LSU vs. Alabama: Backup RB Eddie Lacy a Serious Threat for LSU

While everyone's focusing on Heisman candidate Trent Richardson in No. 2 Alabama's showdown with No. 1 LSU, an unheralded running back who was snubbed by LSU in recruitment has a chance to make the Tigers pay.

That unheralded running back is Alabama sophomore Eddie Lacy, who was largely ignored by LSU despite rushing for 4,053 rushing yards and 62 touchdowns at Dutchman High School in Geismar.

Now Lacy, who is averaging 8.02 yards per carry this season (third in college football), has the opportunity to make the Tigers wish they had never let him go.

Lacy, despite having a limited role behind Richardson this season, has made the most of the opportunities head coach Nick Saban has given him. With just 58 carries on the season, Lacy has rushed for 465 yards and five touchdowns, as well as racking up 103 receiving yards on eight catches.

Said LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo, via The Times-Picayune:

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"He's every bit as good as Trent Richardson. I'm pretty sure if he carried the ball the same amount of times, he'd probably be in the Heisman race, too. It's probably the best one-two punch I've ever seen in college football. They play off each other. One comes out, and the other guy is just as good or even better. They just run hard."

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While putting him on the same plane as Richardson may be a stretch, Mingo is right that Lacy is not to be taken lightly. He can be a bruiser at 6'1", 220 pounds, yet make defenders miss with his trademark spin move.

Said LSU safety Brandon Taylor:

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"He's a very powerful back. I actually played against him in high school in my junior year. He played with Eric Reid, so both of us safeties know a lot about him. We told the other players that, for a big back, he likes the spin move. We've got to wrap him up and keep our head up."

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Lacy has kept his head up ever since he was ignored by LSU, and he could be soaring with a big performance on Saturday.

One thing's for sure: LSU isn't overlooking him now.