LSU vs. Alabama: Score, Highlights and Twitter Reaction

No. 7 Alabama put on a defensive showcase and downed No. 4 LSU, 30-16, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa to take control of its own destiny in the SEC West. 

Derrick Henry paced the Crimson Tide offense with 210 rushing yards and three touchdowns, but it was Nick Saban's defense that set the tone and ruled the day against the NCAA's 14th-ranked scoring offense. 

LSU mustered just 182 total yards as Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette was limited to a season-low 31 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries against Alabama's 10th-ranked scoring defense. It was the first time this season Fournette failed to crack 100 yards rushing. 

Tigers quarterback Brandon Harris was effective in spots throughout the first half, but Alabama's pass rush pinned its ears back and applied waves of pressure that left LSU scrambling for answers. Harris completed six of 19 passes for 128 yards, a touchdown and an interception. 

His counterpart, Jake Coker, experienced more success through the air. Although Henry did the heavy lifting, Coker was solid as he completed 75 percent of his passes for 184 yards. Alabama also sprinkled in helpings of running back Kenyan Drake, who rushed 10 times for 68 yards.  

ESPN.com's Chris Low noted Saturday's win may have been a turning point for Alabama in terms of establishing an identity: 

Alabama's offense moved the ball with relative ease and rode Henry's legs into LSU territory time and again throughout the game's first 30 minutes. 

Henry's 40-yard rumble in the second quarter set up an easy goal-line score, and a quarter-and-a-half's worth of work was enough to put him in rare company, according to the Advocate's Ross Dellenger: 

Henry has now rushed for a touchdown in 14 straight games, per B/R Insights, which is the longest streak in the country. 

The story differed for Fournette, who was repetitively stymied at the line of scrimmage by an Alabama front seven that was flying to the ball, as Marq Burnett of the Anniston Star observed: 

Fournette's nine first-half carries went for nine yards, but it was hardly his fault. Alabama loaded the box with seven and eight defenders, daring Harris to beat them. 

And after a few failed drives, LSU's quarterback did just that with a 40-yard touchdown toss to Travin Dural. Harris only completed three of nine passes for 90 yards in the first half, but two deep shots paved the way for the Tigers to enter halftime down just 13-10. 

Bleacher Report's Michael Felder was among those impressed with LSU's play-calling following a lethargic start: 

However, that was as much success as the Tigers would experience. And now, Les Miles' squad is searching for a little help.

By virtue of Arkansas' stunning 53-52 overtime upset of Ole Miss, Alabama is in the driver's seat in the SEC West. In other words, should the Crimson Tide win out, they'll clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game against the Florida Gators. 

LSU's also primed to drop out of the College Football Playoff picture. Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama all held serve Saturday, and with their first loss of the season in tow, the Tigers could see their spot usurped by an undefeated power like Baylor. 

As for Alabama, the win served as confirmation of the CFP selection committee's faith. While the Crimson Tide were a controversial pick for the fourth and final spot in last week's rankings, the decisive win over LSU will serve as a serious resume booster for a surging Alabama team. 

With remaining games against Mississippi State, Charleston Southern and Auburn, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Alabama close out the season with nine straight victories.

Postgame Reaction

"Our football team is much better than they showed tonight," Miles told reporters following the loss, per Dellenger. "I'll take that one."

Miles also pointed to his team's light road schedule prior to Saturday's showdown as a potential reason for his team's lackluster effort, according to the Advocate's Chandler Rome: 

LSU's boss was also less than thrilled with the Tigers' ability to open up rushing lanes for Fournette. 

"I'd like to tell you we gave Leonard Fournette an opportunity to run, but I don't think we did that," Miles added, per ESPN.com's Alex Scarborough.

Saban rested on the other end of the spectrum when discussing Henry's performance, according to Burnett and AL.com's Matt Zenitz: 

"Bama is pretty good," Miles said, per Dellenger. "There's going to be next year, opportunity to get them in our stadium."