This exercise clinched the victory for Alabama football over LSU

Rain was forecast in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama football made sure it was ready for it.

The Crimson Tide took time for wet ball drills during the week of practice before LSU, particularly early in the week.

“What I loved about our guys was that they asked us, we had all sorts of ways to put water on the ball,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said.

In Alabama, the practice involved applying water to the arms, body and hands.

It prepared Alabama for the wet game ahead and made the difference. The Crimson Tide dominated LSU 42-13 on Saturday at Tiger Stadium. No. 11 Alabama (7-2, 4-2 SEC) strengthened its College Football Playoff winning record with a dominant win over No. 15 LSU (6-3, 3-2).

DeBoer saw a willingness among his players to prepare for possible weather.

“Running backs and receivers just put their hands back and ask to get them wet,” DeBoer said. “Not just making this challenge something where they’re upset about it, but actually asking them about it, knowing that that might be the case.”

It made all the difference. The rain started early in the game and came in waves throughout. The ball proved more slippery for LSU than Alabama. At least the smoothness of the ball cost the Tigers more than the Crimson Tide. Alabama won the takeaway battle 3-0.

LSU’s first turnover came when Jihaad Campbell burst through the middle chasing LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. The ball slipped from Nussmeier’s grasp and Alabama defensive back Tim Smith recovered.

The Crimson Tide caused further surprises with two interceptions in the second half.

Meanwhile, Alabama’s offense didn’t turn the ball over at all. This mitigated the moments when the ball proved slippery.

“We were prepared for it,” DeBoer said. “If you look at it, there are no turnovers in the game. That’s really a big difference in the game. I thought our ball security was on point.”