As meaningful as any LSU-Alabama game

For the first time in nearly 20 years, neither LSU nor Alabama is a top-ten team heading into this week’s early usual November matchup.

The Tigers sit at No. 14 in the Associated Press rankings. The Crimson Tide are just outside of the top ten at No. 11. In 2006, LSU was No. 12 and Alabama was unranked. The Tigers defeated the Tide 28-14 that season – the last before Nick Saban became Alabama coach.