LSU vs. Alabama: Trent Richardson Will Make Heisman Stand Against Tigers

Great matchups bring with them great opportunities. No one has a better opportunity on Saturday than Alabama's Trent Richardson.

Not only does he have an opportunity to continue his team's quest for a national championship, but with a good performance, he has a chance to win the Heisman Trophy. 

The biggest games are where Heisman candidates separate themselves. So, let's look at why Trent Richardson will make a Heisman stand against LSU. 

Big Game Performance

Putting up large amounts of yards and touchdowns go a long way to winning a Heisman Trophy. Let’s face it though, plenty of players put up big numbers. Those players who win the Heisman separate themselves in the biggest games.

Just look back to Mark Ingram’s Heisman campaign. The 200-yard performance against South Carolina put him on the map, and good stats helped. It was the 183 yards and three touchdowns against Florida that sealed the deal though.

Richardson’s opportunity for a statement is Saturday; don’t think he doesn’t know it. 

Most Important Player

So much has gone into trying to predict the winner of Saturday’s game. Turnovers will certainly play a big factor. Special teams could be a spark. In a game where the running game will be key, the quarterbacks are going to have to make some plays.

Richardson, though, will be the best player on the field. He’ll make a Heisman statement because his team needs him to. In order for Alabama to win this game, he’s going to have to leave his mark. 

Big Game Experience

Trent Richardson has been around the block. Although he’s just a junior and a first-year starter, he’s seen as many big games as any player in the country.

Having won an SEC and a national championship, Richardson knows the type of effort it will take to get a win and move his name to the Heisman forefront on Saturday.

Proven Track Record

Playing behind Mark Ingram, the opportunities weren’t always there for Richardson. However, when they were there, he always performed in big games.

Even from a backup role in his freshman season, Richardson played big in both the SEC and national championship games. He gained 80 yards on just 11 carries against Florida and rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns against Texas.

Last season, with Ingram hurt against Penn State, Richardson compiled 190 total yards and a touchdown.

Richardson hasn’t shrunk in the spotlight this season. In three games against ranked opponents, he’s averaged 183 yards from scrimmage and scored five touchdowns. 

Payback

Last season’s game against LSU didn’t go the way Trent Richardson would have liked. He suffered a torn abdominal muscle and a slight tear of his MCL when Patrick Peterson tackled him on a touchdown reception.

Richardson had only six carries in the game, watching from the sideline as the Tide lost 24-21. He seems motivated to make up for it this year, saying, “I really can’t wait to showcase what a healthy Trent can do in this game.”