Iron Bowl 2011: Trent Richardson Will Dominate Auburn Defense in Alabama Rout

Even outside of Alabama, the Iron Bowl is recognized as one of the better rivalry games in the country. It features two teams and schools that take the game very seriously and are perennial powers.

Heck, they're the last two national champions. The last two Heisman Trophy winners have come from these schools. What more do you really need?

No football game that's ever been played has been won on paper. Alabama has the better players this season, but Auburn will be fired up to knock their arch rivals out of the national championship game. An Alabama win would likely give the Crimson Tide that chance.

However, keep in mind that this is a rivalry game for Alabama, too. They're certainly not going to come out and overlook their rivals. Therefore, you have to look for a difference maker, and I believe I have found one.

Trent Richardson.

Okay—that's not exactly a gold mine, but it doesn't need to be. Is there anything about a game called "The Iron Bowl" that sounds like it will be pretty?

Richardson runs hard and he runs right at his opposition. He has the speed to run to the side and catch passes, too. When the tough yards need to be earned between the tackles, Richardson thrives there. What's more, he has a little bit of help, as Alabama's offensive line is massive.

That's really the difference in this matchup. We know how much this game means for both teams. The Tigers and Crimson Tide will be coming out and looking to hit hard—and they will. That's football, especially in the SEC between rivals.

However, the team best suited to win a game like this is Alabama. Their line is big and nasty and it helps that the man they're blocking for is the best back in the country.

While Auburn will come out with their guns blazing, the team better suited for this game is Alabama.

Really, it's not even that close. As a result, when the game is over on Saturday, the score won't be that close either.