What to expect as No. 11 Alabama faces No. 15 LSU in crucial CFP matchup

With the expansion to the 12-team College Football Playoff, it was known that conferences like the ACC and SEC would have three or four teams in it.

The first CFP rankings released on Tuesday saw eight SEC teams ranked, with two of those being No. 11 Alabama and No. 15 LSU.

Saturday night in Baton Rouge will be a CFP elimination game between Alabama and LSU, as the loser will fall to 6-3. Three losses will be impossible to overcome to get into the playoff. 

Here's what to expect ahead of the showdown in Death Valley.

These are two of the most high-powered and explosive offenses in all of college football. Alabama averages 37.6 points per game and LSU averages 32.8 points per game. Scoring should not be an issue for either team.

For Alabama, it will be all about getting out to an early lead and controlling the environment. Tiger Stadium is one of the most intimidating places to play in all of college football.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly is a perfect 12-0 in home night games since he took over as the head coach at LSU and will look to improve to 13-0 against the Tide. 

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will be a key player. He is one of the more electric dual-threat quarterbacks and his ability to stretch the ball down the field as well as using his legs will be critical for Alabama.

In last season's victory over LSU, Milroe rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns in Alabama's 42-28 victory. While those exact numbers feel unrealistic, Milroe will undoubtedly make an impact in the run game.