View source for 2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game

{{short description|American college football game}}
{{About|the regular-season game|the national championship game|2012 BCS National Championship Game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{good article}}
{{Infobox college football game
| name = LSU vs. Alabama, 2011<br>"[[Game of the Century (college football)|Game of the Century]]"<br>(2011 version)
| subheader            = 
| image                = Sidline picture of Alabama vs LSU on November 5th 2011.png
| image_size           = 250
| caption              = A moment of the game, with LSU<br>looking to score a field goal
| football_season      = 2011
| visitor_name_short   = LSU 
| visitor_nickname     = Tigers
| visitor_school       = Louisiana State University
| home_name_short      = Alabama
| home_nickname        = Crimson Tide
| home_school          = University of Alabama
| visitor_record       = 8–0
| home_record          = 8–0
| visitor_coach        = [[Les Miles]]
| home_coach           = [[Nick Saban]]
| visitor_rank_AP      = 1
| visitor_rank_coaches = 1
| visitor_rank_BCS     = 1
| home_rank_AP         = 2
| home_rank_coaches    = 2
| home_rank_BCS        = 2
| visitor_1q           = 0
| visitor_2q           = 3
| visitor_3q           = 0
| visitor_4q           = 3
| visitor_ot           = 3
| home_1q              = 0
| home_2q              = 3
| home_3q              = 3
| home_4q              = 0
| home_ot              = 0
| date                 = November 5, 2011
| stadium              = [[Bryant–Denny Stadium]]
| city                 = [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]], [[Alabama]]
| MVP                  = 
| odds                 = Alabama by 4.5<ref name="Odds">{{cite news |title=LSU vs. Alabama Odds: Will the winner be a national title favorite? |first=Andrew |last=Sharp |url=https://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2011/11/5/2537976/lsu-vs-alabama-odds-2011-spread-favorite-line |publisher=SBNation.com |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref>
| referee              = Tom Ritter<ref name="GeneralStats"/>
| halftime             = [[Million Dollar Band (marching band)|Million Dollar Band]]
| attendance           = 101,821<ref name="GeneralStats"/>
| us_network           = [[SEC on CBS|CBS]]<ref name="LSUPre"/>
| us_announcers        = [[Verne Lundquist]] (play-by-play)<br>[[Gary Danielson]] (color)<br>[[Tracy Wolfson]] (sideline)
| ratings              = 11.5<ref name="Ratings"/>
}}

The '''2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game''' was a regular-season [[college football]] game between the unbeaten [[2011 LSU Tigers football team|LSU Tigers]] ([[AP Poll|ranked]] No.&nbsp;1 in the nation), and the unbeaten [[2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|Alabama Crimson Tide]] (ranked No.&nbsp;2 in the nation) on November 5, 2011, at [[Bryant–Denny Stadium]] in [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]], [[Alabama]]. Coined a "[[Game of the Century (college football)|Game of the Century]]," this was the first time two [[Southeastern Conference]] (SEC) football teams came into a regular season matchup undefeated and ranked No.&nbsp;1 and No.&nbsp;2 in the nation. In a game dominated by defense and special teams, LSU won in [[Overtime (sports)|overtime]] 9–6. LSU kicker Drew Alleman made all 3 of his field goals, while Alabama kickers [[Jeremy Shelley]] and [[Cade Foster]] made only 2 out of their 6 attempts, proving to be decisive in the game.

LSU and Alabama first met on the field in 1895, and have met annually since 1964. When former LSU head coach [[Nick Saban]] was hired in the same capacity at Alabama, their annual contest became, arguably, an even more heated rivalry than before. At the start of the 2011 season, Alabama was ranked No.&nbsp;2 and LSU was ranked No.&nbsp;4 in all of the major college polls, and prior to their annual meeting, each team defeated all eight of their opponents, and LSU moved into the No.&nbsp;1 spot after a victory over [[2011 West Virginia Mountaineers football team|West Virginia]]. Statistically, the game matched two of the top defenses in both the SEC and all of college football.

Alabama received the ball to begin the game. After a scoreless first quarter in which Alabama missed two [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goals]], both teams scored field goals in the second; Alabama also had another attempt blocked early in the second quarter, that left the score tied 3–3 at [[halftime]]. Alabama took a 6–3 lead in the third, but LSU tied the game at 6–6 in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. In the overtime period, Alabama missed a 52-yard field goal. LSU then connected on a 25-yard field goal to win the game 9–6.

In the weeks after the game, both teams defeated their remaining opponents, and LSU captured the [[2011 SEC Championship Game|SEC Championship]], after they defeated [[2011 Georgia Bulldogs football team|Georgia]] 42–10. On December 4, 2011, the final [[Bowl Championship Series]] standings were released with LSU ranked No.&nbsp;1 and Alabama ranked No.&nbsp;2 to set up a rematch in the [[2012 BCS National Championship Game]]. In the rematch, Alabama defeated LSU 21–0 and captured the 2011 national championship.

==Pre-game buildup==
{{see also|Alabama–LSU football rivalry}}
LSU and Alabama first met on the field in 1895 and continuously since 1964.<ref name="AllTimeRecord">{{cite web|url=http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1793 |title=Alabama vs Louisiana State |publisher=College Football Data Warehouse |access-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173117/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/div_ia/sec/alabama/opponents_records.php?teamid=1793 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 }}</ref> Prior to their 2011 game, Alabama held an overall lead in the all-time series with 45 wins to only 24 for LSU and five ties.<ref name="AllTimeRecord"/> Historically, LSU's main rival was [[Battle for the Rag|Tulane]] and Alabama's were both [[Iron Bowl|Auburn]] and [[Third Saturday in October|Tennessee]]. However, when former LSU head coach [[Nick Saban]] was hired in the same capacity at Alabama in [[2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2007 season]], the Alabama–LSU game became a major rivalry game for each school.<ref name="RIV1">{{cite news |title=For LSU, Alabama only real rival |first=Glenn |last=Guilbeau |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/sec/2010-11-03-lsu-alabama-rivalry_N.htm |newspaper=USA Today |agency=Gannett Louisiana |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="RIV2">{{cite news |title=Alabama–LSU rivalry has gone from loathing to national impact behind Saban, Miles |first=Mark |last=McCarter |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama-lsu_rivalry_has_gone_f.html |newspaper=The Huntsville Times |agency=AL.com |date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref>

