LSU vs Alabama: 3 Key Things to Watch During the SEC Game of the Century

In case you hadn't noticed, No. 1 LSU travels to Alabama this week to take on the second-ranked Crimson Tide in what will be a pretty big matchup.

It will be hard to pay attention to just one thing during this momentous game, but here are three things that should turn out to be pretty important.  

Trent Richardson vs. LSU Front Seven (Or Eight. Or Nine)

Richardson, the consensus No. 1 running back in the nation, has carried the ball 149 times this season for 989 yards. That's 6.6 yards per carry. He's also found the end zone 18 times already. 

On the other side of the ball, LSU is giving up just 2.8 yards per carry and 88 rushing yards per game. Both stats are Top 10 in the country.

This is a classic battle of unstoppable force against immovable object. If Richardson is able to break off a few big gains, I don't see how LSU will be able to stay in the game.

Another thing that may be important to this matchup is how Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler (if Lacy doesn't play) spell Richardson. They have been terrific this year but obviously haven't faced a challenge like LSU. 

Turnover Battle

LSU gets after the quarterback very well, getting sacks on over six percent of passing plays. Alabama quarterback A.J McCarron has been good at taking care of the ball this year, but if the Tigers produce their normal pressure in the backfield, he could make a few mistakes. 

It's likely LSU could have trouble moving the ball against Alabama's defense, so getting good field position or possibly a score from their defense will be key. 

The Tigers rely big time on forcing turnovers, while the Crimson Tide don't turn the ball over or force turnovers. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. 

Quarterback Situation for LSU

Jarrett Lee has been nothing short of fantastic so far this season for LSU, doing exactly what he needs to do with 12 touchdowns and just one interception.

However, against an Alabama defense that is allowing opponents to complete just 48 percent of its passes, it's not far-fetched to think Lee might struggle. 

With Jordan Jefferson waiting in the wings, how long will Lee's leash be? If he makes a few early mistakes, will Les Miles turn to his other senior, who has shown the propensity to make big plays in limited time? 

Jefferson certainly has the ability for the bigger highlight play and, in a defensive struggle, it might just take one or two of those to put LSU on top.