‘Geaux Tigers’: Numbers behind LSU’s big overtime win over Alabama

The No. 10 LSU Tigers and No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide have consistently met in high-stakes matchups since Nick Saban’s arrival in Tuscaloosa in 2007.

Read more: Saturday exposed Bama, Clemson

Alabama dominated the rivalry in recent years, boasting a 10-1 record since the BCS National Championship Game in the 2011 season, but a bold decision by first-year Tigers head coach Brian Kelly was the story of the Saturday night game. The gutsy (and successful) 2-point conversion proved to be the difference-maker at Tiger Stadium.

LSU’s 32-31 overtime win gives the team an inside track to winning the SEC West and reaching the SEC title game.

Here are some notable numbers from the Tigers’ big win:

1: The last time LSU beat Alabama by a single point was in 1988. This was also LSU’s first win over Bama in Tiger Stadium since 2010.

2: This game marked the second time Alabama lost by a single point in Nick Saban’s tenure as head coach.

This was also the Crimson Tide’s second loss of the season, which greatly jeopardizes their chances of making the College Football Playoff — no two-loss team has ever made the cut. It is the first time since 2010 that Alabama has lost multiple games before the Iron Bowl.

8: Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, but exchanged scores frequently after halftime. There were eight lead changes in the second half and in overtime.

Shaquille O’Neal was on hand and seemed to enjoy his alma mater’s victory.

Figures in the sports world, especially those with ties on either side of the rivalry, offered their thoughts on LSU’s victory.

how bout them tigers

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