BCS National Championship Game

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 10, 2012

BCS National Championship Game

LSU and Alabama met in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5 amid great fanfare, with the Tigers topping the Tide 9-6 in overtime. The rematch has elicited its share of controversy, but it still promises to be a great game between two defensive juggernauts and SEC heavyweights.

Alabama charged onto the field before the game, eager to prove its title-game worth.

LSU huddles up before the game.

LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson attempts a pass early.

Michael Ford, part of LSU's four-headed running back attack, goes head-to-head with Alabama's bruising defense.

After failing to throw a touchdown in the teams' first meeting, Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron was determined to play with more emotion and intensity in the rematch with LSU.

Speedster Marquis Maze gave Alabama some life with a big return in the first quarter...

but injured his hamstring on the play.

Kenny Hilliard and the LSU backs struggled early against Alabama's D.

Kevin Norwood makes a leaping catch over the famed Honey Badger.

With Marquis Maze injured, Kevin Norwood and other Alabama receivers have stepped up to fill the void.

Jordan Jefferson couldn't solve Alabama's defense in the first half, managing a mere 26 passing yards.

01.op2t-37956-mid.jpg — Damian Strohmeyer/SI

AJ McCarron completed 18-of-25 passes in the first half for 155 yards, setting up four field goal attempts and three successful conversions.

AJ McCarron completed 23-of-34 passes for 233 yards on his way to earning offensive MVP honors.

Jeremy Shelley (90) connected on field goals of 23, 34 and 41 yards for the No. 2 Crimson Tide in the opening half.

Jordan Jefferson is sandwiched by Alabama defenders Courtney Upshaw and Damion Square. Jefferson had a nightmare game against Alabama's No. 1-ranked defense, going 11 for 17 for just 53 yards and an interception.

03.op2u-37446-mid.jpg — Damian Strohmeyer/SI

As LSU's offensive woes continued deep into the second, the Tigers became visibly dejected on the sideline.

Trent Richardson delivered the only touchdown of the game, a 34-yard scamper in the fourth quarter.

Trent Richardson finished with 95 yards to help secure Nick Saban's record-setting third BCS title.

05.op2q-50239-mid.jpg — Richard Mackson/SI

Alabama may have lost in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5, but the Tide won when it mattered, holding LSU to 91 net yards in an utterly dominant defensive effort.