BCS Championship 2012: Things That Will Be Different Second Time Around

If you're expecting another 9-6 result during this year's national championship game, think again.

LSU and Alabama may have provided too much defense for most people's liking the first time around, but there's a small chance things will be the same on January 9. 

There will be defense, sure. It just won't be as much of a snooze-fest. Les Miles and Nick Saban are terrific coaches and they've had over a month to game-plan this time around.

They'll each find a way to score some points.

Here's a look at what will be different in particular.

Rueben Randle Won't Be So Quiet

During the first matchup, LSU QBs Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson split time and the passing game never really got going. As a result, star wide receiver Rueben Randle only had two catches for 19 yards.

Most of that was due to Alabama's defense, but Randle will benefit this time around from having Jefferson in there the whole game. 

The Crimson Tide will keep Randle's catches to a minimum, but the big-play threat will pull in a long touchdown. You just can't keep him down twice. 

Trent Richardson Will Top 100 Yards

Richardson was his normal explosive self last time against LSU as he racked up 169 total yards. Still, "only" 89 of those came via the ground.

For a man that rushed for 131 yards per game and only finished under 100 thrice this season, 89 was a little disappointing.

Look for Alabama to give him even more than the 23 carries he got last time as the Crimson Tide try to control the ball, and look for him to do a lot more with those carries.

Don't be surprised if he finds pay-dirt this time around, either.

Tyrann Mathieu Will Have More of an Impact

During the first game, the Honey Badger had just five tackles, didn't force any fumbles and didn't return any punts.

Mathieu has been incredibly dangerous during LSU's last two games via Special Teams, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a bunch of chances in this one.

Even if he doesn't make anything happen in the punt game, he'll find a way to force a fumble or pick off a pass.