LSU Football: 5 Games That Could Make or Break LSU's Season in 2012

LSU's football team has established itself as being not only one of the top teams in the SEC, but also throughout the entire country.

As the program has gained respect, in return, other top-notch programs are now going after the Tigers and making sure that Les Miles' team has a bullseye on their back at all times.

From Alabama to Florida to Arkansas, the Tigers' 2012 schedule is stacked with talent, and the idea of completing another undefeated season seems like quite a challenge for this 2012 team, but one that is certainly not out of reach.

Let's break down the Tigers' schedule and pick out five games that could make or break LSU's season in 2012.

Auburn

What: LSU at Auburn

When: 9/22/12

Where: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.

After starting out with what many believe to be an easy out-of-conference-schedule, the Tigers will be challenged right off the bat in SEC play when they travel to Auburn on Sept. 22.

In this matchup of Tigers, Auburn is just two years removed from having one of the most dominant seasons in college football history. Of course, Cam Newton is off to the NFL, but this team will still be strong in 2012.

On paper, LSU probably has an advantage here, but as you know, playing on the road in the SEC is no easy task.

This game could very well shape the direction that LSU's season takes in the 2012 college football season. 

Florida

What: LSU at Florida

When: 10/6/12

Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Fla.

Florida has been a bit down as of late, but make no mistake about it, this is still a very good football program that will bounce back.

Florida is stacked with speed on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and that speed off the end could give new LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger some trouble early on.

I think that LSU should win this game, but this is no cake walk; that's for sure.

South Carolina

What: LSU vs. South Carolina

When: 10/13/12

Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.

South Carolina is one of those teams that seems to be on the brink of being great, and if Marcus Lattimore can return to full health, next season could be that year when the Gamecocks take that next step.

South Carolina returns major talent on both sides of the football. Connor Shaw is a year old and should be a year better, while Lattimore and Jadeveon Clowney could be the best players in college football at their respected positions.

The good news for the Tigers here is that this game will be played in Baton Rouge, and as we know, Les Miles' teams rarely loses at home, regardless of who the opponent is.

Alabama

What: LSU vs. Alabama

When: 11/3/12

Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.

The National Championship rematch will take place in the first weekend of November, and the Tigers will have their chance to get revenge for what truly was a forgettable showing in the NCAA National Championship Game.

Of course, these teams will have a different look next season, as both LSU and Alabama will have the challenge of replacing several key players that have departed and will be playing on Sundays at this time next year.

However, keep in mind that LSU never had a shot at playing Alabama at home this past season. They beat the Tide on Alabama's home field and lost at a neutral location in the National Title Game.

Perhaps home-field advantage will make the difference in what should be another instant college football classic.

Arkansas

What: LSU at Arkansas

When: 11/24/12

Where: D.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.

These two teams have had plenty of good battles over the past couple of seasons, and this one shouldn't be any different.

The beauty about this game is that these two teams are both so good, but their strengths are so very different.

Arkansas is a team that loves to throw the ball on offense and put up big points in bunches. They will rely on the arm of their talented quarterback, Tyler Wilson, and the depth and skill at the wide receiver position.

LSU, on the other hand, is a team that will rely on the run on offense. The Tigers will win football games next season not because of their offense, but because of their strong defense.

Look for this to be one heck of an SEC regular season finale.