LSU vs Alabama Rematch: 3 Players That Can Alter History With Big Performance

The biggest game of a player’s life can go one of two ways.

They can either have an incredible performance and be called "clutch" or "heroic," or they can fall on their face and be called a "goat" or "chocker."

The winner of LSU-Alabama II gets to hoist the trophy and be on top of the world. Here are the three players who can swing this game with a huge performance, or a complete no-show.

3. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

The Tigers love to use the middle of the field, and it’s going to be Upshaw’s job to make sure they are met with a crushing tackle.

The senior has had an outstanding year, landing a First-team All-American spot and was a finalist for the Lombardi and Butkus awards. He led the No. 1-ranked defense in sacks (8.5) and quarterback hurries (11). In the first matchup he was a force, registering six tackles and a sack.

If he can pressure the LSU quarterback consistently, turnovers will follow and the ‘Bama offense will be given a short field against the vaunted Tigers defense.

If he misses a few tackles and can’t get to the quarterback, this one will be over in a hurry.

2. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Everybody focuses on the one they call "Honey Badger," but how about his teammate who was also named an All-American?

Claiborne made one of the biggest plays of the game in Round 1, when he returned an interception for 33 yards. It was one of the largest difference-makers in the game.

The incredibly talented junior had six picks for the season and can use his impressive foot speed to blanket the opposing receivers while possessing the hands to catch any ball coming in his direction.

Worry about Honey Badger all you want, but don’t forget about Claiborne.

Yet if Claiborne surrenders a big play or two, there will be a lot of pressure for the Tigers to put up touchdowns instead of field goals on a defense that surrenders less than a single touchdown per game.

1. Jordan Jefferson, QB, LSU

Remember when he curb-stomped a fellow bar patron right before the season started? Seems like a long time ago now.

It took him the vast majority of the season to regain coach Les Miles’ trust, but he did, and you can expect Jefferson to be receiving the vast majority of the snaps over Jarrett Lee.

He has only thrown one interception in 83 attempts while completing 60.2 percent of his passes. Couple that with a 4.1 yards per carry average, and the Tigers have themselves a dual-threat quarterback who takes care of the ball.

If he can sneak a pass or two by the Alabama secondary and control the clock with the aid of his feet in the second half, Jefferson is going to be the MVP of the game.

If Jefferson is careless with the ball like he was for large chunk of the 2010 season, then we have ourselves a GOAT.  

Nobody has more effect on the outcome of this game than Jefferson. The ultimate redemption story is in play.