SEC Championship: 10 Keys to LSU vs. Georgia

The 2011 SEC Championship features two teams in very different positions.

The Georgia Bulldogs are playing for a little respect and a shot a BCS bowl game. 

Less is riding on the game for the LSU Tigers, as their future is thought to be set. The Tigers have something to play for, too, though.  

Both teams have a chance to win the top league in college football, and that is intrigue enough. Let's look at 10 keys to LSU versus Georgia. 

Aaron Murray

The LSU defense loves making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. No defensive line can come at you with the speed or depth that LSU can.

However, quarterback Aaron Murray is solid for the Bulldogs, having thrown 32 touchdown passes on the season. Murray will have to make plays against the Tigers while avoiding sacks and turnovers. 

Georgia O-Line

The Georgia offensive line will face its biggest challenge of the season in the Tigers defense. Do the Bulldogs have the physicality necessary to establish a running game against LSU?

Few teams have been able to move the ball with any consistency against the Tigers. Georgia's line will have to create holes for its running backs in order to slow down the LSU pass rush. 

Georgia Run Defense

Few teams have been able to slow down an LSU rushing attack that averages 215.8 yards per game. Georgia seems well equipped to do so.

Todd Grantham’s defense is one of the best in the country, ranking sixth in opponents rushing yards per game. It's unclear if Georgia can keep this up against a team with the physicality of LSU.

If Georgia is able to put the game on Jordan Jefferson’s arm, they just might have a chance. 

Isaiah Crowell

Against the Tigers, Georgia will have to stay balanced on offense if they want any chance of winning. That means Isaiah Crowell will have to come through on the ground.

Crowell leads all freshman running backs in the SEC with 832 yards and five touchdowns. Crowell, though, has missed most of the last two weeks with an ankle injury. He must return to good health and good form against LSU. 

Motivation

Motivation should never be an issue in an SEC Championship Game. However, the point has been raised that LSU has little to play for.

The Tigers are considered a lock for the national championship game regardless of Saturday’s outcome. Could they come out flat against the Bulldogs? It might be Georgia’s best chance. 

Les Miles

Les Miles is always a key when it comes to LSU. Perhaps no coach can get his team up for a game better than Miles. However, his game-managing skills have been questioned in the past.

What effect will Miles have on his team Saturday? He’s been nothing but great in 2011. 

Turnover Margin

Turnovers are a key to any game, but particularly when a team protects the ball as well as LSU. The Tigers force turnovers at a high rate as well and lead the FBS in turnover margin.

When LSU holds onto the football, there isn’t much chance of beating them. Even against Alabama, when the Tigers turned it over twice, their defense set up the tying field goal with an interception by Morris Claiborne.

Non-Offensive Touchdowns

LSU ranks 13th in scoring offense, averaging 38.2 points per game. However, many of those points have been put up by defense and special teams.

The Bayou Bengals have scored seven non-offensive touchdown this season. They’ve returned three fumbles, two interception and two kicks for touchdowns.

As in many games, it could be the LSU defense or special teams sparking its offense against Georgia. 

Rueben Randle

The LSU offense is based on running the ball, but in Rueben Randle they have one of the best downfield threats in the country.

Randle has had a breakout junior season, averaging 18.5 yards per catch. If Georgia decides to sell out on the run, Randle can make them pay.

Jordan Jefferson

It always comes back to Jordan Jefferson. After a troubling offseason and spending most of the year as a backup, Jefferson is back in a starting quarterback role.

As usual, the question is whether Jefferson can make enough plays. He’s played well so far this season, throwing for five touchdowns and rushing for another three. Despite his criticism, Jefferson's been nothing but a winner in his career.