SEC Football: Will Trent Richardson Be The Best Running Back in the SEC in 2011?

Mark Ingram is gone. He will no longer steal, dominate, or usurp the spotlight that many felt Trent Richardson should have had long ago. Richardson has been a spark plug for the Alabama Crimson Tide since the first time he touched the football in Tuscaloosa and, now that Ingram looks to recreate his star as a New Orleans Saint, Richardson finally has his opportunity to shine brightly for his team.

Is he ready to be 'The Man'?

Some fans and pundits question how well Richardson is capable of playing minus Ingram in the backfield.  After all, it was Ingram who spear-headed the Tide's 2009 SEC Championship against the Florida Gators—which led to them securing their first National Championship in more than a decade—so it was clear that Richardson will still running without the expectations of being both a No. 1 back or a former Heisman Trophy winner.

That said, Richardson did a fine job holding down the fort while Ingram sat with a knee injury and, at times, it was apparent that if he'd had more consistent touches per game, he might have been able to do a lot more damage on the ground (2010: 112 carries, 700 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 6.25 ypc average) than he actually did.

Bearing all that in mind, does that mean he's poised to breakout in 2011 and be the best running back in the SEC?

Perhaps, but the Alabama quarterback situation will bear watching in the early going as some are not factoring the loss of Greg McElroy into the equation—his experience and leadership will definitely change things offensively—and there will be a period of adjustment in the way the Tide's offense is executed as they get accustomed to a less experienced quarterback leading the way. 

While A.J. McCarron appeared to play well in spot duty last season, his spring performance wasn't enough to make coach Saban name him the outright starter for 2011—Saban has even intimated at playing two quarterbacks this season—so it's unclear what or how many quarterbacks will start under-center for the Tide this year.

Even more, the Tide will have to find a new set of hands in the passing game and while the offense was fairly balanced last season—passing only slightly more than they ran—a majority of those receptions went the way of Julio Jones, who is now gone, leaving Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks with big shoes to fill at the wide receiver position.

That level of uncertainty in the passing game means more pressure on Trent Richardson to make it happen early and often, at least at the start, as the Tide may need to lean on the run a lot more this year than last. And, given Richardson's propensity to play all-out on every down (recklessly at times) you feel a need to pray that Eddie Lacy is ready to get back to being a reliable No. 2 option.

Lacy had issues with ball security last season, but appears to be much improved—if his spring performance is any indication—and he could be poised for a statistically better 2011.

Richardson will need all of these things working in his favor if he is going to become the guy whom many feel has Heisman potential. There's no doubt he has the talent, the only question is if 2011 will finally be his time?

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College Football Odds (ATS): Can Northwestern Pull The Upset Over Michigan State?

The 'Lady' is getting killed against the spread (ATS) over the last couple weeks as another below average finish sets the site record at 29-36. However, it's not time to give up on this weekly pick em' yet, even though it's been heavily contemplated.

That said, we will dive head first into another slate of possible spread-breakers—there are plenty to choose from this week.

As usual, all lines are quoted via courtesy of VegasInsider.com.

1. Northwestern vs. Michigan State: Michigan State (-6)

People are figuring that Michigan State has to lose one eventually. After all, there is no way they are really THIS good, right? Well, the verdict is still out on that point but, one thing is for certain, the Wildcats will have their hands full trying to contain Kirk Cousins, Edwin Baker, and Le'Veon Bell.  The home field advantage will help, but, it may not be enough.

The Lady's Pick: Michigan State

2. Rutgers vs. Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh (-13)

It's not that Rutgers is phenomenal on offense, but they do have a good rushing defense—despite the impression the Army game might have given you. That said, Dion Lewis hasn't been nearly as dominant this season as he was in 2009 and Greg Schiano has a way of getting his team ready for the big game.

The Lady's Pick: Rutgers

3. Iowa State vs. Texas: Texas (-21)

This seems like an awful lot of points for the Longhorns to cover, especially given the fact that they are coming off a huge upset victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers last week. Iowa State's defense is deplorable, but Texas has had some questionable play over the season too—remember Wyoming?

Keeping that in mind, it just seems unlikely that the Longhorns get it done this week.

The Lady's Pick: Iowa State

4. Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina: South Carolina (-12.5)

Vanderbilt was embarrassed last week—getting shut-out by Georgia—and South Carolina is clearly a different offense minus Marcus Lattimore.

