LSU vs. Alabama: The 5 Best Individual Matchups to Watch

Folk, with every passing second we get closer to kickoff between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama. It's slated to be "The Game of the Century" and rightfully so, because the SEC has won the last five national titles.

So with this game expecting to be perhaps one of the best in the history of college football, you know there's going to be some excellent matchups in all phases of the game.

It's games like this that make college football what it is, and you don't have to be a fan of LSU or Alabama to appreciate the level of talent in this game.

To that end, here are the five best matchups when these two monsters clash in Week 10.

Remember remember the fifth of November... (V for Vendetta anyone?)

Chess Match: LSU Ground Game vs. Alabama Rush Defense

Through eight games the Alabama defense has only allowed a total of 359 rushing yards, thus an average of just under 45 yards per game.

LSU on the other hand, averages 189 rushing yards per game—but they do it multiple ways. First you have the Brahma Bulls in RBs Michael Ford and Spencer Ware.

However, with the resurgence of QB Jordan Jefferson, he adds another dynamic to LSU's ground game that can really get a defense on their heels.

As for the Crimson Tide, you can't expect them to hold the Bayou Bengals under 50 yards rushing, but it's going to be difficult for LSU to compile any more than 100 yards.

Something obviously has to give in this aspect, and it will be interesting to see who wins in the trenches because that is where football games are won.

The DBs: Robert Lester (Alabama) vs. Tyrann Matheiu (LSU)

For anyone who loves defense, this is the slide for you.

Robert Lester of Alabama and Tyrann Mathieu of LSU are arguably the best players on their respective defenses, and also two of the best DBs in the country.

The interesting aspect however, is that their both very good at forcing turnovers, but each has his own niche.

Tyrann Mathieu may be a DB, but it seems every time he lays the wood to a ball carrier, that they have a 50 percent chance of fumbling. Obviously that's an exaggeration, but Mathieu has that kind of an effect when making tackles.

He's even considered a dark-horse Heisman candidate, and he could really propel into the discussion if he knocks Tide RB Trent Richardson around a few times while also locking down WR Marquis Maze.

As for Lester, he's more a pick magnet and is like a center fielder in baseball who can consistently rob home runs. Last season Lester finished second in the country with eight picks as a sophomore, but only has one in 2011.

However, don't let that one pick deter you from thinking he's underperforming. Alabama's defense is just so sick in terms of a pass rush and rush defense, that Lester's opportunities have been significantly less in 2011.

Of these two studs, whoever rises to the occasion will be the determining factor in this game.

The Return Game: Marquis Maze vs. LSU Kick/Punt Coverage

If anyone has watched the Kansas State Wildcats play this season, you'll truly understand how insanely crucial special teams are.

And with that in mind, I give you Alabama return specialist Marquis Maze. He's arguably the best in the nation and can take it home at any time.

On the year, Maze has 338 punt and 238 kickoff return yards, hence a total of 576 yards on 47 returns with one TD.

His average is just over 12 yards per return, but he's only had nine kickoff returns as Alabama allows less than seven points per game.

But, don't think the Bayou Bengals won't be ready for him. Les Miles' kickoff and punt coverage teams have been outstanding this year, and perhaps the Auburn game really put them on the map.

There was a three kickoff stretch where LSU literally took the will out of Auburn by almost knocking out the return man. And punts will only be more dangerous as the blocking isn't directly in front of the returner like on kickoffs.

Whenever LSU punts or kicks off against Marquis Maze, it's a risk for both sides because Maze has the ability to take one back at any time, whereas the Tigers could wear him down by laying the wood with every tackle.

The difference here could actually turn out to be how many times Maze calls a fair catch, and/or whether LSU even kicks/punts to him in the first place.

The QBs: Jarrett Lee (LSU) vs. A.J. McCarron (Alabama)

The two starting QBs in this game are virtually exact replicas of one another.

Both were backups in 2010, have earned the starting role in 2011 and are only asked to manage games while the defense and running game control the tempo.

They're like a coach on the field that's guiding the offense to methodically move downfield, because neither poses a ridiculous passing threat like Kellen Moore, Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden or Andrew Luck.

But, Jarrett Lee and A.J. McCarron are perfect to run their respective offenses as they only take what the defense gives, and they play within themselves.

Combined this season, they have thrown for 23 TDs to just four picks and 2,914 yards.

So, obviously their not gunning the rock all over the place on a consistent basis, but they're both threatening enough to keep defenses honest and force the pass coverage to be flawless since they rarely turn it over.

Watch closely to see how both perform in such a big atmosphere, because neither have been starting under center in a game with these kind of implications.

The Coaches: Les Miles (LSU) vs Nick Saban (Alabama)

The two best coaches in the SEC, and arguably the two best coaches in the country are going mano a mano with the two best teams in the nation.

Answer me this: Does college football really get any better? No.

The coaches have combined for three national titles and if the cards fall correctly, they may even have a rematch in the BCS title game. But I digress.

Regardless of what happens on the field, it all starts with Nick Saban and Les Miles.

Both are extremely skilled in calling the right play at the right time, even if that means a trick play or two. To that end, they know how to put their players in the appropriate position to make plays.

And when the LSU offense is on the field against the Alabama defense, that will be the best of matchups.

Saban's a defensive guy, whereas Miles is on the offense. If there's one matchup to watch on the fifth of November, it's these two going one-on-one.

Two colossal teams, defenses and coaches duking it out for the right to be No. 1. Appreciate the game for what it is because this kind of matchup doesn't happen very often.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

Follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.