LSU vs. Alabama: 10 Most Important Players in Saturday's Matchup

While many analysts have discussed the head coaching battle in the LSU vs. Alabama matchup, it will be the players who ultimately decide this game.

Les Miles and Nick Saban are both incredible coaches, but there are a few players who will affect the outcome of the game, and eventually change the course of the 2011 college football season.

In college football, it is tough for fans to name too many of the players that they root for every week. You cannot buy jerseys with names on the back, video games only show numbers and not too many people play fantasy college football.

This week, fans will know the names of these players. They are not the most talented athletes on the field, but rather the ones who will most impact Saturday's game.

10. Mark Barron

While this game will most likely be decided in the trenches, Alabama safety Mark Barron will be an exception.

Whether LSU decides to run or pass, Barron will be around the football. After finishing with at least 70 tackles each of the last two seasons, this year he ranks second on the team with 40 tackles. In addition, the senior has broken up five passes and caught his 11th career interception against Penn State.

Mark Barron, along with cornerback teammate Dre Kirkpatrick, is a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country. Each player is expected to drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. 

Although Kirkpatrick might be rated as a slightly better prospect, Barron should have a greater impact on a game that will be heavily based on the run. The safety can get to anywhere on the field and will be the last line of defense on Saturday.

9. Drew Alleman

This game is a battle between two of the best defenses not only in the country, but in recent history. Points will be at a premium, and the spotlight will eventually turn to the kickers.

Drew Alleman of LSU is slightly better than his counterpart, Jeremy Shelley. Alabama needs a second kicker for longer attempts, since Shelley has not connected on a kick farther than 37 yards this season.

The junior Alleman is in his first year of kicking duties, so he has not had to make a kick with the game on the line. It will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure if it comes to him, especially on the road.

8. Jordan Jefferson

Jarrett Lee might get more snaps at quarterback, but Jordan Jefferson is still a very important part of the LSU football team. 

Jefferson was suspended for the first four games of the season following a bar fight, but came in and started contributing to his team. He only has 10 pass attempts this season, but his 26 rush attempts have kept opponents off-balanced.

The biggest contribution that Jefferson provides is causing nightmares for defensive coordinators. While it is tough to game-plan for a talented starting quarterback, it is even tougher to plan for two different quarterbacks.

The quarterback will get his opportunity against Alabama. He will provide a different look that might catch Alabama off-guard, and lead to a big play or two that will change the game. 

7. Barrett Jones

Barrett Jones has been a dominant force since arriving on campus three years ago from Tennessee. The left tackle is on his way to being an All-American after starting every game in his redshirt freshman season. 

Jones will be very important this week as Alabama faces the tough LSU defense. Not only does he need to protect the blind side of quarterback A.J. McCarron, but he needs to pave the way for running back Trent Richardson.

There is little reason to believe the junior will falter, but if he does, the Crimson Tide might be in for a long night. 

6. Rueben Randle

Few have noticed, but Rueben Randle is quietly becoming one of the best receivers in the nation. The 6'4" junior has excellent size and is a great target for whichever quarterback is throwing to him.

He is becoming an excellent deep threat for LSU as well. In each of the last four games, Randle has caught a pass for at least a 35-yard gain.

The receiver has seven touchdowns this season, and four in the last three games. His 638 receiving yards makes up 44 percent of the Tiger's yards through the air. No matter how you look at it, Randle is vital to the success of LSU.

Against Alabama, he will need to get past talented cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. LSU cannot avoid throwing to him, so Randle will have to work to get open as often as possible.

5. Courtney Upshaw

Courtney Upshaw will most likely be playing in the NFL next season, but right now he is causing havoc for teams in the NCAA.

The outside linebacker is a dominant pass-rusher, and can get to the ball whenever necessary.

Last season, Upshaw made his mark by totaling seven sacks with two forced fumbles. In Alabama's bowl game against Michigan State, Upshaw won the game's MVP by tallying two sacks and a forced fumble.

This year the senior has not slowed down. He has 4.5 sacks, with three in the last two games against Ole Miss and Tennessee. The ability to knock down the quarterback and force turnovers can greatly change the course of this monumental game.

4. A.J. McCarron

Somehow, the starting quarterback has become the most forgotten man on Alabama. However, you do not become the No. 2 team in the country with an 8-0 record without some good play by the man behind center.

Sophomore A.J. McCarron won the starting job over freshman Phillip Sims, and it seems that head coach Nick Saban made the correct choice.

With a top running back behind him and a great defense, McCarron is only supposed to "manage games." Still, he has done more than people give him credit for. The quarterback is 16th in FBS with a completion percentage of 67 percent. He also has only thrown one interception since the first week of the season.

McCarron will need to build off his 284 yard performance against Tennessee last week, and have another good game against LSU. The Tigers will almost definitely stack the line against the run, so the sophomore will need to make them pay.

3. Jarrett Lee

When Jordan Jefferson was arrested during the offseason, many thought that LSU was doomed. Luckily the Tigers had a reserve quarterback who was ready to lead the team to multiple victories.

Jarrett Lee took over the offense and has led LSU to 39.3 points per game, and more importantly an undefeated record and No. 1 ranking.

This season, Lee has been almost mistake free. He has 13 touchdowns and only one interception. The senior is not asked to do much, but in order to win, he cannot turnover the football.

Alabama has a knack for taking the football from opposing teams, so Lee will have to do his best in order to hold onto the ball.

2. Tyrann Mathieu

There is not another player in college football that has won the hearts of so many fans as quickly as Tyrann Mathieu. At a generous 5'9", Mathieu is all over the field and has earned his nickname as the "honey badger."

Unfortunately, Mathieu lost much of the good will towards him when he was suspended for the Tigers' most recent game against Auburn. He will need to redeem himself this week against the No. 2 team in the country.

The sophomore cornerback is not the greatest NFL prospect, or even the best player at his position on LSU. That honor goes to Morris Claiborne, a taller, stronger defensive back that can stay with the best receivers in the game.

However, what makes Mathieu such a force is his play-making ability. He has already returned two fumbles for touchdowns this season, including one against No. 3 Oregon in a close game.

When this game is tight late in the second half, do not be surprised when you see No. 7  from the defense holding the ball and running towards the end zone.

1. Trent Richardson

The most talented player on the field Saturday will be Trent Richardson.

The running back has waited behind Heisman Trophy-winner Mark Ingram waiting for his chance to shine, and now is ready to win the award for himself. He can accomplish that feat with a great game against one of the toughest defenses in the country. 

Richardson already has great statistics. The junior is third in the country with 17 rushing touchdowns and is seventh in rushing yards. He also might have had his "signature Heisman play" with his 76-yard touchdown run against Ole Miss. 

Now the running back must prove that he can beat a great team. Alabama will heavily lean on the running back against LSU, but the Tigers will look to stop him.

If the Crimson Tide win this game, it will be because of a good game by Trent Richardson.