Sports columnist Scott Rabalais with his three takeaways from LSU’s 31-13 loss to Alabama on Saturday in Tiger Stadium:

1. RED-ZONE WOES

What had been an occasional issue for LSU most of this season, an inability to score touchdowns in the red zone, was a crisis against Alabama. All told, eight of the Tigers’ drives got inside the Alabama 40 and four of them reached the red zone. It all resulted in just 13 points for the Tigers. The biggest culprit? LSU’s inability to drive Alabama off the line of scrimmage and open holes for the running game.

2. DEFENSE WILTS IN CLUTCH

There was a flutter of speculation this week as to whether Whit Weeks would return from his injury. He couldn’t, but it’s doubtful his presence could have turned this Tide. The Tigers had their moments on defense, but after LSU finally took the lead 13-10 with 8:20 left in the third quarter, Alabama went touchdown, punt, touchdown, touchdown. Again, the Crimson Tide’s control of the line of scrimmage was a major factor.

3. NOW WHAT?

LSU theoretically may have hopes of making the College Football Playoff if it wins out, but realistically that dream ended Saturday for the Tigers. At 6-3, they need to worry just about winning a game with Texas next followed by a trip to Tennessee ahead on the schedule. There will be tons of second-guessing about LSU and its big-bucks roster and plenty of ridicule for Kiffin. He and the Tigers will have to own all of it.