TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A quarterback described as a game manager can often be perceived as someone who’s mostly responsible for supervising plays and not making them.

Unless the QB is AJ McCarron, and he plays for Nick Saban.

The coach of top-ranked Alabama considers it high praise. No. 5 LSU (7-1, 3-1 Southeastern Conference) would love to get a McCarron-like, efficient performance from Zach Mettenberger Saturday night in Baton Rouge, where both passers will be supported by punishing tailbacks and terrific defenses.