Alabama vs. LSU: Underrated Players Who Will Spark Alabama to Win

Alabama and LSU’s superstars will collide and cancel each other out in the BCS national championship.

That is what you witnessed happen when the two SEC powerhouses face off on Nov. 5 in a 9-6 overtime defensive struggle. Not the most hyped of their 22 first-round prospects, but underrated players will be the key to a Crimson Tide victory.

5. Brad Smelley

LSU arguably boasts the top two cornerbacks in the nation in Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne.  Because it will be difficult for Alabama’s wide receivers to create separation, tight end Brad Smelley will have to step up. The 6’3”, 229-pound Smelley came up big in the Crimson Tide’s season finale against Auburn hauling in six receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.

4. C.J. Mosley

You may have heard more about C.J. Mosley’s injuries than on-field play this season, but that won’t prevent him from making an impact in the national title. He is finally healthy and will be a major piece of the puzzle in shutting down the Tigers rushing attack featuring Michael Ford, Spencer Ware and Jordan Jefferson.

3. Marquis Maze

Marquis Maze is Alabama’s most talented playmaker outside of Trent Richardson. Whether as a kickoff returner or sneaking behind the Tigers’ elite defensive backs, Maze must play the game of his life. He recorded six receptions for 61 yards against LSU in round one so any improvement on those numbers will be huge for the Tide.

2. DeMarcus Milliner

DeMarcus Milliner is a first-round lock in 2013, but he doesn’t even start on Alabama’s stacked defense. Subbing in for nickel packages, though, Milliner leads the Crimson Tide defense with three interceptions on the season. A single turnover could end up being the difference in a game bound to go down to the wire.

1. AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron finished the season strong throwing six touchdowns in Alabama’s last two games, and he’ll ride that momentum into the national title.  The sophomore quarterback is surrounded by all the talent he could ask for.  His ability to aid Richardson in moving the football against LSU’s defense is the ultimate X-factor for Nick Saban’s crew.

David Daniels is a Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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