| The most anticipated game of the season is here: LSU versus Alabama. In effect, Saturday's game (6:30 p.m., ABC0 is an elimination game for the College Football Playoff between the No. 11 Crimson Tide (6-2, 3-2 SEC) and No. 15 Tigers (6-2, 3-1). It's huge. And there are tons of story lines dripping off this game like we hope the rain won't be dripping off Tiger Stadium on Saturday night ("Chance of rain? ... Well, you know.") You don't need a lot of hype from me. You know how big it is and what's going on. So let's dive into our list of stories for you surrounding this game, with a little dash of women's basketball mixed in: - Nick Saban is in Baton Rouge with the ESPN "College Gameday" krewe, but this will be the first LSU-Alabama game since 2006 without him coaching. What does that mean for the rivalry? Our Wilson Alexander investigates.
- Brian Kelly is still coaching LSU, of course. Two years removed from perhaps his greatest victory with the Tigers, 32-31 over Alabama in overtime, this game could be the biggest of his entire tenure in Baton Rouge.
- Our LSU beat team has made its picks for the game. See how they jibe with yours.
- Gov. Landry went on Fox News to talk about Omar the Tiger who will apparently be paraded around the stadium on Saturday. Meanwhile, the tiger's owner apparently has a history of federal violations.
- What are the top five games in America on Saturday? Our Gabe Henderson has his picks, too.
- The LSU women's basketball team moved to 2-0 on the young season Friday night, brushing aside Northwestern State 95-36 behind still more hot shooting from Flau'jae Johnson.
- Before the game, LSU coach Kim Mulkey asked Saban to speak to her team. This is how that went down.
- Raising Canes put together an electronic billboard tribute to Kirk Herbstreit's beloved dog Ben, who died this week. Herbstreit will be here for "College Gameday" and will call the game with Chris Fowler and Holly Rowe on ABC.
That's all we have for you folks. Thanks for reading and subscribing. And if you have tickets, don't let the threat of a little sprinkle deter you. Grab a pancho and get out there! Scott Rabalais | 
