If LSU wins, it will be the undisputed national champion, a mantle for which, judging by this week's attitudes, the Tigers have already had themselves fitted.

It is hard to begrudge them their confidence, even if Las Vegas, at the moment, disagrees. And there will be a chorus of grumbling about Alabama "not deserving" a second chance at LSU, as if somehow that outcome says anything about the relative ability of some defensively-deficient Big 12 team to compete here.

If Alabama wins, those same critics will look to shoot holes in the outcome.