Alabama vs. LSU Predictions: Overrated Stars Who Will Struggle in Championship

Not all athletes’ brains are created equal. Some are born with a certain clutch gene that others are missing.

The stage of tonight’s LSU vs. Alabama BCS National Championship Game couldn’t be higher and not everybody is going to have the ball bounce their way. Here are three guys that will be trying to erase Monday night from their brains forever:

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The 6'3", 195-pound corner is a surefire first-round draft pick in the NFL, but is going to really struggle in the biggest game of his life. ‘Bama enters the championship with a banged-up secondary. Corner DeQuan Menzie and Dee Milliner are hampered by thigh injuries and stud safety Mark Barron will be dealing with a rib injury.

Without the help in coverage, I expect Jordan Jefferson to pick on the entire secondary, including Kirkpatrick. The Tigers are going to be throwing the ball a lot more than most experts think.

Spencer Ware, RB, LSU

The 5'11", 225-pound sophomore has been a pleasant surprise for the Tigers this season. He led the team with 174 carries and finished with exactly 700 yards and eight touchdowns.

Problem is, he is exactly the kind of back ‘Bama is built to stop. The strength and disciplined ‘Bama front seven bottled up Ware for a mere 29 yards on 16 carries in Round 1. That’s a pitiful 1.8 yards per carry.

Considering he hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in the almost three months, expect the trend to continue tonight.

A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama

The sophomore hasn’t proven to be capable of playing his best when the lights are the brightest.

In his first matchup against LSU, he threw for 199 yards with an interception that directly resulted in a Tigers field goal.

With the incredible run defense of LSU, McCarron has to take a few shots down the field if ‘Bama wants to break double-digits. Nick Saban has kept him on a tight leash for the majority of the season and I think it’s with good reason. He doesn’t have great arm strength and his decision-making skills are questionable.

I expect a backbreaking McCarron turnover will be the main reason ‘Bama losses.