BCS Championship 2012: 5 Players Who Will Shine in Their Final College Game

The BCS Championship will have nearly as much future NFL talent on the field as the Senior Bowl. Sophomores like Tyrann Mathieu of LSU and Eddie Lacy of Alabama are almost sure to play on the next level, but there are quite a few players who figure to be playing their final game.

Of that group of players, these five players figure to shine. Each of them should sustain or improve their draft stock with their performance.

CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

Claiborne is already considered the top CB prospect by several draft specialists, including our very own Matt Miller.

Claiborne has elite size and ball skills. He victimized AJ McCarron in the first meeting, and he should have another strong effort, as he matches up well with Alabama's smallish receivers.

RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

TR is so gone it's not even funny. He has two children and a ton of talent, which equals an early entry. His stock will never be higher. The only thing that can happen is an injury. He runs with ridiculous power, and he has deceptive speed.

He was having a good game against the LSU defense in the first matchup, but his team could not convert on crucial third downs and missed field goals. Were it not for that, 'Bama wins the game and Richardson wins the Heisman.

He will be his normal, consistent self this time out, solidifying his place in the draft as the top RB available.

CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Kirkpatrick should be the best CB in the country. He is physically superior to just about every player at his position, At 6'3" and 195 pounds, he has next-level size and athleticism. The junior is expected to declare for the draft, as his draft stock is very high as well.

He has not intercepted a pass all season. Some of that is respect, but Alabama figures to need big plays on the defensive side of the ball. The game should follow a similar pattern, and Kirkpatrick is one of the players on defense capable of that kind of play.

I predict he'll rise to the occasion and make a big play in the title game.

WR Marquis Maze, Alabama

Maze was on the brink in the first contest, but he was hobbled by an ankle injury. The 5'10", 185-pound receiver is not high on many draft boards, but he is a senior.

He has the potential to make big plays on special teams and as a receiver. Maze will improve upon his six catch for 61 yard performance in the title game.

LB Courtney Upshaw, Alabama

Another ultra-talented member of the Alabama defense, Upshaw will probably be a OLB in a 3-4 scheme at some point in the NFL. But for now, he wreaks havoc as the Tide's best LB.

He is a senior, and he shined in the first meeting with six tackles and a sack. Upshaw will improve his stock even more after this game. Upshaw is just one of the experienced members of Alabama's defense that'll be seeking revenge for their initial loss to LSU.

In the rematch, Alabama experience will allow them to capitalize on the opportunities they had in the first game and defeat the LSU Tigers behind strong performances from the aforementioned players.