LSU vs. Alabama: 5 Moments That Cost LSU Title

Going into the national championship game, LSU was the best team in college football. What went wrong?

Alabama completely shut down the Tigers' offense and quarterback Jordan Jefferson could not get anything going all game.

Defensively, LSU allowed Alabama to continually march down the field and come away with points.

The game can be broken down to five plays that cost LSU a national championship and an undefeated season.

Fumbled 3rd Down Snap on First Drive

On the first possession of the game, LSU found itself facing a third down with two yards to go on its own 36.

Unfortunately, a sloppy exchange caused a fumble and the Tigers were unable to secure the first down.

The offense only earned one first down in the first half. This was a manageable third-down attempt that was squandered away and immediately ended the drive.

Instead of sending a message on the first drive of the game, the team was forced to punt after only three plays.

The Alabama defense showed it was in control.

Kevin Norwood 26-Yard Completion in 1st Quarter

Leading receiver Marquis Maze went down with a hamstring injury early in the game, and it was unknown if Alabama could find a replacement.

At the end of the first quarter, the team found one in Kevin Norwood. A.J. McCarron lofted a ball to the receiver for a 26-yard reception to the LSU 38.

While this play only led to a blocked field goal, it sent a message that the Crimson Tide were willing to throw the ball for the rest of the game.

Norwood was able to beat Tyrann Mathieu for the long play, and it gave Alabama confidence to continue going in that direction.

The sophomore ended up leading all players with 78 receiving yards on four catches.

Jordan Jefferson Interception in 3rd Quarter

In the middle of the third quarter, the players on LSU were starting to hang their heads.

They were being dominated on the field, but the scoreboard still only said 12-0. A big play could've easily changed the direction of the game.

Unfortunately, the big play went in the other direction when Jordan Jefferson tried to do too much and ended up throwing an interception in his own territory.

It was truly an awful decision by the quarterback, as the ball landed in the hands of Alabama's C.J. Mosley.

At least Jefferson made a pretty nice tackle following the throw.

Sack and Forced Fumble by Dont'a Hightower in 4th Quarter

For the first time all game, the LSU offense was starting to show life.

A drive that started at the Tigers' 35-yard line traveled 30 yards into Alabama territory thanks to a few big running plays.

However, the drive stalled and the team started moving backwards.

On fourth down, Jordan Jefferson dropped back and was hit by Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower. The quarterback fumbled and the ball was recovered by Nick Gentry of the Crimson Tide.

Prior to this play there was some hope from the LSU faithful that the team could get something going, but this play was devastating.

Trent Richardson Touchdown in 4th Quarter

There was little hope of a comeback with about two minutes in the championship game, but with only a two-possession deficit, it was still possible.

That all ended when Trent Richardson scored the first touchdown of the game on a 34-yard run into the end zone.

LSU had kept the star running back in check for most of the night. Before that play he only managed 62 yards on 19 carries for a 3.3 average.

Once Richardson broke through the second level, the game was over and Alabama was able to celebrate its second national championship in three years.