Kalen DeBoer delivers a clear verdict ahead of Alabama's Week 11 clash against LSU

Kalen Deboer's Alabama Crimson Tide will travel to Baton Rouge to take on the LSU Tigers in a Week 11 Southeastern Conference bout. The Crimson Tide boast a 6-2 record entering Saturday's matchup but has faced criticism for early losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee.

Coming off an open week last weekend, DeBoer discussed his team's preparation entering a crucial matchup this weekend.

"I expect us to be well prepared and ready to go on Saturday. So, just everything I've seen, I like where we're at, and we're not done yet, but I like where we're at right now."

While DeBoer has been criticized for the Tide's 6-2 record entering Week 11, the coach feels confident about his team's path as the season progresses. The SEC is wide open and could be taken over by Alabama with a stretch of wins to close the season.

The road to the college football playoff is tough, but the Tide feel good entering a game that will make or break their season.

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Alabama favored over LSU entering Saturday's matchup

Sportbooks favor the Alabama Crimson Tide entering this weekend's clash of SEC titans. Despite hosting the Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, LSU comes into the contest as a 2.5-point underdog.

The Tigers are coming off a 38-23 loss to Texas A&M, causing a slide in the AP Poll from No. 8 to No. 15. Like the Crimson Tide, the Tigers also have a difficult road to the College Football Playoff, with a 6-2 record through eight games.

The Crimson Tide bounced back before their open week with a 34-0 win over Missouri following their second loss of the season versus Tennessee on Oct. 19. The Crimson Tide's matchup versus LSU will mark the third-straight Top 25 matchup for Alabama as Kalen DeBoer's team looks to gain ground in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Kickoff for the SEC showdown is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage available on ABC.