2011 Heisman Trophy: Alabama Crimson Tide RB Trent Richardson Is the One to Beat

The Alabama Crimson Tide will get their shot at redemption in playing the LSU Tigers in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game that will likely feature this year's Heisman Trophy winner.

Trent Richardson registered 1,583 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns in 12 regular season games, and recent history is certainly on his side to win the coveted award.

Seven of the last eight players that won the Heisman Trophy went on to play for the national title, as I'm including USC Trojans running back Reggie Bush, who is no longer recognized for the 2005 achievement. 

Richardson, a junior running back, was the best player on the field when the Crimson Tide suffered a 9-6 loss to the Tigers as 5.5-point favorites on Nov. 5 inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, rushing for 89 yards on 23 carries and also catching five passes for 80 yards.

Crimson Tide fans will certainly be glued to the television in watching the 77th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation that will be televised on ESPN on Saturday, Dec. 10, from the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square in New York City.

Other candidates that expect to be part of the broadcast will certainly be Stanford Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck and Baylor Bears signal-caller Robert Griffin III.

Luck has been a front-runner in wagering for most of the year, throwing for 3,170 yards and 35 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

Griffin III finished the regular season with a 192.3 passer rating, which is much higher than Luck (167.5), while also passing for more yards (3,998) and touchdowns (36).

I'd be shocked if No. 3 doesn't give the Alabama program its second winner in three years.