The SEC Championship Game could have it's final participant locked in by the end of Saturday if Alabama prevails against LSU in the most important game on both team's schedule this season. Even if Alabama loses one SEC game, they will hold the tie break over LSU. Then, it would be the BCS Championship play-in game between Florida and Alabama in the SECCG.

If LSU wins Saturday and wins the final two conference games against Mississippi and Arkansas, they will represent the SEC West. More importantly, the Tigers would reassert themselves in the BCS Championship picture if they win the rematch with Florida (who has already locked the SEC East).

But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

The game between LSU and Alabama is intriguing on many fronts. There are the ties between current Alabama coach Nick Saban and LSU where he coached the team to the National Championship. In recent memory, this game has been close with each team grasping a late victory from the opponent.

LSU struggled early right to a loss against a beaten and battered Florida team. Then, they got a week off and from all that's been on the field since, it was just what the Tigers needed. Since that off week, LSU blasted Auburn and shut out Tulane. The offense clicked on all cylinders and the defense became as stout as they looked on paper all year.

Alabama's defense has been top notch all year. The offense - not so much. After starting off hot and fast, the Tide haven't scored an offensive touchdown in 10 quarters of football. Despite having the top running back in the conference (Mark Ingram), Alabama's passing attack has withered in the middle of the season. The bye week came at a great time for the Tide giving them time to tinker with the passing game and rest that defensive unit.

Article Author: J. Newcastle

J. Newcastle writes for Blogcritics. He co-hosts The Gridiron Breakdown on BlogTalkRadio.com. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jnewcastlebc .

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