LSU vs Alabama: 3 Underrated Players Who Will Be Key During Huge SEC Battle

You know about Trent Richardson. You know about Tyrann Mathieu. You know about Courtney Upshaw.

There are plenty of stars in this contest, but it seems like there are always the under-the-radar type guys who come up big in these big games. 

Here's a look at three players who might fill that role when No. 1 LSU takes on second-ranked Alabama. 

Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU

Jefferson has been used sparingly since his return from suspension because Jarrett Lee has played so well.

However, this is Alabama whom the Tigers are going up against. If Jarrett Lee manages to get through this one without problems, I'll be quite surprised. 

The Tigers are going to have to turn to Jefferson much more often than they have in the past few games.

He is much more capable than Lee of a bigger play, is a bigger threat on the ground and is the type of player who can turn momentum around.

The senior will be called upon a whole lot in this one. 

Brad Smelley, TE, Alabama

As it turns out, LSU has a some cornerbacks who are fairly talented.

Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne are two of the best in the country, and should cause fits for 'Bama's wide receivers. 

Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks haven't done a lot this year, but they haven't been asked to. Still, they are the clear-cut top two options for the Crimson Tide, and will have trouble getting going.

Obviously, Alabama has a certain running back whom they will be able to fall back on, but they will still have to keep the defense honest by throwing it every once in a while. 

Enter tight end Brad Smelley.

He only has 16 catches on the season, but it may be up to him to pull in four or five catches in this one, including a couple of third-down grabs. 

Jeremy Shelley, Drew Alleman, Kickers

Despite all the talk that is being made about these teams' quarterbacks, running backs and defenses, it's the kickers who could easily decide the game on either side. 

That might be a scary thought, but it wouldn't be surprising if this game turns into a 13-10 or 17-14 type of game. 

If that's the case, the game could come down to one kick. 

Shelley has been very accurate for the Crimson Tide, while Cade Foster has also come in to kick long field goals for them. Shelley has hit 91 percent of his kicks (which have all come under 40 yards), while Foster has been quite erratic from deep.

For the Tigers, Alleman has also been pretty solid, missing just two kicks with a long of 44. 

These kickers aren't the best in the nation by any means, but the "Game of the Century" could easily come down on the shoulders of these guys.

Yikes.