Alabama vs. LSU Predictions: Small Stars Will Shine Bright for LSU

You know all about the big stars that LSU has. Well, guess what?

So does Alabama.

That's why, for LSU to win tonight, they'll need big contributions from those players that don't often get the limelight but have been instrumental in the team's success this year.

Here are a few players I expect to lead LSU to victory tonight, and surprise a few folks along the way.

Michael Ford, Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue and Kenny Hilliard

OK, so I'm not sure which one of these four will have a breakout game tonight. But one of them will. Or maybe their combined efforts will carry LSU, with one fresh back after another attacking the Alabama defense.

One way or another, expect LSU's running-back-by-committee to factor in the outcome tonight.

For the record, Ford finished the year with 755 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, Ware finished with 700 yards and eight touchdowns, Blue was good for 539 yards and seven touchdowns, and Hilliard came on light and contributed 320 yards and eight touchdowns.

LSU rushed for 148 yards on 41 attempts the first time around. While their 3.6 yards per game was well-below their season average of 5.0 yards per carry, expect LSU to stick with the run throughout the game and one of their fresh running backs to break off a big run late to help seal the victory.

Rueben Randle

Randle was LSU's best receiver all season, compiling 50 catches for 904 yards and eight touchdowns. Alabama used double-teams to take him out of the game the first time they played, but with Alabama's focus likely diverted to stopping Jordan Jefferson and the option game, Randle may find himself in position to make more plays this time around.

If LSU can keep Alabama honest against the run by connecting on a a big play or two to Randle, they will find more success moving the ball against the stout Crimson Tide defense.

Ryan Baker and Kevin Minter

You know all about LSU's vaunted secondary. I've reminded you of their stud defensive ends, Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo, who combined for 17 sacks this season.

But what of the linebackers?

Some would argue—probably correctly—that the weakest link of LSU's defense is their linebackers. But Baker and Minter (who play in both LSU's base and nickel defense), combined this year for 114 tackles, will be very busy tonight trying to shut down the nation's best runner, Trent Richardson.

If LSU is too win, they have to contain Richardson. Look for a busy Baker and Minter (and sore after their many collisions with Richardson) to do just that.

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