This is the final blog post for the LSU Alabama matchup. Today’s theme: the LSU defense vs. Trent Richardson
By Jeff Rhodes, Sports Showtime producer
Alabama running back Trent Richardson comes into this game as a legitimate Heisman frontrunner. His 989 rushing yards tie him with Auburn’s Michael Dyer for the conference lead. Richardson’s 17 rushing touchdowns through eight games not only leads the conference by seven, but it’s just flat out obscene.
Richardson’s backup Eddie Lacy is eleventh in the conference with 465 rushing yards. You’ve probably guessed this by now, but Alabama leads the SEC in rushing offense, getting nearly 230 yards a game on the ground.
But what may surprise you is that Alabama has the top offense in the SEC thanks to their fourth ranked passing attack, which averages nearly 240 yards a game. They have scored one more point than LSU this season, leading the SEC in scoring average with 39.4 points per game.
But they have not faced a defense like LSU. A defense with speedy ends like Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. A defense with depth all along their defensive line. A defense with playmakers in the secondary, and a corner, Tyrann Mathieu, who plays all over the field.
LSU has faced three high powered offenses away from the comforts of Death Valley and emerged victorious each time. They shut down Oregon in the season opener, defeated Mississippi State on a Thursday night game in Starkvegas (the Bulldogs’ offense has since fallen back down to earth) and beating West Virginia in Morgantown, although they did give up over 500 yards in that contest.
The Tigers have shown they can handle highly talented backs as well. Oregon rushed for 95 yards against the Tigers, with pre-season Heisman candidate LaMichael James getting only 54 yards. Florida runningback Chris Raniey (7th in the SEC in rushing yards) managed only 52 yards against LSU. Dyer managed only 60 yards, with nearly half of those coming on one carry.
With that being said, none of those backs are Trent Richardson who has established himself as one of, if not the, best backs in the nation. I would say he’s helped to ease the loss of former Heisman winner Mark Ingram, but with the way he’s been playing and the plays he’s made, I’m not sure anyone at Alabama cares that Ingram left. Richardson’s physical style could prove to be the biggest challenge that LSU faces on Saturday. Alabama may have not played a defense like LSU yet, but the Tigers have not faced a back like Trent Richardson either.
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