LSU Football: Ranking the Top 5 Backfields in the SEC

The SEC is known for being hands-down the best conference in college football, and many people know that it's the dominant defenses that make this conference so overpowering. 

But in addition to the many outstanding defenses, the conference also features several of the best rushing attacks in college football.

Trent Richardson is the leading Heisman candidate, Marcus Lattimore and Knile Davis were both on the preseason Heisman watch list before being hit with season-ending injures, and Isaiah Crowell and Kenny Hilliard are among the best freshman backs in the country.

But which team has the best backfield in the conference?

Let's break down the top five rushing attacks in the SEC.

5. Georgia

Isaiah Crowell is arguably the top freshman back in the country, and he would be close to 1,000 yards already this season if he hadn't been hit with injuries.

He leads a Georgia backfield that has been outstanding this season and has played a large role in the Bulldogs reaching the SEC championship game.

As a team, Georgia has rushed for a total of 2,167 yards, while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. The team has four backs with 50-or-more carries and 240-or-more rushing yards. The Bulldogs have 15 touchdowns on the ground this season.

In most other conferences, that would be on the top of the list. But this is the SEC, where backs bring a whole new meaning to running the football. 

4. Auburn

The defending national champs are having an off year, but the backfield has not been the problem for the Tigers.

Michael Dyer leads this rushing attack, totaling 1,242 yards on the ground and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers would be more talked about if it wasn't for the other great backs in the SEC.

As a team, Auburn has totaled 2,097 yards and 16 touchdowns in the rushing game.

Could you imagine if Cam Newton was still there?

3. South Carolina

Before Marcus Lattimore's season was cut short with a leg injury, South Carolina might have been at the top of this list.

Nonetheless, they are still among the best in the SEC.

Freshman Brandon Wilds has filled in nicely, leading this rushing attack with 486 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

As a team, South Carolina has rushed for a total of 2,376 yards and 26 touchdowns. 

Pretty good considering they have played the second half of the season without arguably the best back in college football.

2. LSU

LSU's backfield has been outstanding this season, but what makes this unit so special is that it isn't just one lead back doing the majority of the work.

The Tigers have five different running backs who have carried the ball 27-or-more times, all of which have rushed for more than 130 yards.

Michael Ford leads the way with 721 yards on 117 carries, which is 6.2 yards per carry, an outstanding number. He also has seven touchdowns on the year.

Spencer Ware has rushed for 687 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns, while Alfred Blue has added 445 yards and six touchdowns.  

This rushing attack is truly dominant and as deep as they come!

1. Alabama

If Trent Richardson doesn't win the Heisman Trophy this season, it would be a true shock to not only Alabama fans, but to all of the college football world.

Richardson has had a special year, rushing for more than 1,500 yards and totaling 20 touchdowns on the ground. He has come up big in huge games for the Tide, leading an offense that's filled with inexperience.

But Richardson hasn't done it all alone. Eddie Lacey has also played a huge role in the Tide's rushing attack. He has rushed for more than 600 yards and seven touchdowns, while Jalston Fowler has added 385 yards and four touchdowns. 

As a team, Alabama has rushed for an SEC-best 2,638 and 33 touchdowns this season.

You just can't top that!