The showdown between Leonard Fournette and Derrick Henry never materialized on Saturday in Alabama's 30-16 win over LSU.
The Crimson Tide defense didn't allow it to begin.
Fournette, LSU's star sophomore, was held to to 31 yards on 19 carries. Alabama received an inspired performance from the nation's best defensive line, led by A'Shawn Robinson. And Henry likely took some Heisman Trophy votes from Fournette with his performance: 38 carries for 210 yards and three touchdowns. Henry tied Tim Tebow's SEC record with a rushing touchdown in his 14th consecutive game.
"I thought our offense did a fantastic job of running the football and throwing it just enough to keep them off balance," said Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Fournette entered the game averaging 193 yards per game.
Scouts from the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals were credentialed to evaluate an impressive cast of NFL talent on both rosters. None were more impressive defensively, however, than the Alabama defensive front led by Robinson.
Alabama's Adam Griffith converted a 55-yard field goal to give the Crimson Tide a 13-10 halftime lead. LSU quarterback Brandon Harris threw his first interception of the season on his first throw of the second half, which foretold a rough half for the Tigers.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