The Lady's Pick: Vanderbilt

5. Arkansas vs. Mississippi: Arkansas (-9.5)

You can bet that Houston Nutt will be ready for whatever Bobby Petrino has for him in Fayetteville. If there is one thing that Nutt has, historically, done well, it's getting his team prepared for big games.

Jeremiah Masoli will have more room to run than he did last week and, although Ryan Mallett is ready to play (suspect given he sustained a concussion just six-days ago), this game will come down to pride for Houston Nutt. 

The Lady's Pick: Mississippi 

6. BYU vs Wyoming: BYU (-10.5)

BYU should not be favored by anything more than three points over any opponent for the rest of the year. They are deplorable this season.

The Lady's Pick: Wyoming

7. Mississippi State vs. UAB: Mississippi State (-20)

There is no denying the fact that the Bulldogs are on a roll this year, but it seems premature to start giving them this much respect against a UAB team that has shown no hesitation in going toe-to-toe with any opponent this season—including a near defeat of Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. Buyer beware.

The Lady's Pick: UAB

8. Oklahoma vs Missouri: Oklahoma (-3)

Either you like Oklahoma or you don't.

The Sooners might be ranked the No. 1 but, as usual, that ranking is premature given the fact that they've looked just a touch average over mediocre opponents this season. Missouri will have the home crowd on their side, and this seems just the spot for the Sooners to choke.

The Lady's Pick: Missouri 

9. Tennessee vs. Alabama: Alabama (-18)


There's something wrong with Alabama's run game right now. Neither Mark Ingram, nor Trent Richardson, look as dominant as they did earlier in the year. Not to mention, Julio Jones is banged up and Marcel Dareus is doing the best he can working with a bum ankle. Add all that together and you have a team that is in desperate need of a break.

Tennessee may not be very good right now but, fortunately for them, they won't need to be.

The Lady's Pick: Tennessee

10. LSU vs. Auburn: Auburn (-6)

The easy pick here is Auburn. No team has been able to slow Cam Newton in the slightest and he's been money all season long. That said, the Tiger's have been suspect against even the most moderate defense and, if not for the Razorbacks atrocious secondary, that game might not have been the blowout it became.

LSU has a ton of questions on offense but their defense has been solid.

The Lady's Pick: LSU

College Football Odds (ATS): Alabama Will Roll, Michigan Will Rebound

It was yet another average week for the 'Lady', as the site finished the weekend slate at 5-5, bringing the season total to 27-28.

You can revisit last week's picks here.

The BCS will release it's first set of rankings this Sunday, so expect a lot of good play from teams auditioning for a place in the top 10.

That said, it's time to offer another round of picks.

(All lines are courtesy of  VegasInsider.com).

1. Alabama vs. Ole Miss: Alabama (-20.5)

This actually seems like a ton of points to lend the Tide's way—even if they are playing in Tuscaloosa. That said, the Rebels aren't very good on defense.

Look for both Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson to get something they didn't last week—running room—and look for the Tide to take out their frustration on the Rebels.

The Lady's Pick: Alabama

2. Michigan vs. Iowa: Iowa (-3)

As impressive as Iowa has been all season, save the loss to Arizona in week three, Michigan's offense is going to be tough to stop at home. Sure Michigan State came in and shut Denard Robinson down, but the Spartans have played the Wolverines well over the last few seasons and that loss wasn't really all that hard to see coming.

That said, Iowa has been nearly as effective, defensively, on the road as they have been at home.
Expect Mr. Robinson to rebound and steal a win from the Hawkeye's.

The Lady's Pick: Michigan

3. Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest: Virginia Tech (-22.5)

Wake Forest is atrocious, there is little doubt about that, but they have played a better brand of football over the last couple of weeks, and have nothing to lose by giving it all they've got against a Hokie squad that, honestly, still isn't all that impressive.

The Lady's Pick: Wake Forest

4. TCU vs BYU: TCU (-28)

TCU is good. BYU is bad. There is not much else you can say about these two teams or this match-up.
BYU's coach is currently wearing two hats (head coach and defensive coordinator) and that has to be tough, considering he's got a true freshman quarterback trying to run the offense.

The Cougars are a mess right now and, even though it seems crazy to think they will get beat by 28 points, that's what is likely to happen.

The Lady's Pick: TCU

5. Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State: Texas Tech (-3.5)

Texas Tech is still trying to find themselves under Tommy Tuberville, and it's not clear that they are anywhere near close to doing that right now—despite their 3-2 record.