At the beginning of the 2011 season, both teams were ranked in the top five.<ref name="PrePoll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Preseason |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/1 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After Alabama's victory over Arkansas and LSU's over West Virginia on September 24, their November 5 game was viewed by many in the national media as a playoff with the winner advancing to the [[2012 BCS National Championship Game]].<ref name="BCS1">{{cite news |title=LSU and Alabama set for de facto national championship matchup |first=Stewart |last=Mandel |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/09/25/lsu-alabama-defacto-championship/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930001347/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/stewart_mandel/09/25/lsu-alabama-defacto-championship/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 30, 2011 |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |publisher=SI.com |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="BCS2">{{cite news |title=Alabama–LSU on Nov. 5 looms over season |first=Jon |last=Solomon |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/alabama-lsu_on_nov_5_looms_ove.html |newspaper=The Birmingham News |publisher=AL.com |date=September 26, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After the week ten polls were released, the game officially became the first college football, regular season No.&nbsp;1 vs. No.&nbsp;2 matchup since the [[2006 Michigan vs. Ohio State football game]], and the first all-time regular season No.&nbsp;1 vs. No.&nbsp;2 matchup between SEC conference foes.<ref name="W10Poll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 10 (October 30) |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/10 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="SEC2">{{cite news |title=LSU-Alabama is SEC's first 1–2 game |first=Mike |last=Kern |url=http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-03/sports/30355323_1_les-miles-lsu-alabama |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109065956/http://articles.philly.com/2011-11-03/sports/30355323_1_les-miles-lsu-alabama |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 9, 2011 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |publisher=Philly.com |date=November 3, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref> Due to the No.&nbsp;1 vs. No.&nbsp;2 rankings against conference rivals and the hype that led up to the matchup, the game was referred to as the "[[Game of the Century (college football)|Game of the Century]]."<ref name="GOC1">{{cite news |title=Alabama and LSU Mean Business |first=Tom |last=Van Riper |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomvanriper/2011/10/24/alabama-and-lsu-mean-business/ |newspaper=Forbes |date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="GOC2">{{cite news |title=Another Game of the Century |first=Rachel |last=Bachman |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB20001424052970204394804577008183103001136 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="GOC3">{{cite news |title=LSU vs. Alabama really does mean everything to some, and that's OK |first=Andy |last=Staples |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/11/04/lsu-alabama-game-of-century/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107021257/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/andy_staples/11/04/lsu-alabama-game-of-century/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |publisher=SI.com |date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="GOC4">{{cite news |title=LSU–Bama has championship feel |first=Chris |last=Low |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7188202/lsu-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-championship-feel |work=ESPN.com |date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="GOC5">{{cite news |title=It's finally here! No.&nbsp;1 LSU visits No.&nbsp;2 Alabama tonight in football's latest Game of the Century |first=Izzy |last=Gould |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/its_finally_here_no_1_lsu_visi.html |publisher=AL.com |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="GOC6">{{cite news |title=LSU–Alabama showdown next 'Game of the Century' |first=David |last=Barron |url=http://www.chron.com/sports/college-football/article/LSU-Alabama-showdown-next-Game-of-the-Century-2253172.php |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |publisher=chron.com |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011}}</ref>

===LSU===
{{further|2011 LSU Tigers football team}}
[[File:West Virginia on offense against LSU 9-24-2011.jpg|thumb|alt=American football players line up for a play in a full stadium.|left|The LSU defense against the West Virginia offense in Week 4.]]
In the preseason polls, LSU opened the 2011 season as the No.&nbsp;4 team in both the [[AP Poll|AP]] and [[Coaches' Poll]]s.<ref name="PrePoll"/> In week one, the Tigers met the No.&nbsp;3 [[2011 Oregon Ducks football team|Oregon Ducks]] in the [[Cowboys Classic]].<ref name="LSUORE">{{cite news |title=No.&nbsp;4 LSU lays a whipping on No.&nbsp;3 Oregon in the Cowboys Classic, 40–27 |first=Ken |last=Goe |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2011/09/no_4_lsu_lays_a_whipping_on_no.html |newspaper=The Oregonian |publisher=oregonlive.com |date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Against the highly regarded Oregon running attack, the LSU defense held the Ducks to less than 100 yards rushing and won the game 40–27.<ref name="LSUORE"/> With their win, they moved up to No.&nbsp;2 and No.&nbsp;3 in the AP and Coaches' Polls.<ref name="LSUORE"/><ref name="W2Poll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 2 (September 4) |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/2 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After they held the [[2011 Northwestern State Demons football team|Northwestern State Demons]] of the [[Division I (NCAA)#Football Championship Subdivision|Football Championship Subdivision]] to minus 4 yards rushing at [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], LSU faced ranked opponents on the road in consecutive weeks against the [[2011 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team|Mississippi State Bulldogs]] and the [[2011 West Virginia Mountaineers football team|West Virginia Mountaineers]].<ref name="NWESPN">{{cite news |title=Spencer Ware, Michael Ford combine for 4 TDs as LSU romps |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530099 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926051857/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 10, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Against the No.&nbsp;25 Bulldogs, the Tigers only managed to score a single touchdown, but behind a third strong defensive performance won 19–6.<ref name="MSULSUESPN">{{cite news |title=No.&nbsp;3 LSU's solid defense shuts down No. 25 Mississippi State |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312580344 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103155509/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312580344 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 3, 2013 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 15, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref>

