BCS Bowl Predictions: Breaking Down LSU and Alabama

The BCS Championship Game between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama figures to be another spectacular affair, featuring the two best defenses in college football.

There are plenty of stars in this game, some that will undoubtedly move onto the pros after this season.

Here is a breakdown of the top players of LSU and Alabama.

LSU

Tyrann Mathieu: You can't talk about LSU without talking about Heisman candidate Tyrann Mathieu first.

The defensive back has done everything this season, racking up 71 tackles, two interceptions, 1.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and even returning two punts for touchdowns.

He's been a true difference-maker this season as a sophomore, and it's very likely that LSU wouldn't be the No. 1 team in the country without him.

Morris Claiborne: Junior cornerback Morris Claiborne is considered a top-10 prospect by most NFL draft experts. Some believe he belongs in the top five.

Not only is Claiborne a shutdown cornerback, he's displayed the ability to make the big play, racking up six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Without him and Mathieu, the Tigers wouldn't be in the title game.

Rueben Randle: Despite average quarterback play, junior receiver Rueben Randle has still managed to catch 50 balls for 904 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Against Arkansas on Nov. 25, Randle had nine catches for 134 yards.

Randle's speed and quickness changing direction makes him a threat every time he takes the field. He'll be matched up with a tough Alabama secondary, but that doesn't mean he won't break free for a score at some point.

Michael Ford/Spencer Ware/Alfred Blue/Kenny Hilliard: LSU's offense runs primarily through its rushing attack, which averaged 215.2 rushing yards per game this season, 17th in the country.

Ford and Ware have each rushed for over 700 yards this season, while Blue and Hilliard have combined for 859 yards on 135 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.

On top of that, you have quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who can keep defenses honest with his legs.

ALABAMA

Trent Richardson: Richardson placed third in the Heisman voting this season behind quarterbacks Robert Griffin III of Baylor and Andrew Luck of Stanford, and some believe he should have won the award outright.

Richardson has been simply spectacular this season, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in the tough SEC. He also added 327 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Richardson rushed for 89 yards and caught five balls for 80 yards against LSU on Nov. 5.

Dre Kirkpatrick: Dre Kirkpatrick anchors Alabama's secondary this season, a true shutdown corner who locked up Rueben Randle in the two teams' first matchup.

His technique and coverage skills are excellent, and it makes him one of the top cornerback prospects in the NFL.

He hasn't recorded an interception this season, but his coverage skills make up for it.

Courtney Upshaw: Senior Courtney Upshaw has been a nightmare for opposing offenses this season given his outstanding athleticism off the edge.

He's racked up 8.5 sacks and ran back his sole interception 45 yards for a touchdown.

Along with fellow linebacker Dont'a Hightower, the combination is hard to handle for most offenses, and, remember, LSU scored just nine points against Alabama on Nov. 5.

Dont'a Hightower: Dont'a Hightower is a bruiser, racking up 79 tackles, three sacks and one interception this season for the Crimson Tide.

He has a scary combination of size and speed, and his versatility could make him a rush 3-4 linebacker in the NFL or a middle linebacker.

Hightower and Upshaw will be flying around the field come Jan. 9, 2012.