The top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide faces their stiffest test of the season Saturday night as they head down to Baton Rouge to face the third ranked LSU Tigers.

Alabama is undefeated at 8-0, 5-0 in the SEC while LSU is 7-1, 4-1 in the conference coming into the game.

The winner will have the inside track to the SEC Championship Game as the Crimson Tide can clinch the SEC West with a win Saturday night while LSU would have the tiebreaker over Alabama if they win out in the regular season.

The Tide has taken seven in a row over the Tigers and leads the overall series 52-25-5.

Prior to Saturday night's critical showdown, find out the three things you need to know about the LSU Tigers.

Dominating Starts Defensively

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It's no secret that LSU's strength is on defense.

Along with Fresno State and Maryland, LSU is tied for the lead in the FBS with 14 interceptions and is third in the Southeastern Conference and seventh nationally in scoring defense allowing 15.1 points per game.

A big reason for their success has been their fast starts defensively. The Tigers have not allowed a first quarter touchdown in 12 consecutive games dating back to Alabama's 24-10 victory over LSU in Tuscaloosa last season.

Mr. Automatic Cole Tracy

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In addition to a stout defense, Cole Tracy has emerged as one of college football's top placekickers.

The transfer from Assumption College has banged home 21 of his 23 field goal attempts and has successfully converted all of his kicks inside 50 yards including his 42-yard game winner at Auburn.

Tracy has made his last 12 field goal tries and is first in the country among placekickers with 87 points.

Ed Orgeron's Success at LSU

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Beginning in 2000, Nick Saban set up LSU's run of success with an appearance in the Peach Bowl and the first of two SEC titles in 2001.

Les Miles brought home a national title in 2007 along with two conference titles of his own.

Since taking over four games into 2016, Ed Orgeron has won 22 of his 29 games as LSU's head coach.

Orgeron's 22-7 mark is the third best start for an LSU coach trailing Les Miles and Bernie Moore.

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