In their third game of the season against a ranked opponent, LSU played their first-ever game against the No.&nbsp;16 Mountaineers at [[Morgantown, West Virginia|Morgantown]].<ref name="WVUCBS">{{cite news |title=LSU – West Virginia preview |url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/gametracker/preview/NCAAF_20110924_LSU@WV |agency=Associated Press |publisher=cbssports.com |date=September 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Although West Virginia was able to outgain the Tigers in total offense 533 to 366 yards, four Mountaineer turnovers resulted in a 47–21 LSU victory.<ref name="WVUESPN">{{cite news |title=Jarrett Lee tosses 3 TDs as LSU makes case for No.&nbsp;1 with drubbing of WVU |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312670277 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927220219/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312670277 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 24, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> As a result of this win, combined with the other two over ranked opponents, LSU was selected the No.&nbsp;1 team by the AP following week 5.<ref name="W5Poll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 5 (September 25) |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/5 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> The Tigers returned home to defeat the [[2011 Kentucky Wildcats football team|Kentucky Wildcats]] 35–7 in [[Jordan Jefferson]]'s return from suspension, and then defeated the No.&nbsp;17 [[2011 Florida Gators football team|Florida Gators]] 41–11, also in [[Tiger Stadium (LSU)|Death Valley]].<ref name="KYESPN">{{cite news |title=Jordan Jefferson scores in return, helps No.&nbsp;1 LSU rip Kentucky |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740099 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708052629/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="FLLSUESPN">{{cite news |title=Spencer Ware, top-ranked LSU easily put away Florida |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810099 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010190911/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 10, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After their 38–7 victory over the [[2011 Tennessee Volunteers football team|Tennessee Volunteers]] at [[Neyland Stadium]], the Tigers were selected as the No.&nbsp;1 team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls for the first time of the season after the [[2011 Oklahoma Sooners football team|Oklahoma Sooners]] were upset by [[2011 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team|Texas Tech Red Raiders]].<ref name="TNLSUESPN">{{cite news |title=LSU continues to roll through season by trouncing Tennessee |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312882633 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017092938/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312882633 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 15, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="W8Poll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 8 (October 16) |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/8 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> The next week, LSU defeated the No.&nbsp;19 [[2011 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn Tigers]] 45–10 at home and entered their [[Bye (sports)|bye week]] undefeated and ranked No.&nbsp;1 for their game against No.&nbsp;2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa.<ref name="AULSUESPN">{{cite news |title=Jordan Jefferson, Jarrett Lee share duties to help No.&nbsp;1 LSU whip Auburn |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950099 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023182152/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 23, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 15, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref>

Prior to the game against Alabama, LSU's defense was ranked near the top of all major defensive categories nationally. They ranked fourth in total defense (251.38 yards per game), third in scoring (11.5 points per game) and rushing defense (76.63 yards per game) and tenth in passing defense (174.75 yards per game).<ref name="LSUStatsWeek9">{{cite news |title=2011 LSU Football Ranking Summary – Through Week 9 |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2011&org=365 |publisher=NCAA.org |date=October 29, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> In the SEC, the Tigers ranked second in total, scoring and rushing defense and fourth in passing defense.<ref name="LSUStatsWeek9"/> Nationally on offense, LSU ranked twelfth in scoring offense (39.25 points per game), 31st in rushing offense (189 yards per game), 81st in total offense (372.13 yards per game) and 99th in passing offense (183.13 yards per game).<ref name="LSUStatsWeek9"/> In the SEC, they ranked second in scoring offense, fourth in rushing offense, sixth in total offense and eighth in passing offense.<ref name="LSUStatsWeek9"/>
{{clear}}

===Alabama===
{{further|2011 Alabama Crimson Tide football team}}
[[File:Alabama on defense against Arkansas 9-24-2011.jpg|thumb|alt=American football players in formation waiting for the snap at midfield.|left|The Alabama defense against the Arkansas offense in Week 4.]]
In the preseason polls, Alabama opened the 2011 season as the No.&nbsp;2 ranked team in both the AP and Coaches' Polls.<ref name="PrePoll"/> After they defeated the [[2011 Kent State Golden Flashes football team|Kent State Golden Flashes]] 48–7 in the season opener, Alabama dropped to No.&nbsp;3 in the AP Poll as a result of LSU's victory over Oregon.<ref name="W2Poll"/><ref name="KentESPN">{{cite news |title=AJ McCarron leads No.&nbsp;2 Alabama over Kent State |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312460333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105115936/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312460333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> In Week 2, the Crimson Tide traveled to [[Beaver Stadium]] for the first time since [[1989 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|1989]] to play the [[2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State Nittany Lions]].<ref name="UAPSU">{{cite news |title=No. 2 Alabama travels to Penn State as both programs audition quarterbacks |first=Izzy |last=Gould |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/no_2_alabama_travels_to_penn_s.html |publisher=AL.com |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> They defeated the No.&nbsp;23 Nittany Lions 27–11, and returned to Tuscaloosa for a pair of home games against the [[2011 North Texas Mean Green football team|North Texas Mean Green]] and the [[2011 Arkansas Razorbacks football team|Arkansas Razorbacks]].<ref name="PSUESPN">{{cite news |title=AJ McCarron calmly leads No.&nbsp;3 Alabama past No.&nbsp;23 Penn State |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530213 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104155958/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312530213 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2012 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 10, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Against North Texas, the Alabama defense was dominant and secured the first [[shutout]] for the Crimson Tide defense since the [[2009 Alabama Crimson Tide football team|2009 season]] with their 41–0 victory.<ref name="NTESPN">{{cite news |title=Trent Richardson, No.&nbsp;2 Alabama roll over North Texas |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312600333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926051942/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312600333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=September 17, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> The following week, Alabama opened conference play with a 38–14 victory over No.&nbsp;14 Arkansas and then defeated the No.&nbsp;12 Florida Gators 38–10 to extend their record to 5–0.<ref name="UAFLESPN">{{cite news |title=Gators lose QB John Brantley, game to No.&nbsp;3 Crimson Tide |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740057 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004152436/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312740057 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After their victory over Florida, the Crimson Tide regained their No.&nbsp;2 ranking in the AP Poll.<ref name="W6Poll">{{cite news |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 6 (October 2) |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/6 |work=ESPN.com |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref>

Alabama then returned home for their [[homecoming]] game against the [[2011 Vanderbilt Commodores football team|Vanderbilt Commodores]]. For the second time of the season, the Alabama defense had a shutout in the 34–0 Crimson Tide victory.<ref name="VUESPN">{{cite news |title=AJ McCarron has career day as Alabama shuts out Vanderbilt |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010100343/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312810333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 10, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> After a 52–7 win over the [[2011 Ole Miss Rebels football team|Ole Miss Rebels]] at [[Vaught–Hemingway Stadium]], Alabama returned for their annual ''[[Third Saturday in October]]'' contest against the Tennessee Volunteers.<ref name="UAOMESPN">{{cite news |title=Alabama ousts Mississippi as Trent Richardson rumbles for four TDs |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312880145 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017095128/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312880145 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 15, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> The Crimson Tide defeated Tennessee for the fifth consecutive season with their 37–6 victory and entered their bye week undefeated and ranked No.&nbsp;2 for their game against No.&nbsp;1 LSU in Tuscaloosa.<ref name="TNESPN">{{cite news |title=Alabama breaks halftime tie, goes on to pound Tennessee |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950333 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024051315/http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=312950333 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 24, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=October 22, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref>

