The Trent Richardson Factor

[trenda]

I may have missed it; but I don't think I've seen any threads/topics regarding how much of a factor Trent Richardson will be in the game Saturday.

989 yds rushing, 7th in the nation at 124 yds/game. Tied for 2nd in the country in scoring with 13.5 pts/game. 6.6 yards per carry. A threat to catch the ball as well, averaging almost 12 yards per catch. Going up against LSU's defense, something's got to give.

You have to believe this is his kind of game. If he's the player we all think he is, this Saturday is where he cements his status in Bama lore.

I think he can really burn LSU coming out of the backfield and catching short passes. I like his chances if he can get the ball in space against their LBs. This is a game where he may have as many receiving yds as he does rushing. OTOH, it will be interesting to see our running game as a whole against LSU's D. If we have any success on the ground in the first half and if Lacy and Fowler can spell him enough that he's full-strength in the 4th, I look for him to dominate.

Thoughts?

 

[92tide]

add to that, if lacy is at 100% he's a hoss as well

 

[trenda]

I think, of all the players on the field Saturday, he probably has the best chance of single-handedly determining the outcome. And that's not meant as a slight to any of the other players on either team, because both teams are loaded. I just think Trent's a game-changer.

 

[SimplyTide]

I think that this is the key matchup that most favors Bama - RBs vs. LBs. Their LBs are average, and smallish. All three of Alabama's RBs should be able to rack up yards after contact against this group. Of course, LSU runs a 4-3, so the O-Line is going to have to at least play even with LSU's D-Line for this to be a significant edge, but I think that will happen.

So, IMO, Trent is a huge factor in this game - just as our LB corps will be a huge factor in stopping their ground game.

 

[RTR91]

I don't think there's been much talk on it because it's a given that he'll play a major role/factor in the game since he's our best player. It's his Heisman game.

 

[UncleDad]

I think, of all the players on the field Saturday, he probably has the best chance of single-handedly determining the outcome.

And if he is held in check, whoa be unto Bama.

 

[willie52]

add to that, if lacy is at 100% he's a hoss as well

Here's a quote from TR on Al.com - Monday Practice Report

"Eddie will be 100 percent," Richardson said before practice. "I can't wait to get him out there Saturday and let everyone see what he can do." Lacy is from Geismar, La. "He's from Louisiana, so a lot of people have been talking mess," Richardson said. "Asking him what he's going to do, asking if Eddie's 100 percent. He's ready to go. He's been like, 'It's a homecoming for me, for real, and I'm ready to play.'"

Going to real interesting watching Trent, Eddie and probably a little bit of Jalston going at the LSU defense. Just how long can they take the pounding even with their depth, remains to be seen.

 

[RTR91]

And if he is held in check, whoa be unto Bama.

And if LSU doesn't score any points, whoa be unto LSU.




We can play those if's and but's all day. Can't we?

 

[REBELZED]

And if he is held in check, whoa be unto Bama.

I think this is mostly true as well. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see AJ and our TE's/WR's step up in this game if the ground game isn't getting anywhere...

 

[SimplyTide]

I think this is mostly true as well. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see AJ and our TE's/WR's step up in this game if the ground game isn't getting anywhere...

LSU plays mostly man coverage, so AJ will get his chances. He just needs to recognize the defense and know where Honey Badger is on every play. Also, the LSU defense against the run and the pass is most weak at its center. We need to attack them in the middle of the field all day long. I think that Hanks is going to have a career day.

 

[UncleDad]

We can play those if's and but's all day. Can't we?

Absolutely, I just don't believe TR will run all over the LSU D. I realize alot of Bama folks thinks he will. That's what games are for. As for "If's" that is what every post on this board is about....someones "If."

 

[jps1983]

I think this is mostly true as well. However, I wouldn't be surprised to see AJ and our TE's/WR's step up in this game if the ground game isn't getting anywhere...

I expect LSU to challenge AJ and our WRsand load the box to stop TR. We have to be effective in the passing game to win. I wouldn't be surprised to see us come out in 5 wide sets on our first possession. I'm sure we'll have 2 play calls for our opening series depending on what the defense shows.

As a side note...there is a difference between "whoa" and "woe."

 

[MegaVars]

IMO....the key to this game for us is going to be AJ and the receivers. LSU is not going to let us pound the ball down their throats (see: 1st half of UT game). I look for us to come out throwing and get the back 7 to back off the line of scrimmage and keep the safties from cheating up. I don't think we can try to run Trent 40 times in this game and be successful.

 

[UncleDad]

I expect LSU to challenge AJ and our WRsand load the box to stop TR.

I agree that this is the likely LSU approach. I thinlk that then puts the pressure on AJ to get his reads right and LSU plays better man coverage than anyone he has faced so far. It will be time for AJ to prove his maturity.

 

[JBama_in_PCOLA]

He is the X-factor among X-factors. They are gonna load the box to stop him. So our passing game has to open up. If they can't stop him, even when they put those guys in the box, it's gonna be a long day for them. You have to account for him on every play more than anyone because he is such a threat. If our big line gets a good push, and I have a feeling they will, then he will have a big day.

 

[Silverback]

Absolutely, I just don't believe TR will run all over the LSU D. I realize alot of Bama folks thinks he will. That's what games are for. As for "If's" that is what every post on this board is about....someones "If."

You need to check out tiger droppings....there is a whole lot of speculating going on over there.

 

[bobstod]

Count me among those who think TR will be a huge factor in this game. I agree that the passing game will have to be effective, but I think in this game the run will set up the pass, not the other way around; and that is because both Trent and Eddie will make many yards after contact with the LBs.

 

[RTR91]

Absolutely, I just don't believe TR will run all over the LSU D. I realize alot of Bama folks thinks he will. That's what games are for. As for "If's" that is what every post on this board is about....someones "If."

And why don't you believe he will? Because you're an LSU fan? If he can't run on LSU, AJ can pass since WVU did.

 

[UncleDad]

You need to check out tiger droppings....there is a whole lot of speculating going on over there.

Been there; read that. I still hold to my belief. I believe TR will get yards, I just don't believe he will be the MVP and MVP is what I think of when I think of game factor.

 

[RTR91]

Been there; read that. I still hold to my belief. I believe TR will get yards, I just don't believe he will be the MVP and MVP is what I think of when I think of game factor.

Who gets it then? Let me guess... He's a LSU player.