BATON ROUGE - The LSU Tigers look to make a statement on Saturday afternoon as they host the Alabama Crimson Tide in a highly anticipated SEC showdown in Death Valley.

Alabama struck first on its opening possession as placekicker Conor Talty drilled a 43-yard field goal to cap a nine-play, 50-yard drive and give the Crimson Tide an early 3-0 lead.

LSU responded on its opening possession with a drive into Alabama's red zone but was forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal from placekicker Scott Starzyk to tie the game at 3-3.

On the first play of the second quarter, Starzyk attempted a 56-yard field goal, but his kick sailed wide left for LSU.

Alabama capitalized on the missed field goal as wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams took a handoff around the right side and walked into the end zone for a 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Crimson Tide a 10-3 lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half.

LSU went for it on fourth-and-4 inside the Alabama 10-yard line, but Sam Leavitt's pass was broken up at the line of scrimmage, resulting in a turnover on downs with 3:31 remaining in the first half.

LSU drove back into Alabama territory, but Leavitt was intercepted by Crimson Tide linebacker Luke Metz, who returned the ball into LSU territory to help Alabama preserve its 10-3 lead heading into halftime.

You can catch all the action live on WBRZ.

Check back here throughout the afternoon for updates from the game.