Alabama crush LSU 31-13 in Baton Rouge, leaving Kiffin's playoff hopes hanging by a thread

Alabama have recorded a big win in American college football. On Saturday night, Kalen DeBoer's team beat Louisiana State University (LSU) 31-13 in Baton Rouge. The match was played at Tiger Stadium in front of more than 100,000 spectators.

Alabama had faced criticism across the country for the past five days over their No. 5 ranking in the first College Football Playoff poll released on Tuesday. Saturday's win was the team's answer to that criticism. The result has dealt a major blow to LSU's playoff hopes.

Tennessee had beaten Alabama in their head-to-head meeting last month in Knoxville. Yet Tennessee sat at No. 13 in the rankings, eight places below Alabama, which fuelled the debate. In the first official rankings, Miami took the top spot, while Indiana cracked the top five.

Lane Kiffin's record against Alabama as a head coach is now 0-6. LSU spent more than $40 million building its roster this season, bringing in star players through the transfer portal. Now, entering the second weekend of November, the Tigers have three losses and their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread.

Alabama's defence held LSU to just one touchdown on four red zone possessions. LSU moved the ball but could not turn it into points. Kiffin was seen standing on the sidelines with his arms spread in frustration as Alabama's bend-but-don't-break defence held firm.

Alabama's freshman quarterback Keelon Russell produced his best in this match. He threw three touchdowns and passed for more than 200 yards. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb gave him the ammunition needed to win the game.

The return of Ryan Coleman-Williams and several other key players on both sides of the ball also worked in Alabama's favour. Alabama, which had long been searching for an identity, finally looked like the team expected to compete for a national championship.

In the second half, Alabama scored 21 unanswered points to take control of the match. A 31-13 win in the ground known as Death Valley was a big statement for Alabama's supporters. Kiffin had earlier fumed over the kickoff time, accusing the SEC of not wanting LSU to win.

LSU still have a path to the playoffs this season, but it is a very difficult one. Next week they host the Texas Longhorns in Baton Rouge. The Texas defence is expected to get even healthier over the coming week.

This is not the situation LSU fans were expecting. Before the match, Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes walking with Kiffin through the Tiger Walk had created a buzz on social media. But the defeat to Alabama on the field overshadowed all of that.

Alabama's weaknesses had been dissected all week. On Saturday night the team delivered a massive statement. Now everyone will be watching what this Kalen DeBoer team can do over the next few weeks leading up to selection Sunday.