LSU vs Alabama 2011: Predicting the Game's Most Valuable Player

With so much NFL talent playing in today’s game between LSU and Alabama, it is hard to predict who will be the game’s MVP.

The two names that immediately come to mind are Tiger cornerback Tyrann Mathieu and Tide running back Trent Richardson, both of whom have Heisman aspirations.

Mathieu has recovered five turnovers this year and has earned the nickname "The Honey Badger." He also has five passes defended and a sack on the year.

Richardson is averaging 123 yards per game on the ground and ranks seventh nationally in total yards this season even though two players in front of him have yet to have a bye week.

But the thing to remember when picking an MVP is the matchups and both of these players have unfavorable ones.

Alabama doesn’t pass the ball nearly as much as they run it, so Mathieu will likely not see as much of the ball as he is accustomed. LSU’s rush defense is the best Richardson has faced all year and a 100-yard game or anything close is likely out of the question.

So who will be the game’s most valuable player?

My vote is for Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

He leads the Tide in sacks and tackles for a loss even though he is a linebacker. Upshaw only has 26 tackles all year and he makes the most of every opportunity he gets.

Upshaw also has an interception return for a touchdown as well as six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

LSU’s primary source of offense is the running game, which is why Dont’a Hightower, the Tide’s leading tackler, was also considered. But Hightower averages only six tackles per game and less big plays, so the odds of him making more of a difference than Upshaw are low.

Alabama’s defense is statistically better than any other in the country. When you can lead that unit in both sacks and tackles for loss, you know you’re a special player. Courtney Upshaw will make a major impact in this game and be the game’s MVP.