Brian Kelly understands the challenges Alabama will present Saturday night when the LSU Tigers prepare for a crucial SEC showdown in Death Valley.

A program led by signal-caller Jalen Milroe, the Crimson Tide offers a unique offense, but there is a certain level of balance that makes them so effective.

Kelly called Alabama the most balanced team she will play in 2024, with the program needing contributions from all sides to come away with a win.

On Monday, the LSU shooting guard spoke to the media where he identified five essential keys to victory for the Week 11 Southeastern Conference battle.

Taking care of football

Garrett Nussmeier and Co. took the Week 10 opener to regroup and live in the film room to evaluate what went wrong in Week 9 against the Texas A&M Aggies.

After a three-turnover performance for LSU’s quarterback, it will be all about taking care of the football against Alabama on Saturday night.

Nussmeier is a player who is still evolving as a signal-caller in 2024. This is his first season as QB1 in Baton Rouge and there will always be learning curves.

Now, heading into Week 11, it will be about keeping your cool and being smart with the football in order to limit turnovers.

Balance offensively

A key part of Nussmeier’s three turnovers in Week 9 was the weight he had to carry offensively in College Station. After throwing the ball 50 times against the Aggies, there was a lack of diversity in the playbooks.

There have been struggles in the rushing attack this season, and for LSU, it will be about getting more creative against the Crimson Tide on Saturday night.

“Part of it is that Garrett can’t be the guy that feels like he has to do everything and part of that has to come from Garrett. I don’t need to play every time I’m over there,” Kelly said. Monday. “A little bit comes from Garrett, a little bit comes from the game, a little bit comes from being able to commit to more balance in the running game.

“That means blocking better and I’m not just talking about the five guys. It’s a whole, it’s not just one guy giving Garrett more help, everyone has to be involved in this.”

Stopping Jalen Milroe defensively

Jalen Milroe has proven to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the SEC with his ability to throw the ball deep, but also use his legs to extend plays.

For the Tigers, it’s their pass rush that has been the most effective play defensively, and LSU will certainly need contributions from the bigs up front.

But Kelly also praised the cornerbacks on Monday. A unit coached by Corey Raymond, the players “trust his teachings” and begin playing with a certain level of confidence until the end.

In Week 11, they will have to show their life against a talented receiving corps led by true freshman Ryan Williams.

“At the end of the day, players have to play consistently with confidence in technique and their abilities. I think what we see with the corners is a confidence in teaching and a confidence in themselves- They trust each other a lot more, they play with a lot more confidence and I think that’s the next step in maturation for a player like Stamps had a little more of that because he’s a player. older who trusts his teaching, who trusts himself they can go out there and play with a lot of confidence and swagger.”

Slow down Alabama on first down

Alabama proved to be a talented group on the first down; prepare them for manageable second and third down opportunities.

For defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit, it will be about limiting big plays on the first down so as not to find themselves with their backs against the wall on every possession.

All eyes will be on the defensive duo of Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones, with the tandem looking to slow down Milroe and contain the talented signal-caller.

Give the ball to the playmakers

LSU used a pass-catching trio of Kyren Lacy, Aaron Anderson and Mason Taylor in 2024, with the playmakers making the most of their opportunities in 2024.

Fast forward to Week 11 and the Tigers will need some star contribution to pull off a victory.

Kelly dove into the importance of veterans stepping up and showing consistency Saturday night in Death Valley.

“I think we have guys like Aaron Anderson, Mason Taylor and even Kyren Lacy who have been important for us on third down. We need to be more consistent across the board and create a little more uncertainty as to what we “We’re confident we can get the ball to the playmakers, but let’s include the screen game, misdirection and running game to create a little more uncertainty,” Kelly said.

No. 16 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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