LSU vs. Alabama: Underrated Players That Must Step Up on Big Stage

The BCS National Championship Game will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats tonight. While many will be watching for big plays from the star athletes, the underrated players shouldn't go unnoticed. 

Football, as many of you know, is a team sport, and the No. 1 LSU Tigers and the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide need 110 percent from everyone who steps out on the field. 

Guys like Trent Richardson and Tyrann Mathieu will have their big moments, as well as the many other first-round caliber talent players on both teams.

However, these three players aren't talked about as much, but that doesn't mean they don't need to step up in the national spotlight just as much, if not more. 

A.J. McCarron, Quarterback

He is talked about a little bit, but when referring to the offense of Alabama, it's Richardson who gets all the love, and rightfully so, because he's a dynamic player that must make a difference in the title game. 

Still, if the Crimson Tide want any chance at all to win tonight, they need stellar game management play from McCarron, as well as clutch throws in high pressure situations. 

McCarron has done a good job protecting the ball, but one of his five interceptions did come against LSU. 

The Tigers defense knows it can smother McCarron, which is why the sophomore quarterback must step up and help lead his team to victory. Proving the opposing team wrong is just as sweet as winning it all. 

Marquis Maze, WR 

When Alabama does throw the ball it's going to Maze. 

The senior wideout led the team in receptions and receiving yards, but only had one touchdown. He's undersized at 5'10", 180 pounds, but he can still make plays, helping moving the ball down the field. 

One area in which Maze must step up the most in is the return game. His punt return skills are exceptional, and if he can take one back to the house, it will be a major game changer. 

Even if he can't, getting a somewhat good return to put Alabama in great field position is crucial. Maze has to elevate his game to new heights, not just for his team, but also for his draft stock. 

Rueben Randle, WR 

Picking one running back would be too difficult, simply because LSU uses them all, meaning everyone must play big in the spotlight. 

Randle gets the nod as the LSU player here because when thinking of the Tigers offense, he can get lost, even though he is vital to their success. 

His deep threat ability isn't superb by any means, but with a 59-yard touchdown catch earlier in the year, he is capable of going long. 

Where Randle is most important is in helping LSU move the chains. He's the main target for the Tigers, leading the team in receptions by far, as well as receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. 

Randle, and these other underrated players have to perform well in the BCS title game, or else it decreases the chances of their team winning what they've all worked so hard for.