Alabama vs. Florida: Why Florida's Running Back Duo Is Better Than Alabama's

This weekend's matchup pins two great SEC teams against each other in the Florida Gators against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams have the SEC championship on their mind and both teams come into this huge game undefeated.

This game may come down to who can be more effective running the ball. Both teams have a great pair of running backs and it's really a toss-up of which duo is better.

Here is the breakdown of both teams running backs and the explanation of why Florida's backfield is better than Alabama's. 

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Alabama Backs: Eddie Lacy and Trent Richardson

Trent Richardson is an NFL-ready type back and has pretty much all the tools to succeed at the next level. He's hard to bring down, extremely tough and has great vision of the field.

The Heisman candidate is averaging 6.6 yards a carry and has rushed for 441 yards so far this season. He has nine total touchdowns and isn't that bad of a receiver either with  nine catches for over 100 yards.

Eddie Lacy is one of those "slasher" type backs that is powerful and very tough to bring down. Only a sophomore Lacy has run for 365 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards a carry. He is more of a change-the-pace kind of back, as he is a little bit faster than Richardson is.

Career stats combined between the two: 421 carries, 2,663 rushing yards, 6.3 average and 37 total touchdowns

Florida Backs: Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps

Chris Rainey is getting some Heisman attention as he has rushed for 411 yards on just 63 carries. His speed and quickness is unmatched, and if he gets in the open field there's a good chance he is talking it to the end zone.

Rainey loves to run between the tackles and bounce to the outside. Once he gets there, good luck catching him.

Jeff Demps is another speedster that can also outrun anyone on the football field. Much like Rainey,, Demps has great acceleration and quickness but he also has underrated power.

When needed he will drop his shoulder and fight for those extra yards to pick up a first down. This season he is averaging over nine yards a carry.

Career stats combined between the two: 591 carries, 4,325 rushing yards, 7.3 yards per carry average, 43 total touchdowns.

Overall

Basically you have a complete running back and stocky back against two home run hitters. How do you like your running backs: tough and physical—or finesse backs that are the fastest players on the field?

What is crazy about this whole thing is that Trent Richardson almost ended up at Florida. Imagine how that backfield would like right about now.

Anyway, I pick the Rainey and Demps because they are both the same type of back and the defense doesn't get a break. When one 4.3 guy gets tired, another is right there to replace him.

Whether you want to admit it or not, college football is all about speed, especially in the SEC. Speed kills and Demps and Rainey have a lot of it. Both decorated  track stars, there are not players, at any position, in college football that can keep up with these guys.

Also, Rainey does a lot more for his team than just run the ball. He is also a major force on special teams—returning punts and he even blocks punts. He does it all for this team.

I love Richardson and will enjoy watching him on Sundays, but give me Demps and Rainey any day.