No. 14 LSU (6-2, 3-1) will face the Alabama Crimson Tide Saturday night in Death Valley with an opportunity to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race.

For Brian Kelly and the Bayou Bengals, it will be about playing complementary football all four quarters in order to come out of Tiger Stadium with a victory.

“For us, it’s about the consistency of our game. We know our identity clearly as to how we need to play. Taking care of the football, being good against the rush, being balanced on offense,” Kelly said Thursday . “We know what those winning ingredients are, whether it’s night or day. It was really about trying harder and our guys clearly understand that focus has to come through when it’s time to perform.

“We did it sometimes for a few quarters. Sometimes we started slow and had to play well in the second half, sometimes we started fast and didn’t play well in the second half. It must last four quarters. consistent play and if we can do that we’ll put ourselves in great positions to get the results we want. That’s the challenge ahead of us.

Kelly provided an update on the situation of both wide receivers CJ Daniels and Chris Hilton ahead of Week 11.

OL Garrett Dellinger: OUT

LSU starting offensive lineman Garrett Dellinger injured his ankle in Week 9 against the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station.

After the contest, the left guard went under the knife to undergo tightrope surgery on his ankle to further speed up the healing process.

Heading into Week 11, Dellinger will be OUT, according to Brian Kelly. He is expected to return for Week 12 in Florida.

LSU turned to redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga in Week 9 once Dellinger went out against Texas A&M.

“Paul has gradually transformed into what I would call a ‘key addition’ for us,” Kelly said. “Now he’s starting for us at least this week. His development is where he’s made the most progress through execution. You don’t have to tell him that twice.”

WR CJ Daniels: Likely

LSU wide receiver CJ Daniels has been dealing with a lower leg injury in recent weeks, and despite playing against Texas A&M in Week 9, he was unable to participate in the second half .

Daniels was a game-time decision in College Station, ultimately only playing in the first two quarters.

Now, with the bye week in the rearview mirror, Daniels appears to be “likely” heading into the Week 11 Southeastern Conference clash against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“CJ is a lot better than he was before the Texas A&M game,” Kelly said Monday. “I felt our doctors and training staff did a great job preparing him…Unfortunately, he was unable to answer the bell for the second half.”

All signs point to Daniels taking his chance Saturday night at Tiger Stadium.

“We hope he will be able to help us,” Kelly added.

WR Chris Hilton: Increased volume

LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. made his return for the Bayou Bengals in Week 9 against the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station.

The redshirt junior suited up in a Tigers uniform for the first time in 2024 after injuring his ankle during fall camp.

After a rough start in which Hilton’s timing was off due to a lack of production, the experienced player will look to play a bigger role moving forward.

Kelly dove into the challenges of returning so late in the season and how it will be a work in progress for Hilton to hit his stride.

“His timing is a little off. He brought a little pressure this week,” Kelly said Thursday. “I talked to him and said, ‘You’ll be an important player for us. Let him come to you.’ He has all the right intangibles. He just has to let things come to him.”

LSU Tigers:
S Jordan Allen – Released
LB Harold Perkins – Out
WR Kyle Parker – Out
RB John Emery Jr. – Out
RB Trey Holly – Out
OL Thomas Crawford – Absent
OF Princeton Malbrue – Absent
OL Kobe Roberts – Absent
LB Jake Ibieta – Out
OL Tyree Adams – Absent
OL Garrett Dellinger – Absent
DT Jacobian Guillory – Out
WR CJ Daniels – Questionable
LB West Weeks – Questionable
DT Kimo Makane’ole – Likely

Alabama’s Crimson Tide:
DB Keon Sabb – Released
WR Cole Adams – Out

No. 14 LSU will return to action on November 9 against the Alabama Crimson Tide with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. CT at Tiger Stadium.

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