LSU Tigers miraculously control own destiny against Alabama Crimson Tide

LSU controls its own destiny against No. 6 Alabama in a top 10 SEC showdown this weekend. 

The Tigers (6-2, 4-1 in SEC) are tied for the lead atop the SEC West, and they shockingly hold the cards to represent their division in the SEC Championship. They face a stiff challenge, however, as they meet the Crimson Tide (7-1, 4-1 in SEC) on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. ESPN gives the Crimson Tide a win probability of 76.4 percent.

It's one of two "marquee" SEC ranked matchups this weekend, and a tough test that will make or break No. 10 LSU's season. A win sends the Bayou Bengals into the College Football Playoff discussion for the second time in four seasons. A loss ends a potential fairy tale before it really gets started.

Alabama won the last matchup in the series a year ago, 20-14, in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide have won nine of the past 10 regular- season matchups in the rivalry, with their last loss coming at Bryant-Denny in 2019. 

Off a bye, Alabama has rest on its side. So does LSU. A blowout win two weeks ago against No. 7 Ole Miss should put some wind in the Tigers sails heading into their their second straight game against a top 10 opponent.

For LSU, quarterback Jayden Daniels seems to have unlocked a cheat code, and he is starting to put up video game numbers with game-changing plays every week.