The biggest question for the Alabama defense in Monday night’s BCS National Championship game will be how the Crimson Tide defends LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson and the Tigers speed-option attack.

“That’s something we do,” LSU offensive coordinator Greg Studrawa said. “That’s something that Jordan (Jefferson) brings to the table. As far as their preparation, I think we had some plays last time that were key plays. That’s one thing we did successful in that game.”

The option has hurt Alabama this season and is perhaps the only hole in perhaps one of the Tide’s best defenses in history. While the Tigers exposed the Tide’s weakness on their Nov. 5 meeting, it was two weeks later against Georgia Southern where the Tide allowed 300 yards on the ground.

“(Georgia Southern) did a great job in that game,” Studrawa said. “That was something obviously that we watched and took notice in some of the things they did.”

Part of what makes the Tigers such a threat on the ground is their depth of running backs. Unlike Alabama, who features a mainly two-back system, LSU uses multiple backs in the game.

Studrawa said he comes up with an outline for each game in terms of how he is going to use his backs, however, it might change depending on how the game is going.

“We have a plan that we start with, with who starts the game,” Studrawa said. “Basically after that, we go with the hot hand, what’s working well and what’s going on.”

With all the substitutions, LSU is able to keep its backs fresh. However, running backs know that their carries are limited.

“You got to be positive,” running back Michael Ford said. “It’s kind of a hot-hand thing. Every night is not going to be your night, but when it’s your night you just got to be motivated and go out there and play hard.”

Another thing the Tigers have done well is not turn over the ball. Ford said that ball security is heavily stressed in Baton Rogue and that Tiger running backs pride themselves in not letting go of the ball.

“It’s tradition not to put the ball on the ground,” Ford said. “That’s instilled in you when you get there. It’s a must that you hold onto the ball with dear life.”

For Alabama to be successful Monday night, they will have to shut down the Tigers on the ground. Studrawa  said he is confident that his talented group of backs is up for the challenge.

“All those guys, I don’t care who running it.” Studrawa said. “Those kids have proven to me through a tough season.”