LSU vs. Alabama: 7 Biggest Keys to Victory for Tigers Against Crimson Tide

The Game of the Century is quickly approaching and college football fans across America are awaiting in anticipation to see this matchup.

The winner will almost certainly punch their ticket to the BCS National Title Game, but these teams are so evenly matched that there really isn't a favorite in the game.

LSU has been near flawless this season, but this should be, by far, the Tigers' biggest test up to this point. 

Let's break down the seven biggest keys to victory for the Tigers.

1. Contain Trent Richardson

Outside of Andrew Luck, there isn't a better player in college football right now than Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Chances are that LSU will not be able to shut him down completely—he's just too good. If they can at least contain him however, possibly hold him under 100 yards rushing, then the Tigers should have a good chance at victory.

LSU wants to force Alabama into a passing attack, because that puts the ball out of Richardson's hands and plays in the favor of the Tigers' dominant secondary with Mo Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu.

If Richardson has a big game, it could be a long day for the Tigers.

2. Take an Early Lead

If the Tigers happen to win the coin flip, they better choose to receive, because an early score is about the only thing that could possibly quiet this rowdy Alabama crowd.

Tuscaloosa is going to be loud and wild on Saturday night, and LSU is going to want to get the crowd out of the game as quickly as possible.

If they can take the early lead, not only will they quiet the crowd, but they also can focus more on the run, and thus playing to their strength.

3. Win the Turnover Battle

Whether it is Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee under center for LSU, they are going to have to limit their turnovers.

The Tigers are best when they are able to establish the run early and often, and then rely on efficient passes on third-down plays.

If Lee and Jefferson can make quick, smart decisions and take care of the football, LSU has a great chance.

On the defensive side of the ball, they are going to have to take advantage of their great secondary and create turnovers.

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron is good, but he hasn't been tested. He certainly will be in this one.

4. Make a Big Play on Special Teams

Between Tyrann Mathieu, Mo Claiborne, Rueben Randle and Russell Sheppard, the Tigers have plenty of explosive athletes on the field, and any one of them can make a huge play in the return game.

In addition, freshman punter Brad Wing has been outstanding this season, and he needs to continue to keep up his great play.

If LSU can get a punt or kickoff return for a score, that very well could be the deciding factor between these two evenly matched teams.

5. Get Pressure on A.J. McCarron

AJ McCarron is good, but he is young, and he doesn't have a ton of experience. 

McCarron has never played a team anywhere near as good as LSU, and if the Tigers can pressure him and force him into making mistakes, that should help their chances tremendously. 

Both teams have great defenses, so it will be interesting to see which defense gets to the opposing quarterback more effectively.

6. Establish the Run

The Tigers are near unstoppable when they are running the ball successfully, and while they haven't faced a defense as good as the Crimson Tide's, that doesn't mean they can't run on them.

The beauty about this LSU team is that not only do they have a stud running back in Spencer Ware, but they have a ton of depth behind him as well.

If LSU can establish the run and put some points up through the run, it takes the momentum away from Alabama and slows down the game to the Tigers' desired pace.

If Spencer Ware, or any LSU running back, runs for over 100 yards, LSU should win.

7. Get the Ball in the Hands of Their Playmakers

Rueben Randle. Russell Shepard. Odell Beckham.

All three are elite receivers, all three are elite playmakers, and all three need to touch the ball on Saturday if the Tigers are going to beat Alabama.

If LSU can find a way to establish the run as well as get the ball in these guys' hands to create some big plays on offense, LSU has a great chance to stamp that ticket to the BCS National Title Game.

Prediction: LSU 27, Alabama 24