Alabama vs LSU: Tyrann Mathieu Isn't Afraid to Run His Mouth

LSU's Tyrann Mathieu is a very good football player, but he may have an advantage that offenses cannot exploit.

The Heisman candidate has had an incredible year thus far, and he has the opportunity to cap off a season that saw him notch 71 tackles, two interceptions and two punt returns.

As a defender, he's easily the most explosive game-changer in the country, and his Heisman bid is proof of that.

He can single-handedly win a game and I have no doubt that he's going to play a huge role in the BCS National championship against Alabama.

Is it possible that Mathieu has a secret skill that he uses against offenses, though?

According to a quote recorded by Mark McCarter of The Huntsville Times via al.com, Mathieu may utilize trash talking to try to beat Alabama.

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That said, there might be some entertaining dialogue on the field Monday night. With guys like Marquis Maze and Dre' Kirkpatrick at Alabama and Tyrann Mathieu at LSU, there will be some trash-talking taking place.

"It depends on the competition, and it depends on the edge that you're trying to catch that week," Mathieu explained. "So if anything, get the guy out of his game, whether you know his mother's name or know where he went to high school or where he grew up at, I think those kinds of things the players think about the whole game."

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That's right, Mathieu became a Heisman contender by placing a well-timed "your momma" joke every now and then to get inside the head of his opponents.

Some would consider that childish or unsportsmanlike, but you're not going to hear that from me.

Some things are just part of sport, and using trash talk to get inside the head of your opponent is an age-old trick.

In fact, I wouldn't even call it a trick, I would consider it to be an art.

If you can exploit your opponent and get under their skin, thus throwing them off their game, I see no reason why you shouldn't try to.

Look no farther than the NBA's Reggie Miller and his antics with the New York Knicks back in the day for proof of how that works.

Watch closely Monday night as the Tide and Tigers clash for the BCS championship and pay attention to Mathieu.

Perhaps he's got a few tricks up his sleeve, or at least a well-placed joke.