TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Here's a look at three lessons learned during Alabama's 38-17 win over LSU on Saturday night.
T.J. Yeldon is a force: Much of the focus went to Kenyan Drake in recent weeks. It was understandable. After all, Drake can fly. But T.J. Yeldon remained a steady force in the backfield for Alabama. He broke out against LSU, though, showing the kind of vision and patience that makes him a top tailback in the SEC. He ran for a season high 133 yards and two touchdowns to propel Alabama to victory.
Underrated defender: Sure, he made some mistakes by dropping two interceptions that would have put away LSU quicker, but C.J. Mosley didn't let it get to him. Alabama's All-American middle linebacker once again played lights out, helping lead the defense to yet another solid win, coming in first on the team with 12 tackles. His ability to fit the run and make plays in the backfield is too often taken for granted, but his talent and leadership should be noted more often.
Alabama has issues defending the pass: It was never more obvious than Saturday night that Alabama lacks the lockdown cornerback of seasons past. There's no Dee Milliner out there. Deion Belue is a serviceable corner, but the trouble he had shutting down Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry was obvious. When LSU wanted to go deep with the pass, it did. Cyrus Jones, the corner to start opposite Belue, wasn't stellar, but Alabama didn't have the ability to shade to his side like in years past, because Belue wasn't holding up his end of the bargain.
