Alabama vs. LSU: 3 Players That Must Step Up for Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide needs every single one of their players to man up and play above and beyond their abilities if they want to defeat the LSU Tigers tonight in the BCS Championship.

There is no disputing that fact, but certain players need to rise even further up and summon a second gear that they did not even know they possessed themselves, if they truly want the national title.

Both teams are so evenly matched that it is going to come down to which side possesses more players with heart, determination and the indomitable will to win.

With that said, here are three Crimson Tide players that must step up in a big way to ensure victory.

Trent Richardson

Richardson deserved a spot in New York as a Heisman candidate and will be an early first-round draft pick in a few months, but must solidify his collegiate legacy with an incredible game tonight.

The big junior running back pounded in twenty touchdowns this season and ran for 6.0 yards per carry on his 1583 attempts this season.

However, he failed to find the end zone or running lanes against the Tigers in the regular season, and cannot afford another performance like that, for both his draft stock or for his team's hopes of winning.

A.J. McCarron

McCarron’s interception cost the Crimson Tide the contest back in November. He has to be flawless tonight and put ‘Bama in scoring position at the same time.

That’s much easier said than done against the vaunted Tiger defense.

This young man has been leaned on heavily this season and done a good job shouldering the expectations and pressure, but will be needed now more than ever to play the best football of his life and not let down his school.

Cade Foster

The stage is set for a remarkable comeback story.

Foster was the reason why, in the public’s eye, that the Tide did not roll in November after missing three field goals.

Coach Nick Saban stuck with his guns and his kicker through thick and thin.

Now he has a chance to prove his doubters wrong by coming through today and making a clutch kick when it counts to complete his redemption.