LSU vs. Alabama: 10 Best Players in the BCS National Title Game (VIDEO)

The LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide are without a doubt the two best teams in the nation so the amount of talent on the field when the two meet in the BCS title game on January 9^th in the Mercedes Benz Superdome will be tremendous.

Both teams are loaded on both sides of the ball thanks to Les Miles and Nick Saban, two of the best head coaches and recruiters in the country.

In what is sure to be a close game, one play could make the difference in the championship.

Let’s take a look at the best players in this game, one of which may personally determine the 2011 BCS National Champion.

William Vlachos

Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Richardson and former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram would not be as successful without this rock in the middle of the line.

Vlachos has been the anchor of the Crimson Tide offensive line for three seasons and looks to culminate his career with his second BCS title.

He will have his hands full with LSU’s constant rotation of talented defensive tackles.

Eric Reid

In the first matchup between the Tigers and Tide, Reid made the key play that saved an Alabama touchdown and led to the Tiger victory.

Reid is a sophomore safety that has been largely overshadowed by Tyrann Mathieu’s exciting performances, but Reid is an extremely talented player that ranks among the best in the nation.

Look for Reid to make another key play in the title game as Bama avoids throwing at Mathieu and Morris Claiborne.

Mark Barron

With 38 career starts at safety, Barron has become a fixture in the Crimson Tide secondary, and with good reason.

Barron is an active, talented safety that has a natural football instinct and a nose for the ball.

He could definitely be the difference in this game as LSU’s quarterback play is one of its weakest points.

Look for Barron to be an impact player in the title game.

Brad Wing

LSU fans have quickly embraced their Australian punter as a fan favorite.

Wing won over the Tiger faithful with his tremendous touchdown run against Florida that was called back because of a taunting penalty.  Taunting on the punter?  Really?

Wing has also been one of the nation’s best punters, averaging 43 yards per punt with 20 punts inside the opponents’ 20 yard line.

He also had a game-changing 73 yard punt that aided in LSU’s first victory over Alabama.

Marquis Maze

Maze is an outstanding wide receiver but it’s all the other things that he can do that could make him the difference maker in this game.

Maze is an athlete that reminds me a lot of former Florida Gator Percy Harvin.

Maze takes direct snaps in the Wildcat formation and can beat you with his legs and his arm.

His Wildcat pass in the first matchup could have been the game winner had it not been for a ridiculous play by LSU safety Eric Reid.

He can also beat you with his tremendous punt return skills so look for the Tigers to avoid punting to him.

Spencer Ware

It’s hard to mention Ware without mentioning Michael Ford, Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard as well because all four have seven touchdowns or more.

Ware is the leader of this group and will be a key factor for the Tigers if they are going to win this battle.

The Tigers will have to establish a running game against Alabama’s stout defense, and it could be one big break away that changes the outcome.

LSU will also go to Ware and Hilliard in short yardage and goal line situations as they are both hard runners that always fall forward.

Don’t’a Hightower

One of the best linebackers in the nation, Hightower will be a key to stopping LSU’s running game in the BCS title game.

Hightower has the speed to catch even the fastest backs and the power to lay the wood when he gets there. 

He will also be critical in spying Jordan Jefferson when passing plays break down and he decides to scramble.

Hightower may not have a highlight play but his presence will be known by the LSU offense.

Morris Claiborne

Claiborne, like Eric Reid, is often overlooked because of the constant highlight plays of Tyrann Mathieu.

Make no mistake about it, Claiborne is among the best, if not the best cornerback in the nation and is projected to be a top 10 NFL draft pick.

Like most shut down corners, he is often forgotten because offenses stay away from him.

He has phenomenal closing speed and makes interceptions look effortless.  Look for him to make a huge interception that changes the momentum of the BCS Championship game.

Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is probably the best running back in college football this season and is the key to the Crimson Tide winning the BCS title game.

A threat as both a runner and receiver, Richardson will keep the Tiger defense on edge for the full 60 minutes (or longer).

He is a constant threat to score from any part of the field and has the speed and moves to break off a big play at any moment.

Tyrann Mathieu

Heisman finalist Tyrann Mathieu is one of the most instinctive players in the history of college football.  He has a knack for finding the ball and causing turnovers and a flare for the spotlight.

Nicknamed the "Honey Badger," he lives up to the name with his aggressive play and disregard for his body as he hits people.

Look for Mathieu to make a game-changing play on either defense or special teams in the BCS title game.