Alabama Football: Repeat Title Hopes Live and Die with QB A.J. McCarron

What was the biggest difference in Alabama's BCS championship win over LSU and their loss to the same Tigers team two months earlier? 

That is easy: quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Now a redshirt junior, the 6'4", 210-pounder from Mobile is the Tide's best chance at repeating as BCS champions in 2012.

'Bama lost so many talented players it is hard to know where to start when discussing them. Fortunately, coach Nick Saban always has the shelves stocked and players are already lining up to fill voids left by the likes of Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick, Courtney Upshaw, Dont'a Hightower and Trent Richardson.

Youth and inexperience will reign supreme on defense, but McCarron cannot let that be the case on offense. McCarron's maturation started after this ill-fated attempt to beat LSU cornerback, and likely top-five pick in the 2012 NFL draft, Morris Claiborne on an out route from the far hash.

The pick set up the tying score for the Tigers and the Crimson Tide never recovered—until the title game that is.

The Alabama quarterback showed poise, patience and control of the offense the second time around. He wasn't brilliant, but he was effective and efficient with the football.

He'll have to be all that and more this entire season—the Tide don't have Richardson to lean on anymore.

So far this spring, Saban has been happy with his quarterback's performance. Alex Scarborough of ESPN's TideNation writes:

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AJ McCarron has had some good practices and has earned high praise from coach Nick Saban, who lauded his command of the offense. In his second year starting and with a new offensive coordinator to work with, expectations for McCarron are higher now than ever. Judging by his performance in two scrimmages thus far -- throwing seven touchdowns to just two interceptions -- McCarron appears ready to meet the challenge.

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He must be ready to meet that challenge, for the Alabama season rests entirely on his shoulders.

He'll have some help, the Tide do have talent in the backfield headed up by a new starter, but returning player, in Eddie Lacy, and a number of youthful receivers to work with.

It will be McCarron's job to make these players better than they already are.

Look for him to be the shining light offensively at the A-Day Game this weekend and expect it to continue when the summer rolls around. McCarron flashed the potential to be great a season ago and now is the time for him to turn into something legitimate.

If the QB falters, you can bet the Tide's repeat title hopes will too.