Prior to the game against LSU, Alabama's defense was ranked at or near the top of all major defensive categories nationally. Both nationally and in the SEC, they ranked first in total (180.5 yards per game), scoring (6.88 points per game) and rushing defense (44.88 yards per game).<ref name="ALStats">{{cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Through Week 9 |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=8&year=2011&week=9 |publisher=NCAA.org |date=October 29, 2011 |access-date=November 4, 2011}}</ref> The Crimson Tide also nationally ranked second, and first in the SEC, in pass defense (135.63 yards per game).<ref name="ALStats"/> Nationally on offense, Alabama ranked eleventh in scoring offense (39.38 points per game), fourteenth in rushing offense (229.25 yards per game), 23rd in total offense (457.63 yards per game) and 63rd in passing offense (228.38 yards per game).<ref name="ALStats"/> In the SEC, they ranked first in total, scoring and rushing offense and fourth in passing offense.<ref name="ALStats"/>
{{clear}}

==Game summary==
[[File:Alabama on offense against LSU 11-5-2011.jpg|thumb|alt=American football players prior to running a play.|right|The Alabama offense lined up against the LSU defense.]]
Originally to air on [[SEC on CBS|CBS]] with a start time of 2:30&nbsp;p.m. CST, CBS reassigned the game for primetime television at 7:00&nbsp;p.m. CST as part of a trade announced October 23.<ref name="TVSwap">{{cite news |title=CBS works trade with ESPN to move heavily anticipated LSU–Alabama matchup to primetime |agency=Street & Smith’s Sports Group |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/10/24/Media/LSU-Bama.aspx |publisher=SportsBusinessDaily.com |date=October 24, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> The deal with CBS involved swapping games to other networks and gave future scheduling considerations for the 2012 season to ESPN.<ref name="TVSwap"/> This was the case as CBS used their allotted SEC primetime slot for the Alabama–Florida game earlier in the season.<ref name="TVSwap"/>

The 2011 edition of the [[Alabama–LSU football rivalry]] kicked off at 7:14&nbsp;p.m. CST on November 5, 2011, before a crowd of 101,821&nbsp;people at [[Bryant–Denny Stadium]], in [[Tuscaloosa, Alabama|Tuscaloosa]], [[Alabama]].<ref name="GeneralStats">{{cite web |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua110511.html#GAME.SUM |title=LSU vs Alabama: Scoring Summary |date=November 5, 2011 |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> The game was broadcast nationally in [[prime time]] on [[SEC on CBS|CBS]] and [[Verne Lundquist]] provided the [[Sports commentator|play-by-play commentary]], [[Gary Danielson]] provided the [[Color commentator|color commentary]] and [[Tracy Wolfson]] served as the [[sideline reporter]].<ref name="LSUPre">{{cite web |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/103111aab.html |title=Top ranked matchup set for Tuscaloosa on Saturday |date=October 31, 2011 |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> An estimated 20&nbsp;million people watched the game's television broadcast on CBS, and the broadcast earned a [[Nielsen ratings|television rating]] of 11.5, the highest rating for a non-bowl, college football telecast on CBS since 1989.<ref name="Ratings">{{cite news |title=LSU–Alabama marks CBS' best college football audience in 22 years |agency=Street & Smith’s Sports Group |url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/2011/11/07/Media/LSU-Bama-Ratings.aspx |publisher=SportsBusinessDaily.com |date=November 7, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref>

===First quarter===
After winning the [[Coin flipping|coin toss]], Alabama elected to receive the ball to open the first half. [[Marquis Maze]] fielded the James Hairston [[Kickoff (American football)|kickoff]] and returned it to the Alabama 30-yard line where the offense began its first series.<ref name="ALPbP">{{cite web |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua110511.html#GAME.PLY |title=LSU vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |date=November 5, 2011 |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> Alabama opened with a pair of gains by [[Trent Richardson]] on an 18-yard run and on a 22-yard pass reception from [[A. J. McCarron]] to reach the LSU 30-yard line. However, the drive stalled on the next three plays, and on fourth down [[Cade Foster]] missed a 44-yard [[Field goal (American and Canadian football)|field goal]] wide right and the game remained tied at zero.<ref name="ALPbP"/> The Tigers began their first offensive series with [[Jarrett Lee]] at [[quarterback]] from their own 27-yard line.<ref name="LSUPbP">{{cite web |url=http://www.lsusports.net/pdf8/796151.pdf?ATCLID=205328504&SPSID=27815&SPID=2164&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=5200 |title=LSU vs Alabama: Play-by-Play Summary |date=November 5, 2011 |work=LSUSports.net |publisher=LSU Athletics Department |access-date=November 6, 2011 |format=PDF}}</ref> After LSU gained a pair of first downs on runs by [[Spencer Ware]] and short passes from Lee, the drive faltered, and [[Brad Wing]] [[Punt (gridiron football)|punted]] the ball out-of-bounds at the Alabama five.<ref name="LSUPbP"/>

Alabama started their second drive with a short gain and an incompletion, and then McCarron then threw a 19-yard pass to Maze for a first down.<ref name="ALPbP"/> The Crimson Tide gained another pair of first downs with a Maze reception and three runs each from Richardson and [[Eddie Lacy]] before the drive stalled at the LSU 33. Again Foster missed a field goal, this time from 50-yards, and the game remained tied at zero.<ref name="ALPbP"/> On the next LSU possession, Ware had a short gain and Lee completed a short pass to [[Russell Shepard]] before he threw an [[interception]] to [[Robert Lester (American football)|Robert Lester]] at the Alabama 47-yard line.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> The Crimson Tide then began their third offensive series with a 19-yard completion from McCarron to Darius Hanks before the end of the first quarter.<ref name="ALPbP"/>