The Lady's Pick: Oklahoma State 

6. Rice vs. Houston: Houston (-9)

As terrible as the defense of the Cougars is, the Owls might be worse. If Houston quarterbacks, David Piland or Terrance Broadway, want to get their respective games going, then this is the week to do it.

The Owls have little in the way of offense and don't defend well against the pass—a recipe for disaster when you're opponent specializes in air raids.

The Lady's Pick: Houston

7. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: Ohio State (-4)

Hmmm, wonder what Bielema's card will tell him to do this week?

He better have a definite plan of action against the Buckeyes ,or he'll be the one feeling some kind of wronged after this game.

The Lady's Pick: Ohio State

8.  Auburn vs. Arkansas: Auburn (-3.5)

Auburn has been getting by on the grace and talent of Cam Newton—no doubt about it. However, the cardiac cats will have to go into arrest at some point, and it's highly possible that the Razorbacks will be just the team to send them rushing for the nearest ambulance.

The Lady's Pick: Arkansas

9. Georgia Tech vs Middle Tennessee State: Georgia Tech (-19)

This pick could come back to haunt me later, but, Dwight Dasher could end up being a problem for that developing Yellow Jacket defense. He's much better than he showed last week, and this could be just the game he needs to get his game back on the right track.

Georgia Tech will definitely win, but not by 19. 

The Lady's Pick: Middle Tennessee 


10. Florida vs. Mississippi State: Florida (-9)

Mississippi State might be scrappy but their quarterback situation leaves much to be desired. Expect the Gators to get back to their winning ways this weekend.

The Lady's Pick: Florida

Georgia Bulldogs Recruting: Isaiah Crowell Now Rolling The Tides' Way

The one matter that, more than anything else, should concern a Georgia Bulldog fan who is watching a 1-4 team disintegrate before it's very eyes is, how the perception of a sinking ship will effect future boarders.

It was a mere six-months ago that the Georgia Bulldogs were rolling strong with their "Dream Team" efforts. Guys were pledging their allegiance to Georgia with little hesitation, most were chomping at the bit to not only get to Athens as soon as possible, but to get as many guys to roll with them as they possibly could.

Well, that good fortune could be going south now that there is so much uncertainty about the team, the coaches, and the program. No one wants to be made a mockery of, least of all a highly-touted prospect with more than his fair share of suitors.

Seriously, if a national champion is knocking at your door, why would you sign with a team that is, right now, just hoping to become bowl eligible?

The recent mishaps in the Georgia running game are part of the problem at Georgia and that strikes a nerve with the tried and true fan who grew up watching Herschel Walker, Rodney Hampton, and Garrison Hearst break records wearing the 'G' on their helmet.

The obvious cure for an ailing running game would be to bring in a stud in the 2011 class. A player who is a game-changer and a sure-fire star at the position. That guy for Georgia is supposed to be Isaiah Crowell of Carver High School and, up until Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs were in a dead heat with Alabama for his services, now, the Alabama Crimson Tide are his team to beat.

According to Chip Towers of the AJC, Crowell has become a bit disenchanted with the Georgia Bulldogs, and is liking the idea of going to Tuscaloosa and playing for Nick Saban.

Said Crowell, when asked about his change of heart, "Well, they’re (Georgia) losing a lot of games and have a lot of people getting arrested...there’s just a lot of things going wrong. I do want to play right away but I also want to be where it’s disciplined (emphasis added) and they win championships."

Wow, he said a mouthful there, didn't he? Imagine that, a prospect not wanting to go where it suddenly appears the inmates are running the asylum. Ten arrests in a season will get you a bad reputation for being a little too lenient with your guys.

Sure, Crowell is just one guy. It's possible that the team can win out and get back on track again, but the voices of dissension grow louder every day and they can be tough to ignore—especially if you are a prospect looking for a place to call home for four-years of your life.  It's easy to overlook a poor record, or a bad year, but it's not easy to overlook a drastic coaching overhaul.

Look how many guys Georgia missed out on last season when Martinez and his staff were let go. These kids are building relationships with THIS coaching staff—that's relevant. Firing Richt, Grantham, and every other clipboard holding fellow on the Georgia coaching staff could kill the 2011 class and handicap Georgia for years. 

That said, if you think things are awful now, you have no idea how bad it could really get if the fire sale that so many are calling for actually does happen. How does that "Dream Team" look minus all those great prospects?

