SEC Championship Game: The X-Factors for LSU and Georgia

The spotlight will surely be shining brightly on Atlanta tomorrow, as the eyes of the college football world will turn to the Georgia Dome to see if No. 1 LSU can survive one final test from No. 14 Georgia, and make it through the season unscathed. 

The Tigers may have already clinched a spot in New Orleans for the BCS National Championship Game, but that doesn't mean that they won't be giving it their all tomorrow. 

The stage is set for LSU to make a statement to the college football world that the Tigers are truly the best team in America. However, the Bulldogs will be barking tomorrow and will be playing with zero pressure and a nothing-to-lose attitude. 

In a game like this, it usually comes down to which key difference-makers can make the most plays. 

Here's a look at each team's biggest offensive and defensive "X-Factors."

LSU's Offensive X-Factor: QB Jordan Jefferson

Jordan Jefferson wasn’t really a big part of the action for the first few weeks after returning from his suspension, but when the big “Game of the Century” against Alabama rolled around, Jefferson was forced to step in for a struggling Jarrett Lee.

While it wasn’t pretty, the senior signal-caller managed to step up and get the job done, leading the Tigers to a 9-6 overtime victory in Tuscaloosa.

Head Coach Les Miles has since rewarded him with three straight starts for his efforts against the Tide.

Jefferson has been up to the challenge so far, as he’s been an effective leader for the LSU offense in these last three games—especially in the matchup with Arkansas last week, when he completed 62 percent of his passes and led the Tigers to the 41-17 victory.

The LSU offensive coaching staff doesn’t ask Jefferson to be spectacular—they just ask him to be consistent, and so far, he’s done just that.

During his career, the senior has faced his fair share of criticism for both his on-field play and his off-the-field actions, but Jefferson is now just two wins away from holding up the BCS National Championship trophy.

You can bet that he can smell the vindication already.

LSU's Defensive X-Factor: CB Tyrann Mathieu

It takes a special player to make fans forget about a playmaker of the caliber of former LSU star cornerback Patrick Peterson, but luckily for Tigers fans, they’ve seen two young corners step up this year and perform at an All-American level.

Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne have been two of the top defensive performers of the 2011 season, and both deserve their fair share of accolades.

While Claiborne has the look of a future Top 10 draft pick, it’s Mathieu who has really made the most noise for the LSU defense this season.

The 5’9’’, 175-pound sophomore may not be the biggest player out on the field, but he’s certainly had the biggest impact, as he always seems to find a way to make a crucial play at a critical time.

Mathieu has always seemed to play his best on the big stage, and the SEC Championship Game is definitely the type of place for him to step up and shine.

Georgia's Offensive X-Factor: RB Isaiah Crowell

QB Aaron Murray may be the best overall player on Georgia’s offense, but it’s going to be freshman RB Isaiah Crowell who will play the biggest part in Georgia’s offensive success on Saturday.

If the Bulldogs have any shot of beating LSU, they’re going to have to establish the running game, which admittedly won’t be easy against the nation’s fourth-ranked rushing defense.

Crowell has had a solid freshman campaign this year, rushing for 832 yards and scoring six touchdowns, but he has yet to face a defense like LSU’s.

The former 5-star recruit has the talent to cause headaches for the Tigers, but it’s going to be up to Crowell to bring his A-game tomorrow.

Georgia's Defensive X-Factor: LB Jarvis Jones

For all of you NFL draft fans that are searching for the next great 3-4 rush linebacker prospect, make sure you take a look at Georgia’s Jarvis Jones.

Although he’s only a redshirt sophomore, Jones has already made his presence felt in the SEC, leading the conference with 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks this season.

Jones has already outperformed his highly-touted predecessor Justin Houston, and he has the look of a future defensive star.

If Georgia’s defense wants to keep the Tigers contained, it will be up to Jones to make plays in the backfield and get consistent pressure on QB Jordan Jefferson for all four quarters.