===Second quarter===
[[File:Drew Alleman of LSU after kicking a successful field goal.jpg|thumb|alt=American football players after to running a field goal play.|left|Drew Alleman after he kicked his 19-yard field goal to tie the game at 3–3.]]
After a ten-yard gain by Richardson to start the quarter, Alabama lost a total of seven yards on consecutive plays and a McCarron incompletion on third down set up a third long field goal attempt.<ref name="ALPbP"/> This time the 49-yard attempt from [[Jeremy Shelley]] was blocked by [[Bennie Logan]] and recovered by [[Eric Reid (American football)|Eric Reid]] who returned it to the Alabama 48.<ref name="ALPbP"/><ref name="LSUPbP"/> On this LSU possession, [[Jordan Jefferson]] took over as the Tigers' quarterback, and LSU gained a first down on a six-yard [[Michael Ford (American football)|Michael Ford]] run and a pair of short runs by Ware.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> However, the drive stalled again and Wing was forced to punt for LSU.<ref name="LSUPbP"/>

Alabama started from their own four, and Lacy had a short gain before Richardson had four consecutive runs to move the ball to the 39-yard line. The next play was Alabama's longest play from scrimmage in the game when McCarron threw a 39-yard pass to Richardson and brought the ball to the LSU 19-yard line.<ref name="ALPbP"/> However, for the fourth time in four offensive possessions, the LSU defense held Alabama to a field goal attempt. This time, the 34-yard Jeremy Shelley kick was good and the Crimson Tide took a 3–0 lead.<ref name="ALPbP"/> Once the received the kickoff, LSU began their fourth offensive possession from their own 24. The Tigers opened their drive with runs of 14 and nine yards from Ford, followed by short runs from Ware, Jefferson and Ford again to bring the ball to the Alabama 36.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> After a five yard substitution penalty, Jefferson completed a 34-yard pass to [[Russell Shepard]] to give the Tigers a first and goal from the Alabama eight.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> After a four-yard rush by Ford and a Jefferson incompletion, [[Dre Kirkpatrick]] was called for [[Holding (American football)|holding]] that resulted in a first and goal from the Alabama two-yard line.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Jefferson then threw another incompletion followed with a run for no gain by Ford.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> LSU then called a [[Time-out (sport)|time-out]] with two seconds left in the half to set up a field goal attempt, and Alabama followed with a second time-out in an attempt to [[Icing the kicker|ice the kicker]].<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Drew Alleman then kicked a 19-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at 3–3 at halftime.<ref name="LSUPbP"/>

===Third quarter===
LSU received the ball to start the second half and started their fifth offensive drive from their own 18.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> After they gained a first down on a short pass on a pair of runs, the Alabama defense stopped the Tigers on their next series to force a punt.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Alabama then started from their own 48, but were only able to muster a [[three and out]]. This resulted in their first punt of the night from Cody Mandell.<ref name="ALPbP"/> With Lee back at quarterback for LSU, he threw his second interception, this time to [[Mark Barron]], to give Alabama possession at the LSU 35.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Again the LSU defense held the Alabama offense in check to set up another long field goal attempt. This time Foster connected on a 46-yard field goal to give the Crimson Tide a 6–3 lead.<ref name="ALPbP"/> On the next drive, LSU was able to gain a pair of first downs primarily with only runs by Jefferson and Ford, but again were forced to punt.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Alabama started this drive from their own 11, and was able to gain a pair of first downs on McCarron passes before he threw an interception to [[Morris Claiborne]] that was returned to the Alabama 15.<ref name="ALPbP"/><ref name="LSUPbP"/> The quarter ended two plays later after a pair of LSU runs resulted in no gain.<ref name="LSUPbP"/>

===Fourth quarter===
[[File:Kenny Hilliard running the ball against Alabama.jpg|thumb|alt=American football players running a running play.|left|[[Kenny Hilliard]] receiving the [[Jordan Jefferson]] handoff and [[Rush (gridiron football)|rushing]] away from the LSU end zone.]]
After a two-yard Jefferson run to open the fourth quarter, Alleman kicked a 30-yard field goal to tie the game at 6–6.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Alabama began the next series with a two-yard Richardson reception followed by a two-yard run before McCarron connected with Maze for a first down on an 18-yard reception.<ref name="ALPbP"/> Richardson then had a three-yard run and a 24-yard run to give the Crimson Tide a first down at the LSU 28.<ref name="ALPbP"/> On the next play, Maze threw an interception on a [[trick play]] to Reid at the LSU one-yard line to give the Tigers possession.<ref name="ALPbP"/> After Alabama held LSU to a three-and-out, Wing had a 73-yard punt to give Alabama possession at their own 18.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> Alabama and LSU then traded punts on the next three offensive possessions to send the game into overtime tied 6–6.<ref name="ALPbP"/><ref name="LSUPbP"/>

===Overtime===
In the overtime period, Alabama was on offense first. McCarron opened their drive with a pair of incompletions to Richardson.<ref name="ALPbP"/> After a five-yard substitution penalty and a five-yard [[quarterback sack]] by Sam Montgomery, Foster missed a 52-yard field goal.<ref name="ALPbP"/> On LSU's possession, Ware had a three-yard rush and then Ford had a 15-yard run to give the Tigers a first down from the Alabama seven.<ref name="LSUPbP"/> After a pair of runs that netted a loss of one yard, on third down, Alleman kicked a 25-yard field goal to give LSU the 9–6 victory.<ref name="LSUPbP"/>
{{clear}}

===Scoring summary===
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=LSU|HomeName=ALA|state=expand}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=3:53
| Team=ALA
| DrivePlays=10
| DriveLength=79
| DriveTime=5:00
| Type=FG
| yards=34
| Kicker=[[Jeremy Shelley]]
| Visitor=0
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=0:00
| Team=LSU
| DrivePlays=11
| DriveLength=74
| DriveTime=3:53
| Type=FG
| yards=19
| Kicker=Drew Alleman
| Visitor=3
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=7:56
| Team=ALA
| DrivePlays=4
| DriveLength=6
| DriveTime=1:51
| Type=FG
| yards=46
| Kicker=[[Cade Foster]]
| Visitor=3
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=14:13
| Team=LSU
| DrivePlays=4
| DriveLength=2
| DriveTime=1:53
| Type=FG
| yards=30
| Kicker=Drew Alleman
| Visitor=6
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=OT
| Time=–
| Team=LSU
| DrivePlays=5
| DriveLength=17
| DriveTime=0:00
| Type=FG
| yards=25
| Kicker=Drew Alleman
| Visitor=9
| Home=6
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=9|Home=6}}

