Alabama vs Auburn: Trent Richardson Will Lock Up Heisman Trophy vs. Tigers

The biggest game of the 2011 college football season was unquestionably the Nov. 5 date between the LSU Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide. While LSU emerged victorious, the best player on the field was Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson. 

It's hard to think that LSU has any players that will be in Heisman contention. They have a stellar defense, but defensive players don't have a great history when it comes to winning the Heisman Trophy. 

All other candidates have suffered at least one loss this year. Case Keenum at Houston could make a claim, but it's hard to see the voters going with him. Houston isn't a high-profile team and he's certainly not going against great defenses. Anyone with a vote knows that.

So, who was best in their team's loss, or losses? That would be Richardson, and it's not even close. 

A valid argument could also be made that Mark Ingram and Cam Newton won their Heisman trophies with their Iron Bowl performances. 

It's a big rivalry game that tends to bring out the best of whatever team is the underdog. 

As was the case with Ingram in 2009 and Newton in 2010, Richardson will be going into a hostile environment. 

But more than anything, that's what works in his favor. The way to win in front of a tough road crowd is to go out, control the line of scrimmage and keep the ball out of the hands of your opponent. That's done by running the ball.

Richardson had a great day against the swarming LSU defense. Auburn's defensive unit isn't anywhere near as good. 

A win would also likely punch Alabama's ticket to the BCS National Championship Game. A lot still rides there, but as the No. 2 team in the country right now, it's hard to see them dropping if they win this final regular-season game. 

If LSU beats Arkansas, the remainder of Alabama's games starts and ends with the Iron Bowl. 

So, you have the most dominant player in the country in the national spotlight, trying to put his team into the national title game.

That's a custom-made Heisman moment. Don't look for Richardson to disappoint. He'll have a big game, lead his team to a win and lock up the game's greatest individual prize.