LSU vs. Georgia: 10 Key Players in the SEC Title Game

The SEC Title Game is here, and No. 1-ranked LSU will take on Georgia in what should be a great matchup between two powerhouse programs.

LSU has been unstoppable this season with a powerful offense and a game-changing defense. But the Tigers' are expected to be tested by a talented Georgia team, which has run off 10 wins in a row after starting the season 0-2.

We have seen LSU beat the likes of Oregon, Alabama and Arkansas, but what type of challenge will Georgia present? Better yet, what players will need to step up in this game in order to lead their team to a win?

Let's take a look at 10 key players in this SEC Title Matchup.

1. Jordan Jefferson

The starting quarterback job at LSU belongs to Jordan Jefferson now, and the pressure is on him to come up big in the biggest game of his college football career.

Jefferson has found plenty of success in both the passing and running game, but he is best when he remains calm in the pocket, waits for a play to develop, and if it doesn't, he uses his legs to escape the pocket and run.

I listed Jefferson as the No. 2 quarterback in the SEC behind Georgia's Aaron Murray. Here is Jefferson's chance to prove he deserves to be on the top of that list!

2. Spencer Ware

LSU's offense has succeeded through their running game, and while they generally go with a running back by committee, Spencer Ware is the best back in this backfield.

Ware currently ranks second on the team with 687 rushing yards and first with eight rushing touchdowns. Despite being only a sophomore, he is the most experienced back on this team, and will likely be relied on to carry the load in this SEC Title matchup against Georgia.

If the Tigers are able to control the game on the ground, they can dictate the pace of this contest. LSU's offense can be explosive at times, but it all starts with the running game, and that starts with getting Spencer Ware on track early.

3. Mo Claiborne

While Tyrann Mathieu might be the most talked-about defensive player on LSU's team, Mo Claiborne might be the best.

He is considered by many to be the best cover corner in the country with the ability to shut down any top-notch wide receiver. He will likely match up against Georgia WR Tavarres King, who has a team-leading seven touchdown receptions.

If Claiborne can play lockdown defense and keep the ball out of Aaron Murray's hands, then LSU should be in cruise control in this one.

The college football world will know about Claiborne after this game.

Count on it.

4. Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, but he has yet to face a defense as good as the one he will see this weekend.

The college football world will be watching Murray to see how he reacts to facing this type of pressure. If he can play well in this game, everyone in football will know about Aaron Murray and how good he really is.

In order to succeed, Murray is going to have to make smart decisions and not force throws into LSU's secondary, because if he does, the Tigers' will capitalize on his mistakes.

Let's see how good Murray really is.

5. Rueben Randle

Rueben Randle is not only the best receiver in this game, but he is arguably the best receiver in the entire SEC. Yes, that includes Alshon Jeffery.

LSU will obviously try to establish the run early and often in this game, but when they do pass, Jordan Jefferson is going to want to get the ball in Randle's hands.

If Jefferson and Randle can get going early and hook up on a few big plays in this game, then this game could be over before halftime.

6. Sam Montgomery

Sam Montgomery is one of the top defensive lineman in the SEC, totaling eight sacks this season for LSU.

If Montgomery is able to establish an effective pass rush on Georgia and create pressure on Aaron Murray, then the Bulldogs will struggle passing on this outstanding LSU defense. 

But if Murray gets time to throw, then he can pick apart any defense there is.

Montgomery will play a huge role in this game on the defensive side of the ball.

7. Isaiah Crowell

Will Isaiah Crowell be able to play in this game?

That has the be the No. 1 question on the minds of Georgia football fans.

Crowell did not play in last weekend's win over Georgia Tech due to an ankle injury. The Bulldogs won the game without him, but it is obvious that they are a much better team when their freshman sensation is healthy and carrying the load in the backfield.

In the last game that Crowell did play in, he torched Auburn for 132 yards and a touchdown in a 45-7 blowout victory.

If Crowell is able to play, Georgia has a chance in this one. If not, well, they could be in a lot of trouble.

8. Kenny Hilliard

Hilliard is coming off a breakout game last week against then-No. 3 ranked Arkansas. The Tigers' talented freshman back rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown as LSU dominated Arkansas in the second half.

But how will Hilliard respond after the best game of his young college career?

Hilliard is an X-Factor here because we have to assume that Spencer Ware and Michael Ford will both get plenty of carries and yards in this one, but if LSU can get Hilliard going in the ground game as well, then Georgia is going to have a tough time in this game.

9. Tyrann Mathieu

Can the Georgia Bulldogs contain the Honey Badger?

Well, if a cobra and a swarm of bees can't, what makes one believe that this Georgia team can?

Mathieu not only makes plays on the defensive side of the ball, but he also makes a ton of noise on special teams. If he is able to break a punt return or force a turnover on the defensive side of the ball, then LSU will instantly gain momentum in this game.

Mathieu is an elite playmaker and it is up to Georgia to make sure that he doesn't create any magic with his legs, because if he does, it could be a long day for the Bulldogs.

10. Malcom Mitchell

Aaron Murray and Isaiah Crowell are the two biggest names on Georgia's offense, but the Bulldogs also have a freshman receiver who is one of the top first-year wideouts in all of college football.

Malcolm Mitchell has been the Bulldogs' best deep-ball threat throughout this season, catching 34 passes for 582 yards and a touchdown.

If he can get involved and give Georgia a spark in this game with a deep catch or two, then the Bulldogs should be able to hang around in this one.

Just as freshman Kenny Hilliard is the X-Factor for LSU in this game, Georgia's playmaking freshman is their X-Factor.

Whether its Mathieu or Claiborne guarding Mitchell, it will be an enjoyable matchup to watch. 

That's for sure!