While Alabama controlled most of the series' early history by going 31–11–4 against LSU, the intensity and competitiveness has grown during the last four decades.

QB Zach Mettenberger threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jarvis Landry early in the 4th quarter for a 17–14 lead.

LSU held twice on defense, but kicker Drew Alleman, the hero of the last year's game, missed a key field goal.

Alabama then quickly drove downfield on completion by quarterback A. J. McCarron to wide receiver Kevin Norwood of 18, 15, and 11 yards to the LSU 28.

On 2nd and 10, McCarron threw a screen pass to running back T.J. Yeldon, who weaved through LSU defenders for a game-winning touchdown with 51 seconds left.

With 50 seconds left and following a Yeldon fumble in which he was injured, LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye kicked a 39-yard field goal for a 13–10 lead.

On the first possession of overtime, Alabama QB Blake Sims found DeAndrew White in the end-zone for a 20–13 lead.

LSU threw 4 straight incomplete passes, and Alabama escaped Baton Rouge with a 20–13 win.

The game featured the top two NFL quarterback prospects and Heisman Trophy candidates at the time in Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa and LSU's Joe Burrow.

The game snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series for LSU and virtually ensured both an SEC West title win and a College Football Playoff berth barring a total collapse.