Tuscaloosa, AL

Outstanding defense was key for what was billed as the "Game of the Century", and the top-ranked LSU Tigers tookadvantage of the Alabama's shaky kicking game to top the No. 2 Crimson Tide in a thrilling 9-6 overtime win Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Drew Alleman split the uprights on a 25-yard field goal in the extra session, concluding the first clash between the top teams in the country in a regular season meeting in nearly five years.

LSU kicker Alleman's 25-yard field goal in overtime was made possible after Alabama missed its fourth field goal of the game on its first possession of overtime.

There were simply too many errors as both teams tried to overcome a fierce defensive battle. The Tigers were also sloppy in handling the ball, but kept their composure throughout the contest to gain an inside track to the national title game.

LSU plays a couple of games before the SEC title game on Dec. 3.

The Tigers will look to carry the momentum next week against Western Kentucky before wrapping up their conference slate vs. Ole Miss and Arkansas.

Saturday's matchup saw both teams unable to reach the end zone, not even in the extra session.

The two teams' quarterbacks struggled with LSU's Jarrett Lee throwing two interceptions.

It paved the way for Jordan Jefferson to take majority of snaps under center for LSU. He completed 6-of-10 passes for 67 yards and added 43 yards on the ground.

Alabama signal-caller AJ McCarron was also intercepted twice.

Michael Ford, who set up the game-winner with a 15-yard run, gained 72 yards on 11 carries.

Alabama's Cade Foster failed to deliver on three kicks, including a 52-yard attempt after the Tide got the ball first in the extra period. Trent Richardson compiled 169 yards from scrimmage for Alabama.

The Crimson Tide are expected to bounce back Saturday against Mississippi State.

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