off Mississippi 58-37 on Saturday. Coming off an emotional 46-41 home win at Alabama last week, the Tigers (10-0, 6-0 Southeastern Conference) scored on four of their first five possessions jump out to a 28-0 lead over the Rebels (4-7, 2-5).BOX SCORE: LSU 58, MISSISSIPPI 37The teams combined for 1,328 yards of total offense, including 714 by the Tigers.
"This guy is the Heisman Trophy award winner for assistant coaches (aka the Frank Broyles Award) this year," NFL.com analyst and former Dallas Cowboys personnel director Gil Brandt said Tuesday. "It should be him. No one has had a bigger impact this season."
Saints' coach Sean Payton possibly could have used him on Sunday as New Orleans uncharacteristically suffered on offense in a 24-9 loss to 1-7 Atlanta and didn't score a touchdown.
Orgeron didn't answer when he was asked jokingly Monday if Payton is trying to get Brady back.
"I'm excited for him," Payton said of Brady last week. "I think he's someone who's very sharp."
Brady worked two seasons as a lower level offensive assistant for Payton with the Saints in 2016 and '17 after serving as a graduate assistant at Penn State in 2015 and '16 and as a defensive assistant in 2013 and '14 at William & Mary.
Payton struggled to find things to say about Brady just last summer.
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"He came here with certain insights relative to the passing game," Payton said. "He's a tremendous worker, and a guy that, uh, you (pause) could rely on occasionally for some information (pause) relative to what a quarterback or a system might be doing. His background relative to the RPO (run-pass option) stuff was very good. And also someone who was good to work with and good to have on the staff."
Brady studied the Saints offense and has installed much of it with the Saints such as the no-huddle, quick passes by Burrow, including snaps early in the play clock to catch opponents off guard, and more use of the tight end and backs in the passing game. Tight end Thaddeus Moss, for example, caught six for 46 yards at Alabama, and tailback Clyde Edwards-Helaire grabbed nine for 77 yards with a 13-yard touchdown.
LSU's Michael Divinity not playing because he's ineligible — he didn't leave for personal reasons
The reason Michael Divinity Jr. has not played in LSU's last two games and will not play in the next three is because he remains ineligible.It was not Divinity's choice to leave the team for "personal reasons" as was previously reported at a very curious time — the Monday before the Nov. 9 LSU-Alabama game.
Moss, whose father is NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss, has 27 catches for 292 yards and a touchdown on the season - already five more than current Oakland Raider Foster Moreau, who was LSU's top receiving tight end last season with 22 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns. LSU's leading receiver out of the backfield last season was Nick Brossette with 14 catches for 78 yards. Edwards-Helaire has 28 catches this season for 202 yards and the touchdown.
"What we're trying to do is get the ball out fast, get the ball out in space," Brady said last summer. "What you see in New Orleans is Drew Brees getting the ball out fast. You see him push the ball down the field. We're looking to do the same type of stuff - play action, drop back, utilize our backs and tight ends. When we can, we're going to take shots down the field."
© John David Mercer, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) celebrates with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) following the Tigers 46-41win over the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is No. 8 in the nation with 111.1 receiving yards a game on 49 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is No. 14 in the nation with 6.9 receptions a game and No. 17 with 99.8 yards a game on 62 catches for 898 yards and nine touchdowns. LSU's leading receiver last year was Jefferson with eight less catches than he has now.
"I say, 'Get your popcorn," Brady said last summer, and he has been true to the kernel. "It's going to be like when you're sitting there enjoying a movie and everything is good, that's what you're going to be doing when you see this offense this fall."
And now LSU needs to get its check book. Brady stands to get a significant raise to possibly the $1.5 million range of some college and NFL offensive coordinators and perhaps a title enhancement to offensive coordinator if LSU wants to keep him.
LSU's Joe 'Bayou' Burrow has much to be thankful for - 'This place means so much to me'
What a ride it has been for LSU QB Joe Burrow, who will say goodbye to Tiger Stadium on Saturday night against Texas A&M in regular season finaleSmathers ran the youth football program in The Plains, Ohio, where the Burrows live.
Brady has no previous ties to LSU. He is from Pembroke Pines, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale and played wide receiver at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, from 2009-12, catching three passes in 2011 and '12.
