There is no better running back in college football today than Alabama's Trent Richardson.
Even though No. 1 LSU has the finest defense in the country, I don't see them stopping the likes of Richardson on Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.
Richardson doesn't have the thighs of Earl Campbell, but he definitely has the muscle. I wouldn't be surprised if Richardson wins the Heisman this year. He is absolutely worthy.
One thing's for sure, Richardson absolutely understands the importance of this game against LSU.
"We need to play this game like its our last," said Richardson. "It's going to be a very big challenge. They're going to try and hit us, but we're going to try and hit them first. We just can't wait to get out there Saturday and showcase our skills and I know they can't wait, either."
I understand there are other backs in the Southeastern Conference such as South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore, but he doesn't hold a candle to Richardson. Auburn's Michael Dyer has as many yards rushing at Richardson, but he's just not as exciting.
Looking at both team's schedule, Mississippi State gave LSU a scare earlier this season and Alabama faces the Bulldogs on Nov. 12. The next few weeks aren't going to be easy for Alabama, but is the road to a national championship ever easy?
Alabama will show the world why they're the finest team in college football when they defeat LSU and take over the No. 1 spot in the national rankings. Richardson will go on and win the Heisman and Alabama will win its second BCS championship in three years.
Here's an interesting comparison. Wisconsin's Montee Ball leads the NCAA with touchdowns from scrimmage with 21, while Richardson is tied with Temple's Bernard Pierce with 18.
For my money, nothing is more exciting in either college or pro football than to see a player run for a touchdown from scrimmage. I'm not suggesting that catching a football doesn't take just as much athletic ability, I just prefer the smashmouth style Richardson possesses.
Clearly, Saturday's outcome weighs greatly on whether or not Richardson wins the Heisman. If he has a monster game, gains over 100 yards and scores 3 TDs to defeat LSU, there's no reason why he shouldn't be considered for the Heisman.
Richardson didn't have the kind of impact at Alabama until this season. How could he when Mark Ingram was coming into his senior year in 2010 after winning the 2009 Heisman and leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship?
Stanford QB Andrew Luck is by far the class of the Pac-12, but he also doesn't have the athleticism that Richardson has.
Stanford just isn't in the meat grinder that the SEC is, either. If Richardson was playing at Southern Cal or any of the other teams in the Pac-12, he'd surely be No. 1 with numerous Heisman watchers.
Richardson will definitely need Alabama's defense to step up to contain LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee and the Crimson Tide offense must be wary of sophomore Tyrann Mathieu, who is one of the finest defensive players in the country.
LSU is the only team stopping the Crimson Tide from winning another national championship.
Winning a second BCS championship in three years isn't going to be easy. While I have no clue as to whether Alabama would face a Pac-10 or Pac-12 school in the title game, the Crimson Tide still have to face Auburn in the "Iron Bowl" on Nov. 26.
I'm predicting two things will happen Saturday night:
1. Alabama will defeat LSU and claim the No. 1 spot in the national rankings.
2. Richardson will show America why he's worthy of being this year's Heisman Trophy winner.
Roll Tide.
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