== Statistical summary ==
<div style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: right;">
{| class="wikitable"
|+ '''Statistical Comparison'''<ref name="GameStatsESPN">{{cite news |title=LSU Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide – Box Score |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313090333 |work=ESPN.com |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref>
! !! LSU !! Alabama
|-
| '''1st Downs''' || 15 || 17
|-
| '''Total Yards''' || 239 || 295
|-
| '''Passing Yards''' || 91 || 199
|-
| '''Rushing Yards''' || 148 || 96
|-
| '''Penalties''' || 7–56 || 6–73
|-
| '''3rd Down Conversions''' || 3–11 || 5–13
|-
| '''Turnovers''' || 2 || 2
|-
| '''Time of Possession''' || 29:54 || 30:06
|}
</div>
In a game noted for dominant defense performances for both teams, offensively, both Alabama and LSU had similar statistics. The Crimson Tide compiled 295 yards of total offense as compared to LSU's 239 yards. Alabama quarterback [[A. J. McCarron]] completed 16 of 28 passes for 199 passing yards.<ref name="GameStatsESPN"/> His top receiver in the game was [[Trent Richardson]] who had 80 yards on 5 receptions, followed by [[Marquis Maze]] with 61 yards on 6 receptions.<ref name="GameStatsESPN"/>

[[Jarrett Lee]] entered the game as the Tigers' starting quarterback.<ref name="LSUQBESPN">{{cite news |title=Miles says title of starting QB not significant |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=7204697 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=November 7, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> However after he threw a pair of [[interception]]s, Lee was replaced by [[Jordan Jefferson]] for the remainder of the game.<ref name="LSUQBESPN"/> In the game, Lee completed 3 of 7 passes for 24 yards and Jefferson completed 6 of 10 passes for 67 yards.<ref name="GameStatsESPN"/> The Tigers top receiver in the game was [[Russell Shepard]] who had 39 yards on 2 receptions.<ref name="GameStatsESPN"/>

In terms of rushing offense, LSU outgained Alabama 148 to 96 yards, led by Michael Ford who ran for 72 rushing yards. The Crimson Tide was led on the ground by Richardson, who carried the ball 23 times for 89 yards. LSU, was led by Ford's 72 rushing yards, and also saw Jefferson rush for 43 yards on 11&nbsp;carries and Spencer Ware pick up 29 yards on 16&nbsp;carries.<ref name="GameStatsESPN"/>

Defensively, [[Nico Johnson]] led Alabama with eleven total [[Tackle (football move)|tackles]] in the game, followed by [[DeQuan Menzie]] with eight.<ref name="ALLSUDefStats">{{cite web |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/ua110511.html#GAME.DEF |title=LSU vs Alabama: Defensive Statistics |date=November 5, 2011 |work=RollTide.com |publisher=University of Alabama Department of Intercollegiate Athletics |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> [[Mark Barron]] and [[Robert Lester (American football)|Robert Lester]] each had one interception and [[Courtney Upshaw]] accounted for the Crimson Tide's only [[quarterback sack]] of the game.<ref name="ALLSUDefStats"/> For LSU, Ryan Baker led the Tigers with eight total tackles in the game, followed by both Eric Reid and [[Sam Montgomery]] who each had six.<ref name="ALLSUDefStats"/> Reid and [[Morris Claiborne]] each had one interception and Montgomery accounted for both of LSU's quarterback sacks.<ref name="ALLSUDefStats"/>
{{clear}}

==Aftermath==

===LSU===
With the victory, LSU remained atop all three polls at No.&nbsp;1.<ref name="LSUPoll">{{cite news |title=LSU No.&nbsp;1 across the board in AP, Coaches, Harris polls |first=Jim |last=Kleinpeter |url=http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2011/11/lsu_no_1_across_the_board_in_a.html |publisher=NOLA.com |newspaper=The Times-Picayune |location=New Orleans, Louisiana |date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> They also took a one game lead in the SEC Western Division standings over Alabama, and ultimately secured a place in the 2011 SEC Championship Game. The Tigers went on to finish the regular season 12–0 with victories over [[2011 Western Kentucky Hilltoppers football team|Western Kentucky]], [[2011 Ole Miss Rebels football team|Ole Miss]] and [[2011 Arkansas Razorbacks football team|Arkansas]].<ref name="LSU2011Schedule">{{cite news |title=LSU Tigers schedule – 2011 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/99/lsu-tigers |work=ESPN.com |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> In the SEC Championship, LSU rallied from an early double-digit deficit to defeat Georgia and won the conference championship, retained their unanimous No.&nbsp;1 ranking and secured a place in the BCS National Championship Game.<ref name="LSUSECChamp">{{cite news |title=LSU overwhelms Georgia in second half to claim SEC title |agency=Associated Press |url=http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313370099 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710194614/http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313370099 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 10, 2012 |work=ESPN.com |date=December 3, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref>

Statistically, LSU's defense was still ranked near the top of all major defensive categories nationally after the game against Alabama. They moved up to second in both scoring (10.89 points per game) and rushing defense (78.78 yards per game), third in total defense (256.22 yards per game) and ninth in passing defense (177.44 yards per game).<ref name="LSUStatsWeek10">{{cite news |title=2011 LSU Football Ranking Summary – Through Week 10 |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=365&year=2011&week=10 |publisher=NCAA.org |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> The Tigers remained ranked second in total, scoring and rushing defense and fourth in passing defense within the conference.<ref name="LSUStatsWeek10"/> On offense, the Tigers dropped to 20th in scoring offense (35.89 points per game), 38th in rushing offense (184.44 yards per game), 87th in total offense (357.33 yards per game) and 102nd in passing offense (172.89 yards per game).<ref name="LSUStatsWeek10"/> In conference, they remained second in scoring offense, sixth in total offense, eighth in passing offense, but dropped to fifth in rushing offense.<ref name="LSUStatsWeek10"/>

