On one of the most stacked slates in recent college football history, the afternoon matchup between the LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide will be center stage for the nation to see. Two teams with two losses, despite the initial College Football Playoff rankings; this one could go a long way in determining who makes the final 12.

Alabama is aiming for the return of multiple starters after a much-needed bye week, but the Tigers seemingly found both health and a groove on defense before their own bye week. So who wins? Myself and 5 colleagues at A to Z Sports picked the winner for this marquee matchup.

Alabama 30, LSU 27

Assuming Alabama returns the likes of Terrance Green, Racin Delgatty, Zabien Brown, Ryan Coleman-Williams, and EJ Crowell, the Crimson Tide will be the healthiest it has been since Week 1. Green and Delgatty are massive upgrades in the middle of the trenches, and Alabama has missed the explosive dynamic that RCW and Crowell bring to the offense.

But this game will come down to Alabama’s defense. If Kane Wommack can get the boys buzzing and creating turnovers, we have seen that it only takes one for Sam Leavitt to start giving the ball away. That’s where the return of Zabien Brown at corner is so impactful. I expect Alabama to force a couple of key turnovers, winning the Crimson Tide the ball game. – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

LSU 31, Alabama 27

This game is tough to predict, and I could honestly see it going either way. But in this one, the more talented team with the veteran QB will get the win. LSU’s offense is going to be able to stifle anything Bama brings to the table defensively. As for Bama, their offense has struggled lately. Give me LSU. – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

LSU 27, Alabama 17

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers welcome Alabama to Tiger Stadium on Saturday in the first of three straight top 13 games for the Bayou Bengals. Alabama, fresh off a No. 5 ranking in the initial college football playoff, has relatively light resistance remaining after this contest, with Vanderbilt and Chattanooga following before the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa. Thus, the chances for the Tide to impress after this one are minimal. So this is an enormous game for both teams for playoff consideration.

The Tigers have suddenly found themselves on the defensive side of the ball, shutting out Mississippi State (albeit a Kamario Taylor Bulldogs team) and dominating Auburn 38-17 on the road. Sam Leavitt has thrown for 677 yards with seven touchdowns and no picks over that span, and he has LSU’s offense playing at a high level. With Alabama being a bit up and down in recent weeks (Tennessee dud and shaky first half against Texas A&M), I’ll go with LSU at home to get it done. – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports, Miami Hurricanes

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Alabama 31, LSU 27

This game being at 3:30 ET feels really weird, but that’s what happens with the slate as stacked as it is. ESPN was smart to have this game not against Miami vs. Notre Dame.

I’m leaning the Crimson Tide because I don’t trust Lane Kiffin in big games. Heck, I don’t trust Lane Kiffin much at all. Keelon Russell will come alive and the potential return of Ryan Coleman-Williams will spark a huge win for the Crimson Tide. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida Gators

Alabama 24, LSU 21

We might as well look at this 6-2 battle as a College Football Playoff game because whoever loses likely won’t be taking part in the postseason. I think this game simply comes down to whoever has the better day at quarterback between Keelon Russell and Sam Leavitt. Russell making a tough start in Louisiana is going to be a tall task, and LSU’s defense is the better unit in this game. Lane Kiffin has a lot of pressure on his team to deliver in this game and continue its path to the CFP in his first season with a highly expensive roster. In the end, I think Alabama weathers the storm throughout the game and hangs on late. – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Alabama 31, LSU 21

I’m taking Alabama to come away with a 31-21 victory over LSU in a game that should be competitive for much of the afternoon. I expect Keelon Russell to deliver one of his better performances, showing the arm talent and confidence that make him such an exciting quarterback. Alabama should be able to create some opportunities through the air, particularly when Russell gets time to work through his progressions and attack LSU’s secondary. The Crimson Tide will have some early struggles dealing with LSU’s athleticism, but I think Russell settles in and helps Alabama build some momentum offensively.

Sam Leavitt and LSU should come out firing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers have the upper hand early in this one. However, I think the game ultimately swings in Alabama’s favor because of a couple of costly second-half turnovers. Leavitt will make some impressive plays, but a pair of back-breaking mistakes will give the Crimson Tide short fields and opportunities to put the game away. Alabama’s defense takes advantage, and Russell does enough offensively to keep LSU from making a late push. Alabama wins 31-21. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame