Alabama outlasts LSU 10-0 to remain undefeated

It wasn’t all pretty, but Alabama survived.

After a tense defensive struggle for three quarters, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts broke free and untouched for a 21-yard keeper up the middle in the fourth quarter to give the Tide their first and only touchdown of the game as they defeated rival LSU 10-0.

It was the first time LSU had been shutout since a 17-0 decision against Arkansas in 2014.

The LSU defense did all it could to keep an Alabama offense that came into the game ranked eighth nationally with 43.9 points per game at bay, but it could only do so much without the help of the offense.

LSU quarterback Danny Etling had the worst game of his LSU career completing 45.8 percent of his passes for 92 yards and an interception. Etling, who had thrown for more than 200 yards in every game since interim coach Ed Orgeron took over, struggled against Alabama’s stout defense. He was content to take sacks rather than throw ill-advised passes, but when there were opportunities to make plays, especially on third down, Etling threw passes short or took too long to identify open receivers. The opportunities to move the ball were there, but Etling couldn’t lead the Tigers.

With a lack of a consistent passing game, Alabama was once again able to key in on the Tigers’ rushing game and running back Leonard Fournette, who had 17 carries for 35 yards. His 2.1 yards per carry was only slightly better than the 1.6 yards per carry he had against the Tide last season.

While the two teams went back and forth through three quarters, Alabama dominated the fourth quarter en route to its 21^st win in a row. The Tide dominated in time of possession in the fourth quarter by holding the ball for a little more than 13 and a half minutes. After Hurts’ touchdown at 13:08 of the fourth, Etling threw an interception on the next possession and the Tide proceeded to use 9:51 to run 15 plays and go just 50 yards for a field goal. LSU turned the bowl over on downs during its next possession and Alabama was able to run out the clock.

Hurts didn’t have his best game — he threw for just 107 yards and a interception, but rushed for 114 and a score — but came through late when his team needed him.

With the win, Alabama has cleared one of the final major hurdles standing in the way of not only and SEC West title, but also a berth in the College Football Playoff. The Tide still has games against Mississippi State, which defeated No. 4 Texas A&M on Saturday, and a nonconference game against Chattanooga before ending the regular season against No. 9 Auburn, which has won six straight.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday