Matt Barkley and USC Trojans vs. LSU Tiger Defense in 2012 BCS

LSU, despite losing two senior quarterbacks and strong defensive players like Morris Claiborne, will be the preseason No. 1 and a favorite to return to the BCS National Championship game in 2012.

USC, coming off of a bowl ban, will be looking to return to BCS glory and could be the team opposing the Tigers in the title game.

The Trojans return Heisman hopeful quarterback Matt Barkley, who will in all likelihood be the best quarterback in college football.  The best defense he’ll face in 2012 will definitely be LSU if the two teams meet.

Can the Tigers stop Barkley and the Trojans?  Of course they can.

While USC does boast an outstanding offense led by a lethal passing attack, and LSU will probably not see this type of offense in SEC play, the Tiger secondary is one of the best in the nation and there is no passing attack that they cannot stop.

Barkley and the Trojan offensive line will not be able to stop LSU’s defensive line and under pressure, he will not be as impressive as he is against Pac-12 defenses.

USC will put up points and yardage against the Tigers, but it won’t be what they are accustomed to. It won’t be enough to counteract LSU’s rushing attack and hopefully much-improved passing attack led by Zach Mettenberger.

Barkley will probably win the Heisman trophy prior to the national championship game, and LSU proved in 2003—when they dominated Heisman trophy winning quarterback Jason White of Oklahoma—that they will not be intimidated.

If Barkley does win the Heisman trophy, LSU cornerback and Heisman hopeful Tyrann Mathieu will likely be unhappy and ready to prove the voters wrong.

An LSU vs. USC BCS title game will not only be a great game on the field, it will provide some interesting storylines.