===Alabama===
With the loss, Alabama dropped to No.&nbsp;4 in both the AP and Coaches' Polls and to No.&nbsp;3 in the BCS standings.<ref name="ALPoll">{{cite news |title=Alabama only falls one spot to No.&nbsp;3 in BCS standings, stays ahead of Stanford | first=Don Jr. | last=Kausler |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/alabama_only_falls_one_spot_to.html |publisher=AL.com |date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref> The Crimson Tide went on to finish the regular season 11–1 with victories over [[2011 Mississippi State Bulldogs football team|Mississippi State]], [[2011 Georgia Southern Eagles football team|Georgia Southern]] and [[2011 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn]].<ref name="AL2011Schedule">{{cite news |title=Alabama Crimson Tide schedule – 2011 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/333/alabama-crimson-tide |work=ESPN.com |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> During these final weeks, a series of [[Upset (competition)|upset]]s occurred that allowed Alabama to remain in contention for the final No.&nbsp;2 ranking, and thus to qualify for the BCS National Championship Game.<ref name="ALBCSChamp">{{cite news|title=LSU, Alabama to Meet Again for College Football's Championship |first=Erik |last=Matuszewski |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-05/lsu-alabama-to-meet-again-for-college-football-s-championship.html |newspaper=Bloomberg Businessweek |publisher=Businessweek.com |date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113133314/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-05/lsu-alabama-to-meet-again-for-college-football-s-championship.html |archive-date=January 13, 2012 }}</ref> Alabama secured a place in the BCS National Championship Game after they completed the regular season ranked No.&nbsp;2 with a BCS score of .942, slightly ahead of [[2011 Oklahoma State Cowboys football team|Oklahoma State]] with a BCS score of .933.<ref name="ALBCSChamp"/> The .09 difference between the teams was the closest final BCS ranking between No.&nbsp;2 and No.&nbsp;3 ranked teams since the current BCS formula was instituted in 2004.<ref name="ALBCSChamp"/>

Statistically, Alabama's defense was ranked at the top of all major defensive categories nationally after the game against LSU. They still ranked first in total (187.00 yards per game), scoring (7.11 points per game) and rushing defense (56.33 yards per game), and moved up to first in pass defense (130.67 yards per game).<ref name="ALStatsWeek10">{{cite news |title=2011 Alabama Football Ranking Summary – Through Week 10 |url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=8&year=2011&week=10 |publisher=NCAA.org |date=November 5, 2011 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> Alabama remained the conference leader in all four major categories as well.<ref name="ALStatsWeek10"/> On offense, the Crimson Tide dropped to 23rd in scoring offense (35.67 points per game), 21st in rushing offense (214.44 yards per game), 30th in total offense (439.56 yards per game) and 68th in passing offense (225.11 yards per game).<ref name="ALStatsWeek10"/> In conference, Alabama remained first in rushing and fourth in passing offense, but dropped to second in total and third in scoring offense.<ref name="ALStatsWeek10"/>

===Rematch===
{{further|2012 BCS National Championship Game}}
On December 4, 2011, the final [[Bowl Championship Series]] standings were unveiled with LSU ranked first, followed by Alabama, to set up a rematch between the two teams in the [[2012 BCS National Championship Game]].<ref name="Rematch1">{{cite news |title=It's official: Alabama vs. LSU in BCS Championship Game on Jan. 9 in New Orleans |first=Izzy |last=Gould |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/12/alabama_ranked_no_2_in_latest_2.html |publisher=AL.com |date=December 4, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Rematch2">{{cite news |title=LSU, Alabama to play for title |agency=ESPN.com news services |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7316817/lsu-tigers-alabama-crimson-tide-rematch-set-bcs-title-game |work=ESPN.com |date=December 4, 2011 |access-date=December 4, 2011}}</ref> In the weeks that led up to the game, the notion of a split national championship became a major storyline.<ref name="Split1">{{cite news |title=Alabama victory Monday could lead to split decision |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2012-01-04/AP-poll-split-national-title/52380558/1 |publisher=USAToday.com |date=January 4, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Split2">{{cite news |title=AP voters discuss possibility of split national title |first=Dennis |last=Lin |newspaper=The Birmingham News |url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/01/ap_voters_discuss_possibility.html |publisher=AL.com |date=January 3, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Split3">{{cite news |title=Don't rule out a split for national title |first=Chris |last=Dufresne |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-jan-05-la-sp-0106-bcs-notebook-20120106-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=January 5, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref> This was the case as the [[AP Poll]] is not tied to the [[Bowl Championship Series]] and some AP voters expressed they might vote LSU national champions even if they lost as they defeated Alabama in their regular season game.<ref name="Split1"/><ref name="Split2"/><ref name="Split3"/> However, after Alabama [[Shutout|shut out]] LSU 21–0 in the BCS National Championship Game, the AP voted them national champions to give the Crimson Tide the consensus national championship and thus avoid a split title with LSU.<ref name="BCSWin">{{cite news |title=Alabama No.&nbsp;1 in AP poll; Okla. St. No.&nbsp;3 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7445372/bcs-champion-alabama-crimson-tide-run-away-ap-no-1 |agency=ESPN.com news services |work=ESPN.com |date=January 10, 2012 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}</ref>

