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With Alabama potentially down a starting QB, the war of attrition looked to favor the LSU Tigers for this week’s upcoming clash of titans. Now, though, things look a bit different. The rumors started circulating late last night, and it was officially reported by The Athletic just a few minutes ago that one of LSU’s top defenders, Michael Divinity, is no longer with the team.
According to multiple reports, Tigers linebacker Michael Divinity is no longer a member of the team. The Athletic, which first reported the news, says the senior’s departure from the program is a disciplinary measure.
Divinity missed three games earlier this season with what the program said was a “coach’s decision.” He returned to action earlier this month and most recently had five tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack in the team’s win over Auburn on Oct. 26. Divinity began the season playing inside, but transitioned back to an outside spot with Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen starting on the inside for LSU’s 3-4 scheme.
Divinity has already had some disciplinary issues this season, so the team is accustomed to playing without him. However, he’s a multi-year starter with over 100 tackles, 17 TFLs, and 8 sacks in his career. Alabama will be playing with either a gimpy Tua Tagovailoa or a skittish Mac Jones at quarterback— either way they will be more susceptible to pressure in the pocket than a fully healthy Tua usually is— so LSU needs all the pass-rushing talent they can muster to keep Alabama’s offense off-kilter.
On top of that loss is the fact that the Tigers’ safety (and probably best player on defense) Grant Delpit is still nursing a leg injury. He’s expected to play, but missing a pass rusher and having a safety not quite at full speed is not a good combination when facing a team with the fireworks at WR like Alabama has.