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"This is Joe's first full-time job," Orgeron said Monday. "And I do believe he's very loyal to LSU. I do believe he likes what's going on at LSU, and obviously we're going to compete to keep him. A guy like that is going to have opportunities, but we're going to compete as best that we can to keep him."
LSU historically does not give coaches raises or contract extensions until after a season.
"All those things are going to happen after the season," Orgeron said. "Joe's worried about breaking down Ole Miss coverage right now, so he's not even thinking about that stuff. But after the season, we'll have coaches who are going to get chances to go elsewhere. But the ones that we want to keep, we're going to fight like heck to keep them."
When new LSU athletic director Scott Woodward was Texas A&M's athletic director, he spared no expense in hiring head coach Jimbo Fisher away from Florida State following the 2017 season for $7.5 million a year.
"Tell Scott to loosen those purse strings," Brandt said. "He has before."
If Alabama coach Nick Saban, a defensive genius, did not sound interested in hiring Brady after his defense allowed 559 yards to the Tigers, he surely sounded blown away after the game. It was the most points ever scored against Bama by LSU and its most yards against Alabama since 611 in a 35-21 win in 2001 when Saban was LSU's head coach.
“It’s nothing like what they tried to do a year ago,” Saban said, referring to LSU's 29-0 loss to Alabama in 2018. "It’s completely different, and I think it features their players. And I think their players buy into it, have confidence in it, and do a great job executing it. I felt like that going into the game, and I certainly feel just as strongly about that now after having played them."
LSU led Bama 33-13 at the half before scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
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"We couldn't stop them on defense when we needed to," Saban said. "Had a couple of opportunities to stop them and didn't. They do a lot of things and use a lot of formations — a lot of empty, a lot of reloads that take a lot of adjusting. I think it's the system. I think it's the things they're doing. It's challenging to defend."
Much of that "system" is Brady's system, though Ensminger still calls the plays. Brady will make suggestions, or Ensminger will look to Brady for a play.
"Steve lets Joe be involved as much as I've ever seen an offensive coordinator let a passing game coordinator be involved," Orgeron said.
"It's the Odd Couple of college football, and it's worked so well," Detillier said.
More like a dynamic duo.
"Coach Joe's brought a lot of good things in, but Coach E and Coach O kind of molded this thing together," Burrow said. "People forget about Coach E all the time, but he's been as important as anybody. And he's done a great job listening to Coach Joe's ideas and merging them with his own to build this monster that we've built."
It apparently scared Saban.
"Look, they have no weaknesses on offense," he continued. "They've got a really good runner. They've got really good receivers. They've got a good offensive line. And they've got a system and a scheme that's very sound and solid."
© Butch Dill, Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports Nov 9, 2019; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban walks away after meeting with LSU Tigers head coach Ed Orgeron after an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports Alabama's offense put up 541 yards behind Sarkisian and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 21 of 40 for 418 yards and four interceptions. But Saban criticized it for not being able to run better as the Tide had just 24 yards on 12 carries at the half. LSU rushed 40 times for 166 yards and passed 39 times for 393. Alabama rushed 28 times for 123 yards and passed 40 times for 418.
"We have to have more balance and consistency on offense," Saban said. "We make a lot of big plays, which is great. But when you play a team like this, which is a very good offensive team, having the balance lets you control the tempo of the game. I can't give them enough credit for what they do."
A true test for Brady and Ensminger's "system" will be next season when Burrow is not in it, and either Myles Brennan, who will be a junior, or one of the freshman signees - T.J. Finley of Ponchatoula or Max Johnson of Watkinsville, Georgia - takes over.
"Yes, Brady has done a great job, and they need to keep him" Brandt said. "But Burrow has a lot to do with this obviously."
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: LSU's Mighty Joe Brady is making Mickey Mouse money in the college football world
LSU's Joe 'Bayou' Burrow has much to be thankful for - 'This place means so much to me' .
What a ride it has been for LSU QB Joe Burrow, who will say goodbye to Tiger Stadium on Saturday night against Texas A&M in regular season finaleSmathers ran the youth football program in The Plains, Ohio, where the Burrows live.