What We Learned Last Night: Alabama

Nothing we didn't already know.

Alabama's defense was as dominant as it has been all season, shutting out LSU en route to a 21-0 victory in the BCS National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Crimson Tide suffocated Tigers QB Jordan Jefferson and the rest of their attack, allowing 92 - 92! - yards of total offense in the game. The Tigers recorded just five first downs and didn't cross midfield until the fourth quarter.

As the game progressed, the nation got an opportunity to watch a team that could produce four or five first-round draft picks, most of which were on defense. The entire front seven could be a day one roll call (meaning the old day one, rounds one through three).

Leading the way was LB Courtney Upshaw, who recorded six tackles and one sack and earned defensive MVP honors. Defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick showed his versatility, flying all over the field to make plays.

One Alabama player who has gone a bit under the radar, but had a strong game last night, was defensive back De'Quan Menzie. He hasn't showcased the same playmaking ability as Kirkpatrick, but to the naked eye - watching on television without the benefit of coaches' tape - he seemed to turn in a strong game.

Then, of course, there's surefire top-10 pick Trent Richardson. The running back finished with 20 carries for 96 yards and the put-away touchdown, a 34-yard run in the fourth quarter to make it 21-0 Crimson Tide. It wasn't Richardson's best game - prior to the long scoring run, he had just 62 yards on 19 carries, one of which was a 20-yard rush. But he was effective in helping establish a ground game that accounted for 150 yards.

Upshaw, Kirkpatrick and Richardson are certain first round picks. Safety Mark Barron also should be selected in the first round. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower hasn't received a lot of recognition as a potential first-rounder, but a strong Combine could allow him to sneak into the end of the round.