LSU vs Alabama Rematch: Breaking Down the Key Matchups

At this point, it’s a foregone conclusion that No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama will play again at season’s end for the BCS championship.

Although the prospect of a few-months old rematch for the national title isn’t overly exciting, there’s no doubt that it’s going to be a great game.

Here are five things to watch for when the Tigers and the Tide meet again for all the glory. 

LSU Offense vs. Alabama Defense

Everyone talks about LSU's defense, but the Tide aren't too bad without the ball either.

In fact, Alabama is No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense (8.6 points per-game).

If LSU wants to go two-for-two this season against the Tide, chances are they're going to need to score more than nine points the second time around. 

Alabama Offense vs. LSU Defense

The only team in the nation holding opponents to fewer points per-game than LSU (10.6) is, of course, Alabama. 

In round one, the Tide put just six on the board. 

If the Tigers can hold Alabama to single-digits again, they'll likely be champions. 

Trent Richardson vs. LSU D-Line

LSU-Alabama round two will feature arguably the best running back in the nation vs. arguably the best run defense in the country. 

Alabama running back Trent Richardson is a favorite for the Heisman Trophy, and he averages over 130 yards per-game. 

LSU is No. 4 in the nation against the run, and they've given up just over 1,000 yards rushing all season. 

The first time these two teams met, Richardson was held largely in check (89 yards). If the Tigers can stop him again, they should win the game. 

LSU Quarterbacks vs. Alabama Secondary

When LSU quarterbacks Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee line up against the Alabama defense at season's end, they will be staring down the nation's top pass defense. 

Jefferson and Lee both struggled when these teams met in November, and their inability to effectively throw the ball is a big reason why the Tigers scored just nine points. 

If LSU is going to win round two, they're going to need more out of their signal-callers. 

Alabama Kickers vs. the Pressure

If either Cade Foster or Jeremy Shelley had made just one of the four kicks they missed when Alabama and LSU first met, the Tide might be the No. 1 team in the nation and playing for the SEC championship next weekend. 

Can either kicker redeem himself in round two and help clinch a BCS championship for Nick Saban and Alabama?