Alabama vs. LSU: Fixing Special Teams Issues Will Be Biggest Key for the Tide

In the infamously dubbed "Game of the Century," the one area in which LSU dominated was special teams.

The game came down to field goals and Alabama failed miserably. Kickers Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley combined to go 2-for-6 throughout the game, including a missed field goal in overtime. The score was 9-6, but Alabama held the statistical advantage in passing and total offense. If not for the mistakes on special teams, the Tide could have easily won the game on Nov. 5.

If Alabama expects to win in the rematch game, special teams will be the biggest area to fix for the Crimson Tide. And when I say special teams, I don't just mean field goals. While field goals are an obvious area of concern for Alabama, the Tide need to intensely focus on limiting Tyrann Mathieu on punt returns.

Mathieu is arguably the most electrifying player in college football. He not only is one of the premier shut-down corners in the NCAA, but also a force on punt returns.

In 2011, Mathieu had two special teams touchdowns, including an electrifying punt return against Georgia in the SEC Championship. Mathieu can flip the field in an instant, and the battle for field position will be huge in this rematch.

It will be important for Alabama punter Cody Mandell to punt the ball with a lot of hang time, but placing the ball either near the sideline or completely out of bounds will be equally as crucial. The fewer chances you give Mathieu to return the punt, the better chance you have of limiting LSU's scoring opportunities.

Another key for the Tide will be to put the pressure on LSU's All-American punter Brad Wing. On 19 of 37 attempts this season, Wing has pinned the football inside the opposing team's 20-yard line. In the first game between LSU and Alabama this season, Wing had four of six kicks end inside the 20, including a long of 73 yards.

The Tide attempted to put the pressure on Wing's punt a couple of times, but to no avail. However, it is a strategy that could pay off for them if they keep at it in the BCS National Championship Game. Not being able to block a punt with pressure is a much better situation than giving Wing too much time to get his punt off.

Alabama is an excellent team with so many strengths on both offense and defense, but addressing special teams issues must be the highest priority for the Crimson Tide in the rematch.

If not, then they could very well see the LSU Tigers celebrating a National Championship when all is said and done.