TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama players are trying to forget two painful losses this week. Both are fresh wounds despite being 364 days apart.

The No. 21 Crimson Tide is trying to rebound from a 41-34 defeat to No. 2 LSU. It might also seek a little redemption from a much more surprising defeat in the process with Saturday's visit to Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs' stunned Alabama 24-16 on November 4th, 2006, to end their streak of 23 consecutive Southeastern Conference road losses and send the Tide on a three-game skid to end the season. It's a memory that might help Alabama (6-3, 4-2) forget the more recent disappointment.

If Alabama fans were waiting on Nick Saban's first meeting with LSU since his hiring in January, this wait has been even longer.

Just without quite the same SEC championship stakes and hype.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)