LSU vs. Alabama: The Top Impact Players on Both Sides of the Field

The LSU-Alabama game has already been dubbed the “Game of the Century,” and in a matchup of this magnitude, where there’s so much talent on the field, this is the time when true stars step up and shine.

These are two of the most talented teams we've seen in college football since the turn of the millennium, and it should be a true treat for both fans and pro scouts alike to see who wins all the different individual matchups that will be taking place all over the field. 

Here’s a look at the top impact players to watch on both sides of the ball.

Alabama Offense

Top Impact Player: RB Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson has solidified himself as the best running back in college football this season, and he has to be considered a top Heisman candidate after the string of performances he put together in Alabama's first eight games.

The powerful 5’11’’, 220-pound junior has bulldozed his way to 989 yards on the ground and scored 18 total touchdowns this season.

Richardson has the type of power and durability to wear down any defense he goes up against.

The LSU front seven better make sure they all buckle up their chinstraps on Saturday, because Richardson runs with a take-no-prisoners style, and he’s shown that he has no fear of contact from would-be tacklers.

Other Key Players

• QB A.J. McCarron
• C William Vlachos
• WR Marquis Maze
• TE Michael Williams
• WR Darius Hanks

Alabama Defense

Top Impact Player: LB Courtney Upshaw

Because he’s surrounded by so much talent on Alabama’s defense, LB Courtney Upshaw doesn't get his deserved due outside of SEC country—but make no mistake, Upshaw is one of the elite defenders in college football.

The 6’2’’, 265-pound senior spends most of the game haunting the opposing offense's backfield, as he always seems to find a way to penetrate through the line and make big stops.

Upshaw has already notched 4.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in just eight games, and it should be fun to watch the LSU offensive line try to contain him.

Other Key Players

• LB Dont’a Hightower
• S Mark Barron
• CB Dre Kirkpatrick
• LB Nico Johnson
• DT Josh Chapman

LSU Offense

Top Impact Player: QB Jarrett Lee

It’s hard to really characterize LSU QB Jarrett Lee as a true impact player, considering he’s been more of a game-manager up to this point in the season, but if LSU wants to beat Alabama, the Tigers are going to need Lee to pick it up a notch and play a crucial role.

So far, the senior signal-caller hasn't been spectacular, but he's certainly been efficient, completing 63 percent of his passes and only tossing one interception.

LSU is undoubtedly going to need to make a few big plays through the air on Alabama's talented and imposing secondary, and it’s going to be up to Lee to provide them.

He managed to get the job done in last year’s meeting, but we'll have to see how he fares on the road in a hostile environment this year.

Other Key Players

• WR Rueben Randle
• QB Jordan Jefferson
• WR Odell Beckham Jr.
• RB Spencer Ware
• RB Michael Ford

LSU Defense

Top Impact Player: CB Tyrann Mathieu

Even though his fellow defensive backfield mate, Mo Claiborne, is the best cornerback prospect for next year’s NFL draft, Tyrann Mathieu has enjoyed the better 2011 campaign, and there isn’t another defensive player in the country who has had a bigger impact this year.

Mathieu will return after a one-game suspension and will once again be a key ball-hawk for the LSU defense.

Somehow, the slight sophomore doesn’t let his lack of size hinder him, as he always seems to be around the football and make a crucial play.

Mathieu is a true presence against both the run and the pass, and he always finds a way to get his name called at the right time.

Other Key Players

• DE Barkevious Mingo
• CB Mo Claiborne
• S Brandon Taylor
• LB Ryan Baker
• DT Michael Brockers