Alabama vs. LSU: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line and More for BCS Championship

The hype around this year's BCS National Championship Game of the No. 1 LSU Tigers vs. the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide isn't as big as years past, but that doesn't mean folks won't tune in. 

Since these are the two best teams in the country, it is going to be a great game. It's a rematch of SEC West foes, and many are hoping it's far better than the first time around. 

After all, this bowl season has been extremely fun to watch unfold, meaning the pressure is on both teams to deliver an unforgettable performance.

Both teams are evenly matched, and with so much time to prepare, it's hard to tell who really has the edge.

With that said, let's dig into some specifics for the final college football showdown of the season.  

When: Monday, Jan. 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET 

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3.com

Listen: WFFN 95.3 FM in Tuscaloosa, WNXX 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge 

Betting Line: LSU (-1) according to vegasinsider.com 

Key Storyline: 

It's a rematch of the "Game of the Century," which happened to be a huge letdown. Yes, it went into overtime, but no touchdowns were scored and it lacked excitement the whole time. 

So the question on everyone's mind as we approach this game, will it be better than the first? If you just followed that up with a "pretty please" of your own, then you are a true college football fan. 

We know these two teams will challenge each other, but somebody has to budge, allowing the opposing team to put six points on the board, right? 

We'll soon find out. 

Who Might Not Play for Alabama? 

*According to USA Today

S Mark Barron (ribs): Probable

WR Darius Hanks (ankle): Probable 

LB Jonathan Atchison (bicep): Questionable 

WR Michael Bowman (undisclosed): Questionable 

Who Might Not Play for LSU? 

*According to USA Today

QB Jarrett Lee (academics): Probable

S Brandon Taylor (hip): Probable 

What They're Saying 

Chase Goodbread (how awesome is that name?) covers the Crimson Tide for Tuscaloosa News, and he tweeted a quote from Trent Richardson about the nation's debate of which teams should really be playing for the title game. 

There were plenty of heated discussions when it was announced a month ago that these two teams would be playing for the title. People are counting Alabama out, and that is fueling the Crimson Tide players. 

A few made field goals and the entire college football season could be much different. It didn't happen, and now that the Crimson Tide are given a second chance, they plan to make the most of it. 

Jim Kleinpeter writes for Times Picayune, and he tweeted a quote from Tyrann Mathieu about his ever-so popular nickname. 

It all began with this video, and after some stellar performances, Mathieu was given the nickname, and he's run with it.

However, it could be going to far though, as ESPN's Joe Schad told his followers what Morris Caliborne said.

Not to discredit Mathieu's abilities because he is a fine player, but that's a bit much. Darrelle Revis is far superior than any college player, and it's way too early for Mathieu to essentially be referring to himself as the next best thing. 

Alabama Player to Watch 

While Trent Richardson is what makes the Crimson Tide's offense go, the player to watch is still quarterback A.J. McCarron. 

If he doesn't elevate his game to new heights, Alabama will be in big trouble. A one-dimensional offense will not thrive against LSU's stout defense. 

There will come a time when McCarron has to convert the big pass play, and if he consistently fails on 3rd-and-long situations, Alabama stands no chance. 

LSU Player to Watch

You were probably expecting Honey Badger, but that's too easy. Of course all eyes will be on him, but people can't forget about Jordan Jefferson.

The senior leader almost didn't play this season, but luckily for the Tigers he was able return. LSU needs Jefferson to be smart with the ball and manage the game well. 

Struggling to complete passes or turning the ball over and giving Alabama more opportunities will doom LSU. 

Key Matchup 

Since Richardson is the heart and soul of Alabama's offense, the Tigers need to do whatever it takes to limit his production. In the first meeting, Richardson had 169 total yards, and if LSU can hold him to that or less, the Tigers will be in good shape. 

Keeping Richardson from making the big plays will be key, as well as preventing him from putting six points on the board. By doing this, it puts more pressure on the inexperienced McCarron to deliver, which would be bad news for Alabama. 

Prediction 

Now the fun part. The offense will be making plays this time around, and you can expect touchdowns to be scored. 

In the end, I give the edge to Alabama because they have the better and more experienced defense. LSU has some young stars that are more likely to flop at some point on the big stage, and the Crimson Tide will take advantage of that, winning a close one. 

Alabama 24, LSU 20