The biggest topic for this game, so far, has been how Alabama's Offense will fare vs LSU's defense (or vice versa, depending on which team you're a fan of). While this is quite clearly the marquee match-up for this game (primarily Alabama's passing attack vs LSU's secondary), there are few other match-ups that may prove to be the keys to this game. Let's review each:

Alabama's Rushing Attack vs LSU's Rushing Defense:

Lost in the story that is Alabama's passing attack is a rushing attack that is not lacking. Alabama currently ranks 4th in the SEC in rushing (216.88 ypg) and currently has the most rushing TDs of any team (21). An offensive line better known for pass coverage has come on strong in the last few games to demonstrate greater success in rushing the ball as well. Alabama's ground game is a three-headed beast of Damien Harris, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs - each one bringing a different tool for Alabama to use. Damien has break-away speed, while Najee Harris is a bruiser and Jacobs is among the most versatile RBs in the country. Najee and Damien both rank in the top 8 in the SEC in ypc (at least 6.27), and Jacobs' 8 TDs ranks 4th.

LSU counters with a DL that has been considered the "weak" part of the defense (weak, of course, is subjective - LSU's DL is easily better that 2/3 of all DLs in FBS). LSU's numbers are hard to pin down, however, as some solid rushing attacks (UGA) had trouble getting momentum (3.77 ypc), others that are not well known for it gave them fits (Ole Miss - 4.84 ypc, Florida - 5 ypc). LSU has one of the best LB corps in the country, spearheaded by Devin White. White's suspension, however, means LSU will miss more than just his athletic abilities as White is also the shot caller for the LSU defense. Alabama may attack LSU's run defense sooner rather than later, to see if passing lanes can open up.

Alabama's passing attack vs LSU's pass defense:

Ah, the match-up everyone is talking about. Everyone wants to know if Alabama's passing attack is as good as believed, or has simply feasted on poor secondaries. LSU will easily be the best pass defense Alabama has faced (41.52 pass eff difference between LSU and the best pass defense Alabama has faced), while Alabama will easily be the best pass offense LSU has faced (58.13 difference). A lot of people on both sides seeing their side to be the one to "break" the other, but I don't think either side breaks the other. Each team will have victories - this may be Tua being more conservative, but in turn the occasional short pass being turned into long games and underneath throws being there when normally they would not. Tua will not have his usual numbers, but he is unlikely to be shut out either. From an efficiency standpoint, LSU and Alabama both will have their "worst" games.

LSU's rushing attack vs Alabama's rushing defense:

Lost in the discussion of Alabama O vs LSU D is the other side of the coin. Alabama comes into the game with a defense not as dominant as defenses of seasons past, but hardly a "bottom half" defense. Alabama ranks #13 in pass efficiency defense (which puts them #5 in the SEC, as 6 teams rank in the top 14), and 18th in rushing defense (but 30th in ypc) for an overall 15th in the nation in total defense and 11th in scoring defense. Alabama rushing defense has been solid, but not great - a mortal 30th ranking in rushes over 10 yards. This is offset by a 9th national ranking in TFL - Alabama seems to either give up solid runs, or tackle in the backfield (unlike the 2011 edition, for example, which was more likely to always tackle you within a yard or two of the LOS).

LSU's rushing attack lacks the superstar RBs of the past few seasons, but that doesn't mean it "sucks". LSU ranks 47th nationally in rushing offense, which is remarkable considering they have faced some of the best rush defenses in the country (Auburn, Florida, and MSU). Give LSU credit where credit is due - they have run into the teeth of the strongest SEC rush defenses. LSU will try to replicate the level of success they had against UGA (5.39 ypc) and avoid the tough sledding they encountered MSU (2.5 ypc). Expect some success against Alabama, as LSU employees their own two-headed beast of Brossette and Edwards-Helaire, with Brossette a legit homerun threat with 20 carries at over 10 yards, and 4 carries at 30 yards. LSU will try and push through to the second level, where Alabama's LB corps has talent but lacks experience. I expect LSU to try and run to the edge, as Quinnen Williams for Alabama has done an outstanding job this year clogging up the middle.

LSU's passing attack vs Alabama's pass defense:

Burrow has faced some stout pass defenses this year, though none quite as opportunistic as Alabama's. Second only to LSU in INT (and ahead of them prior to the MSU game), Alabama has been more prone to the big play than LSU but has shown similar ball hawk skills. Alabama's secondary, despite the numbers, is simply not in the same league as LSU's - Thompson would likely be a starter on any other SEC team save for LSU, where he would backup the All-American talent Delpit. The CBs, though, are where LSU outpaces Alabama - but this discussion is Alabama's secondary vs LSU's WRs and QB. LSU has talent at WR, but Burrow has been serviceable and clutch, but not great. It will remain to be seen how well he does against Alabama's defense.

The main component in this, I believe, will be pass protection. Alabama ranks #3 in sacks in the country, while LSU ranks #84 in sacks allowed. LSU's WR may have enough talent to get separation, but it may be that Burrow will not have time to take advantage of many mismatches. Look for LSU to incorporate a lot of quick slants and screens to offset the Alabama pass rush.