Alabama Football: Why Trent Richardson Should Start Over Mark Ingram

The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide are set to host No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions at 7:00 p.m. ET, and last season's Heisman Trophy winner, running back Mark Ingram, has been missing so far this season due to knee surgery.

For most teams, losing a Heisman-worthy running back would mean losing a huge chunk of their offense.

But not Alabama.

The Tide have another trick up their sleeve in the form of sophomore running back, Trent Richardson.

In fact, Richardson could be a better option for the starting position than Ingram.

Here are 10 reasons why.

10. Last Season

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Running back Trent Richardson #3 runs for yardage during the Alabama spring football game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

Even though Mark Ingram earned a Heisman Trophy last season with Alabama, Trent Richardson was no scrub.

Richardson racked up 751 yards on 145 carries and eight touchdowns for Alabama last season.

Not bad for a freshman.

9. Send The Right Message

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Heisman Trophy running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs during the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

Even though Alabama's main goal is to win football games, they should be careful about the message they'd send by starting Ingram.

He has been injured, and Richardson has stepped up to pick up the slack. Simply throwing Ingram back into the starting position would show a lack of consistency on the Alabama offense.

8. Give The Kid a Shot

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Running back Trent Richardson #3 of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a first down during the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Image

Alabama's offense is stacked with plenty of talent, and Richardson seems to be fitting in perfectly.

Why not give the younger running back a shot to demonstrate his talent?

7. Alabama Recruited Richardson For a Reason

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Running back Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after a 49-yard touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010

Alabama must have seen the future of their offense when they recruited Richardson as a five-star recruit.

Richardson was ranked in the top five running backs in the country coming out of high school.

6. He's Great Against Ranked Teams

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Running back Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a 49-yard touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasad

Last year, Richardson averaged 5.3 yards per rush against ranked teams, and this will come in handy against the No. 18 Nittany Lions.

Looking down the road, Alabama will play several ranked SEC teams as they go through their schedule, so the team would be smart to start Richardson.

5. It's Penn State

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 7: Head coach Joe Paterno of the Penn State Nittany Lions stands on the field during warm-ups before a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 7, 2009 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter

Penn State will give the Tide a run for their money as Alabama's offense will try to cut through a tough Nittany Lions defense.

Penn State is particularly good at defending against the run, so the healthy, young Richardson is the best bet for Alabama as they rest the injured Ingram.

4. Looking Good This Season

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OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 10: Running back Trent Richardson #3 runs for yardage during their game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 10, 2009 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

The way Richardson has played so far this year, he is projected to break 1,000 yards by the end of the season.

A good start toward his 1,000 yards could be against Penn State.

3. They Don't Need Ingram

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram #22 waits for a punt during the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

Even though Mark Ingram had a Heisman-caliber season last year, Alabama's offense is demonstrating that they can do without the running back.

After last week's spanking of San Jose State, it has become apparent that the Crimson Tide can get the job done.

With or without Mark Ingram.

2. Ingram Is Still Hurt

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - APRIL 17: Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram #22 warms up prior to the start of the Alabama spring game at Bryant Denny Stadium on April 17, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)

Whether Ingram is cleared to play in tonight's game or not, he is still coming off of recent knee surgery.

Alabama would be wise to sit Ingram for this game and make sure he is back to 100 percent fighting shape for tougher games down the road.

1. Richardson Could Be Better Than Ingram

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Running back Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for an 11-yard gain after a catch as cornerback Aaron Williams #4 of the Texas Longhorns tackles him in the second quarter of the Citi BCS National Championship

In last week's game against San Jose State, Trent Richardson rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns on only 10 carries.

With an entire season in front of him, this sophomore just might prove that he is better than Ingram.

Alabama could have yet another running back earn the Heisman Trophy.