Sure, Florida and Alabama both have big rivalry games to end their seasons later in the month. And theres an outside chance Florida State or Auburn could step it up and spoil the season of one of the countrys top teams. Theres also a chance Bobby Bowden will retire. But lets not hold our breath.

The fact of the matter is the LSU-Alabama game Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa represents the last barrier between an Alabama-Florida SEC Championship game that will serve as the de facto National Semi-Final. With a win against the Tigers, Alabama wraps up the SEC West and moves on to face SEC East winner Florida.

Of course, with everyone crystal balling about who will win a Florida-Alabama championship game, some seem to have forgotten that an LSU win puts the Tigers in the drivers seat and knocks Alabama almost completely out of the National Championship spotlight.

Judging by surly Alabama coach Nick Sabans response to a reporter who asked this week if the LSU game had a special significance, youd think it was just another week in the SEC.

"If you've listened to anything I've said," Saban said, "you would not even ask the question."

Saban, who defeated his old squad last year in Louisiana, can posture all he wants about how every game is of equal importance and nobody wastes time looking ahead. It seems to have worked for his team the past two seasons, as theyve only lost one game. But we know better.

The Tide need to be focused this week, because after a scare against Tennessee last week, it indeed looked like maybe the Alabama players were a little busy looking ahead to LSU or even Florida or Texas.

The Tigers on the other hand have bounced back considerably well after their loss at home to Florida three weeks ago. With big wins over Auburn and Tulane, coach Less Miles team looks to have a bit of its swagger back at the right time.

The Tiger seem to be having an identity crisis so far this year on offense. They cant seem to figure out if they are a power running team led by Charles Scott, a spread offense led by the inconsistent but talented Jordan Jefferson or some Wildcat hybrid. The result has been a mixed bag, with the young Jeffersons progress as a developed passer hampered by the constant shuffling. Chances are the Tigers arent going to figure out their identity before they enter the stadium in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, and that could be a problem.

The Tide will show a variety of looks at the 19 year-old from LSU, forcing him to make decisions and precision passes in tight spaces that will likely be impossible to expect. In order to have any luck against the Tides well-coached and stifling defense, Jefferson will have to be near flawless and Scott will have to have his best game of the year.

Alabamas offense has continued to be enigmatic this year, scoring only 12 points last week against the Volunteers. With Jon Parker Wilson departed to the NFL, Greg McElroy has had a little difficulty picking up the slack, and the nerves of this young quarterback have started to show of late. While his passer rating is still among the best in football, he has not thrown for over 150 yards in six weeks and he had his first multiple turnover game against South Carolina the game before last. And with his prime target Julio Jones still battling ankle problems and TE Colin Peek coming off a knee strain, McElroy has no surefire bet out wide.

Its no surprise then that the Tide will rely on RB Mark Ingram to pick up McElroys slack and help the Tide grind the game out with its punishing running attack. Bamas offensive line should be able to dominate LSUs smaller defensive front. That size combined with their savvy and strength on the defensive side should make the Tide hard to beat in this last pit stop on the way to the SEC title game.