Alabama vs. LSU: Trent Richardson Won't Run over Tigers' Defense Again

After nearly two months of build up, Alabama and LSU will finally finish what they started back in November to settle the debate about who is No. 1 once and for all. But unlike that first game, Trent Richardson won't be able to have his way with the Tigers' defense. 

We all know that this game is going to be an offensive struggle. The difference in this game is which team is going to make that one mistake, either on offense or defense, that will open the door for someone to make a big play.

Richardson had plenty of big plays against LSU back in November. He had 169 total yards—89 rushing, 80 receiving—which is all the more impressive when you consider that the Crimson Tide had 295 yards of offense. 

As Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com wrote, what Richardson did was the equivalent of rushing for 250 yards against a normal defense. 

"

It's not like Richardson was facing a bunch of mopes. LSU gives up an average of 10.5 points per game. The Tigers are ranked second nationally in total defense and third in rushing defense. They'd hit you during warm-ups if they could.

Oregon's LaMichael James could eke out only 54 yards against LSU. Florida's Chris Rainey gained 25 of his 52 yards on one play. Auburn's Michael Dyer couldn't do better than 60 yards.

Nobody has rushed for 100 yards against the Tigers this season. Nobody has rushed for 90 yards against them.

"

The odds of Richardson having the kind of performance that he did once were longer than the odds of the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series, so to expect him to duplicate it is asking too much of him and ignoring how good LSU's defense is. 

Les Miles is going to have his team geared up to stop the run this time around and make sure that if Alabama wins, it will be because of A.J. McCarron and the passing game. 

Richardson has been a one-man wrecking crew all year, but in the biggest game of the season he is not going to get the best of LSU. 

The Tigers saw enough of Richardson the first time they played, they know what to expect and what it is going to take to stop him. The BCS Championship Game will be the time for them to get their revenge. 

Follow @adamwells1985