LSU vs. Alabama: Trent Richardson's Play Will Decide Who Wins and Loses

Trent Richardson finished third in the Heisman and is currently fourth in the nation, averaging 132 rushing yards per game. The Crimson Tide average 219 yards a game (15th) and “The Freak” is the biggest reason why.

Richardson did not reach the end zone during their first "Game of the Century," but he totaled for 169 yards on 28 touches. It is funny how Alabama opted for five kicks (they had to in on nearly all of them, but still after you miss three in regulation we mine as well go for it or punt it) and Richardson could not reach paydirt. 

Since LSU canceled Richardson's reservations for a few parties for six, it brings up the question: Does Alabama stand even a shot if he fails to score a touchdown again?

Alabama barely lost to LSU at home, but it was in overtime, with four kicks that were missed or blocked.  A.J. McCarron has improved as the signal-caller, but clearly he needs a virtuoso performance from his superstar runner.

Alabama does not have an offense that can score on every play when Richardson is off the field, so it is imperative that the blocking up front is good enough for the All-American to maneuver against the Bayou Bengals defense.

The Crimson Tide offense ranks 30th in total yards per game at 433 yards per game, and you can credit Richardson to pretty much earn half of it every game. The superstar’s ability to dodge tacklers and then be able to dish out more punishment than take it is beyond amazing.

When SEC star defenders attempt to tackle the monster, it really comes down to a business decision, since you have to ask yourself, “Should I tackle this guy or will I get beat up?”

Richardson is the bully that nobody wants to mess with on the gridiron because he can go bonkers in a variety of ways. We all know he breaks tackles and has great balance, speed and strength, but his vision is also second to none. His awareness in the backfield is sensational for a junior, and he always is a step ahead of the defense. If he ever gets caught from behind or gets hit head-on, he will drag the defenders for extra yards as he is always falling forward.

Richardson may be the best north-south runner in the country because of his incredible shiftiness and athleticism. The play against Ole Miss where he made the poor defender (poor kid knows he blew two chances...no need to throw his name in here) miss twice was the type of play where the nation finally realized how explosive this running back can be.

Looking back at Alabama’s offense, only Marquis Maze and perhaps Darius Hanks (Eddie Lacy, Michael Williams, Brad Smelley) possess a bit of electricity. The passing offense is ranked 71^st, averaging just 213 yards per game, which means this offense really is all or nothing with Richardson.

However, Richardson is used in the passing game on check-downs and screens as often as you will see Alabama go down the field.

It is vital that Jim McElwain (hopefully can put together great gameplan despite distractions with CSU) gives Richardson the rock 25-plus times, because if “The Freak” cannot produce for this offense, it will descend like quicksand.

Luckily, Trent Richardson should be the baddest man on the field, unless, of course, Tyrann “The Honey Badger” Mathieu and the rest of the LSU crew have something to say about it.