===Players drafted in the NFL===
Within the next four years, 45 players that participated in this game were taken into the [[NFL Draft]]. This represents the highest number of players taken in a regular season game and represents the second highest number of players taken into the NFL Draft from both of the teams that participated, second only to the [[2003 Fiesta Bowl]] which produced 52 future draft picks. The final pick came with the 253rd selection on the [[2015 NFL draft]], which saw the [[New England Patriots]] take [[Xzavier Dickson]], three selections before the final "[[Mr. Irrelevant]]" pick. The following table lists all of the participants from the 2011 LSU vs. Alabama game that were later drafted by an NFL team:<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/83193/back-to-the-future-alabama-vs-lsu|title=Back to the future: Alabama vs. LSU|work=ESPN |date=May 16, 2014 |access-date=May 17, 2014}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Round
! scope="col" | Overall
! scope="col" | Player name
! scope="col" | College
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Drafted by
|-
|rowspan=13|[[2012 NFL draft|2012]]
| 1 
| 3
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Trent|Richardson}}
| Alabama
| Running back
| [[2012 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]
|-
| 1 
| 6
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Morris|Claiborne}}
| LSU
| Cornerback
| [[2012 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]]
|-
| 1 
| 7
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Mark|Barron}}
| Alabama
| Safety
| [[2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]]
|-
| 1 
| 14
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Michael|Brockers}}
| LSU
| Defensive tackle
| [[2012 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]]
|-
| 1 
| 17
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Dre|Kirkpatrick}}
| Alabama
| Cornerback
| [[2012 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]
|-
| 1 
| 25
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Dont'a|Hightower}}
| Alabama
| Linebacker
| [[2012 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]
|-
| 2
| 35
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Courtney|Upshaw}}
| Alabama
| Linebacker
| [[2012 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]]
|-
| 2
| 63
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Rueben|Randle}}
| LSU
| Wide receiver
| [[2012 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]
|-
| 3
| 73
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Brandon|Taylor|Brandon Taylor (American football)}}
| LSU
| Safety
| [[2012 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]
|-
| 4
| 124
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Ron|Brooks}}
| LSU
| Cornerback
| [[2012 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]]
|-
| 5
| 136
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Josh|Chapman}}
| Alabama
| Defensive tackle
| [[2012 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]]
|-
| 5
| 146
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|DeQuan|Menzie}}
| Alabama
| Cornerback
| [[2012 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
|-
| 7
| 247
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Brad|Smelley}}
| Alabama
| Tight end
| [[2012 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]
|-
|rowspan=18|[[2013 NFL draft|2013]]
| 1
| 6
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Barkevious|Mingo}}
| LSU
| Defensive end
| [[2013 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]]
|-
| 1 
| 9
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Dee|Milliner}}
| Alabama
| Cornerback
| [[2013 New York Jets season|New York Jets]]
|-
| 1 
| 10
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Chance|Warmack}}
| Alabama
| Guard
| [[2013 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
|-
| 1 
| 11
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|D. J.|Fluker}}
| Alabama
| Offensive tackle
| [[2013 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]
|-
| 1 
| 18
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Eric|Reid|Eric Reid (American football)}}
| LSU
| Safety
| [[2013 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|-
| 2
| 45
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Kevin|Minter}}
| LSU
| Linebacker
| [[2013 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]
|-
| 2
| 61
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Eddie|Lacy}}
| Alabama
| Running back
| [[2013 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]
|-
| 3
| 67
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Bennie|Logan}}
| LSU
| Defensive tackle
| [[2013 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]]
|-
| 3
| 69
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Tyrann|Mathieu}}
| LSU
| Cornerback
| [[2013 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]
|-
| 3
| 95
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Sam|Montgomery}}
| LSU
| Defensive end
| [[2013 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
|-
| 4 
| 99
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Nico|Johnson}}
| Alabama
| Linebacker
| [[2013 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]]
|-
| 4 
| 113
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Barrett|Jones}}
| Alabama
| Center
| [[2013 St. Louis Rams season|St. Louis Rams]]
|-
| 5
| 137
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Jesse|Williams|Jesse Williams (American football)}}
| Alabama
| Defensive tackle
| [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
|-
| 5
| 138
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Tharold|Simon}}
| LSU
| Cornerback
| [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
|-
| 5
| 142
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Lavar|Edwards}}
| LSU
| Defensive end
| [[2013 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
|-
| 5 
| 157
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Quinton|Dial}}
| Alabama
| Defensive end
| [[2013 San Francisco 49ers season|San Francisco 49ers]]
|-
| 6
| 194
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Spencer|Ware}}
| LSU
| Running back
| [[2013 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
|-
| 7 
| 211
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Michael|Williams|Michael Williams (offensive lineman)}}
| Alabama
| Tight end
| [[2013 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions]]
|-
|rowspan=11|[[2014 NFL draft|2014]]
| 1 
| 12
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Odell|Beckham Jr.}}
| LSU
| Wide receiver
| [[2014 New York Giants season|New York Giants]]
|-
| 1 
| 17
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|C. J.|Mosley|C. J. Mosley (linebacker)}}
| Alabama
| Linebacker
| [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]]
|-
| 1 
| 21
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Ha Ha|Clinton-Dix}}
| Alabama
| Safety
| [[2014 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]]
|-
| 2
| 51
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Ego|Ferguson}}
| LSU
| Defensive tackle
| [[2014 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]]
|-
| 2
| 63
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Jarvis|Landry}}
| LSU
| Wide receiver
| [[2014 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]]
|-
| 4
| 123
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Kevin|Norwood}}
| Alabama
| Wide receiver
| [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
|-
| 5
| 156
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Lamin|Barrow}}
| LSU
| Linebacker
| [[2014 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]]
|-
| 5
| 160
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Ed|Stinson}}
| Alabama
| Defensive end
| [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|Arizona Cardinals]]
|-
| 5
| 164
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|A. J.|McCarron}}
| Alabama
| Quarterback
| [[2014 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]]
|-
| 5
| 167
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Vinnie|Sunseri}}
| Alabama
| Safety
| [[2014 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]
|-
| 6
| 181
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Alfred|Blue}}
| LSU
| Running back
| [[2014 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
|-
|rowspan=3|[[2015 NFL draft|2015]]
| 4 
| 108
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Jalston|Fowler}}
| Alabama
| Running back
| [[2015 Tennessee Titans season|Tennessee Titans]]
|-
| 7 
| 235
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Kenny|Hilliard}}
| LSU
| Running back
| [[2015 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
|-
| 7 
| 253
! scope="row" | {{Sortname|Xzavier|Dickson}}
| Alabama
| Linebacker
| [[2015 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]]
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{YouTube|kSOyeK9kXDk|"#1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama 2011" Replay of the 2011 LSU vs. Alabama football game}}
* [[2019 LSU vs. Alabama football game]] - A game that happened with the teams being the same ranks in the AP poll 8 years after

{{College Football on CBS}}
{{Alabama Crimson Tide football navbox}}
{{LSU Tigers football navbox}}
{{Historic college football games}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:LSU vs. Alabama football game 2011}}
[[Category:2011 Southeastern Conference football season]]
[[Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football games|vs. LSU 2011]]
[[Category:LSU Tigers football games|vs. Alabama 2011]]
[[Category:2011 in sports in Alabama]]
[[Category:November 2011 sports events in the United States]]
[[Category:Nicknamed sporting events]]