NEW ORLEANS

Finally, it’s game day for Alabama and LSU.

Alabama hasn’t played in 44 days, For LSU, it’s been 36 days. And there in lies the rub of what might be the key to this BCS national championship game — which teams shows the least amount of rust early from what has been a lengthy layoff from the regular season.

LSU has been able to overcome early deficits in its most recent two games. The Tigers fell behind 14-0 to a quick-strike Arkansas team and trailed 10-0 to SEC East champ Georgia in the conference title game. Each time, they regrouped and pulled away for easy wins.

One of the characteristics of LSU has been its ability to skirt any adversity. The Tigers did it when then-offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and they did it again in the wake of quarterback Jordan Jefferson’s arrest and suspension that was not lifted until midseason. In between, they never missed a beat.

“I’ve never been around a group of guys that never get flustered,” LSU offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa said. “… It’s just ‘Let us have another chance, coach, and we’re going to get it right and get it done.’ ”

Alabama hasn’t had near the distractions but has had some early issues in games. Five times this season Alabama as allowed opposing teams to score first. But the deficit has never been more than seven points and it has never extended into the second quarter. Even in the loss to LSU, Alabama never trailed until Drew Alleman hit the game-winning kick in overtime. Alabama has never been in a true panic-mode situation this season.

And that’s what makes the first quarter tonight so important. With two outstanding defenses on the field and each team’s ability to control the clock with powerful running games it’s doubtful there will be any 14- or 17-point rallies by either team. An early 10-point lead by either team might be enough to hold up the rest of the way.

The two biggest keys to winning for Alabama?

n Avoid negative plays. Williams Vlachos and Barrett Jones said that was the biggest issue that led to missed field goals in the first game against LSU. Had the offensive line performed better in the red zone, Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster wouldn’t have been kicking lower-percentage field goals.

n Slow LSU’s option. Jordan Jefferson was effective running the option in the first meeting, and Dont’a Hightower said the key is to contain him.

“We have to keep him

contained on the option -- not let him be able to pitch the ball whenever he wants to, make him pitch it when we want him to,” he said.

The key for LSU?

n Keep Trent Richardson from having a big game. The Heisman Trophy finalist had 89 yards in the first meeting. If he goes for 125 or more, it means Alabama will control the clock and the game.

So, who’s it going to be?

Rematches favor the first-game loser. Alabama 21, LSU 17.

Contact Gregg Dewalt at 256-740-5748 or gregg.dewalt@timesdaily.com.