Can LSU’s year turn with the Tide?

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the ninth in the series previewing the 2018 football season.
Alabama has won seven straight over LSU and the Crimson Tide should still be undefeated when it makes the Nov. 3 trip to Tiger Stadium.
The last two years, the Tide was the top-ranked team but LSU battled before falling 24-10 last year and 10-0 in 2016.
This year, LSU is predicted to have only a 22.2 percent chance of a win.
By Nov. 3, the quarterback battle between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa will be decided and the Togers will have a huge challenge no matter who is leading the Alabama offense.
Damien Harris is attempting to become the first Tide running back to have three straight 1,000-yard seasons.
If somehow LSU can upset the Tide, it would be the biggest win in years at Tiger Stadium.
Louisiana Lafayette heads into its ninth game under head coach Billy Napier and the Cajuns could be 3-5 heading to a battle at 2017 Sun Belt co-champions Troy.
The Trojans’ offense will have to reload after the graduation of quarterback Brandon Silvers and running back Jordan Chunn.
Troy has one of the best offensive lines in the conferene returning and that should help as the offense retools.
Wide receivers Deondre Douglas and Damion Williams are big-play threats.
Marcus Jones returned three kicks for touchdowns and finished seventh nationally with a 30.3 yard average.
Northwest Mississippi Community College transfer running back Kevin Perkins could help the offense as he gained 884 yards on 163 carries and 12 touchdowns last season.
The defense is led by cornerback Blace Brown who has intercepted 11 passes over the past two seasons.
Nose tackle Trevon Sanders will help anchor the defensive front as Troy looks to advance to the ignaural Sun Belt Confernce championship game.