LSU coach Brian Kelly repeatedly blamed himself for a 42-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday night, a defeat that almost certainly ended any hope of a College Football Playoff berth for the Tigers. They dropped to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in SEC play as Kelly acknowledged they face an uphill climb if they want any shot at a conference title.

Third down might be what wins the game. LSU’s offense (10th nationally) and Alabama’s defense (18th) are among the best nationally while the other side is the opposite: Alabama’s third down offense is 66th nationally while LSU’s defense ranks 79th.