LSU vs. Alabama: Jordan Jefferson Will Be X-Factor in Tigers' Upset Win

Choosing between the No. 1 LSU Tigers and No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide is nearly impossible. Both teams have been dominant against strong competition and are undefeated in the SEC, which is the fastest and most athletic conference in the country.

Each team is absolutely dominant defensively, but they are capable of putting up points on offense as well. If ties were allowed in college football, then that would be a fitting result when the Tigers and Crimson Tide meet at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday night.

Alabama is favored by five thanks to home-field advantage and the nation's top defense, which allows a paltry 6.9 points per game. The Tide would seem to have the offensive advantage as well with quarterback AJ McCarron playing mistake-free football, and Heisman Trophy candidate Trent Richardson tearing it up at running back.

The Tigers are deceptively good in that regard too, though. Spencer Ware and Michael Ford form a strong duo in the backfield, and veteran quarterback Jarrett Lee has been everything head coach Les Miles has hoped for, and probably much more.

Lee wasn't even expected to play much this season with Jordan Jefferson in the starting role, but a bar altercation resulted in Jefferson being suspended. Enter Lee, who has a remarkable 13:1 touchdowns to interceptions ratio. He hasn't been spectacular by any means, but he has been very solid.

With that said, it will take an extraordinary effort to break through Alabama's impenetrable defense. A stationary quarterback like Lee could have an extremely difficult time staying in rhythm against the Crimson Tide's relentless pass rush.

Because of that, I think Jefferson will play a much bigger role in this game than any other he has played in this season. He has been used sparingly in short-yardage situations and in relief, and he has looked very good when given the opportunity.

He should really come in handy near the goal line as his elusiveness will open up the LSU playbook and keep Alabama's defense on it toes. Should Lee struggle mightily in the early going, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see him take over as the every-down signal caller during the game.

LSU's defense is good enough to keep this game close, but with Lee at quarterback, I'm not sure the Tigers have enough offense. If they use Jefferson as I believe they will, though, LSU should be able to pull off the upset, keep its No. 1 ranking and cruise to the National Championship Game.