No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 14 LSU live updates, score: Follow the mammoth SEC clash

Alabama may have more playoff cushion than we initially realized given this week’s College Football Playoff rankings. The Crimson Tide were significantly higher in the CFP committee's evaluations than they are in the AP Top 25, which makes it possible — and even probable — that Alabama could be a playoff participant with a third loss.The picture is much murkier for LSU, which probably needs to beat all three of Alabama, Texas and No. 13 Tennessee to feel good about its playoff chances.LSU receiver Jackson Harris' recent emergence has helped unlock an LSU passing offense that has been a bit clunky at times. QB Sam Leavitt has thrown eight interceptions in eight games, though he hasn't tossed a pick since an Oct. 10 loss to Kentucky.Alabama rebounded from back-to-back losses to Georgia and Tennessee with a 31-20 win at home over Texas A&M in Week 9. QB Keelon Russell threw for 311 yards and three scores without Ryan Coleman-Williams as Rico Scott had six catches for 156 yards. Can Scott and Lotzeir Brooks continue to step up in Coleman-Williams' absence? Opposing quarterbacks are throwing for just 173 yards a game against the LSU defense. A big day from Russell and his receivers could ensure that Lane Kiffin's first season in Baton Rouge will end without a playoff appearance.