Alabama vs. LSU Predictions: 3 Stars That Will Shrivel Under Championship Lights

The gigantic game between Alabama and LSU is almost here after five full weeks of painfully waiting and nerves are getting larger by the day.

There are players sure to make the NFL littered on both sidelines. This is why they came to the SEC and this is why they choose the Tigers and Crimson Tide.

After dominating lesser foes for the past three months, it’s time to see who steps up when the lights are shining the brightest. While there will surely be multiple stars to emerge on Monday, these three players are going to be hanging their head low, regardless of who wins and loses.

AJ McCarron, QB (Alabama)

The sophomore has been an a tight leash all season long as Nick Saban assures that he doesn’t make the stupid throw to completely turn the momentum and field position of a game. This time around he’ll be forced to take shots down the field to try and stretch the disciplined Tigers defense.  

He is facing the No. 2-ranked defense for the second time this season, and Round 1 didn’t exactly go smoothly. He threw for 199 yards with an interception that directly set the Tigers up for a field goal.

On a field laced with veterans that have been in BCS bowl games, McCarron will stick out as a guy not quite ready for a game with stakes this high.

Michael Ford, RB (LSU)

Ford has been a pleasant surprise for Les Miles’ crew and was the leading rusher for the Tigers this season despite getting a mere 123 attempts. His 72-yard performance in Round 1 against ‘Bama was one of the best performances by a back all season against the No. 1-ranked defense in the nation.

You better believe the ultra-anal Saban is going to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Expect the ‘Bama defensive line to dominate physically up front and clog the running lanes of the short back. He is another sophomore that isn’t quite ready for the big stage just yet.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)

The future is bright for the 6'3", 195-pound corner, but he will be playing in a ‘Bama secondary that is quietly banged up. Fellow corner’s DeQuan Menzie and Dee Milliner both are dealing with thigh injuries and safety Mark Barron has been limited in practice this week with a rib injury.  

That means little to no breathers for Kirkpatrick. After being idle for five weeks, what kind of shape is the junior going to be in? If I’m LSU, I pick on Kirkpatrick in the second and fourth quarters while he is struggling to catch his breath.

In an ironic twist, a bad performance by Kirkpatrick may be better for the Tide in the long run, if that means he decides to come back for his senior season.

Then again, I think Tide fans would prefer the championship this year.