Does it look good to you?

As of now, Crowell is waivering and there is word that Watts Dantzler is taking a look at Auburn (his No. 2 choice) again as well. Add to that list, Nathan Theus, a Dawg Night committment—who else will follow?
 
Mark Richt is in the dog house with many right now, and that's fair. However, this is about more than 2010, it's about the future of the Georgia Bulldogs football program from 2011 forward and, you have to start asking yourself this simple question: If Mark Richt is fired, like so many want, what kind of a future will the Georgia Bulldogs truly have?

Of course there are those who will argue that a losing season will bring the same result anyhow so why bother worrying about that factor one way or the other?

Well, to that end, only this question can be asked, how much of a chance are you willing to take on that actually being true? 

Think about it.
 

Five SEC RB's Who Have A Shot At Eclipsing 1,000 Yards in 2010

The SEC is a conference that isn't short on running back talent. As a matter of fact, the current holder of the Heisman trophy currently makes his home at the University of Alabama—Mark Ingram. That said, there is plenty more talent where that came from and, at least some of it, is a tad under-appreciated due to a lack of exposure.

However, the way to the big time is paved in a 1,000 yard runner. The SEC, for all it's great talent, only saw five players hit that mark in 2009. In 2008, it was four, In 2007, a banner year, there were eight, and in 2006, there were only two (Both from the University of Arkansas).

So, as much as it is an expectation in the pro ranks to see a tailback cross the 1,000 yard threshold, it's not an easy feat in the SEC where the defenses often make every yard count and the running back by committee (RBC) method of employing the ground game is more than the rule than the exception in this day and age.

Even still, there are a few guys who have the potential to reach that milestone in 2010—in no particular order:

1. Derrick Locke, University of Kentucky

2009 Stats: 196 attempts, 908 yards, and 6 touchdowns

Derrick Locke missed one game last season in order to rest a sore knee. That one game, against Eastern Kentucky, could very well have been the difference in him eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark in 2009.

2010 brings some challenges his way as the Wildcats lost four starters on their offensive line at the end of last season. That said, a player as talented as Locke has never had a problem being productive on the football field.

If he can get the ball rolling early, starting with three fairly manageable opponents, he could have enough momentum to keep it going all year long.

2. Warren Norman, Vanderbilt University

2009 Stats: 145 attempts, 783 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Last season, the rising sophomore averaged 12 carries per game—12. He parlayed that into 783 yards of ground offense for a Commodore team that often had trouble creating much offense at all. He did it against lesser tiered opposition as well as some of the better run defenses in the league (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee all gave up better than 5.0 ypc to Norman in their contests).

If new coach, Robbie Caldwell, can quell an offensive line that is competent enough to open a running lane or two, and Vanderbilt can find a way to get Norman the 3-4 more carries a game, there is little reason to believe he won't eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in just his second season.

3. Jeffery Demps, University of Florida

2009 Stats: 99 attempts, 745 yards, and 7 touchdowns

Not sure if many people know this yet, but...Jeffery Demps is really, really, really, fast. His 7.53 yards per carry average was tops in the SEC last season and he did more with less than any other back in the conference—despite the presence of No. 15 on his team.

This year, he will have more opportunities to showcase his world-class speed as new quarterback, John Brantley, will concentrate more on the pass than the run and someone will need to pick up the slack on the ground that Tebow left behind.

Add to that fact, the Gators have one of the best offensive lines in the country coming into 2010, and you have to like Demps chances to not only make it to 1,000, but eclipse it substantially.

4. Trent Richardson, University of Alabama

2009 Stats: 144 attempts, 749 yards, and 8 touchdowns

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a very good chance of producing two 1,000 yard rushers next season.

The prowess of Richardson is already well known by SEC fans and he isn't expected to scale it back one bit come 2010. His biggest roadblock might very well be his Heisman winning teammate, Mark Ingram, who will look to match his stellar 2009 numbers (1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns) while, hopefully, leading his team to another SEC Championship.

That said, Richardson is all about having fun and there is little pressure on him to do anything more than play his brand of football and tons on Ingram (carefree and all-out). If he continues to do that, 1,000 yards is not only manageable but, quite possibly an expectation in 2010.

5. Washaun Ealey, University of Georgia

2009 Stats: 125 attempts, 717 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Ealey didn't put in his first appearance of the year until the Bulldogs faced LSU in game five of the 2009 season. He was limited to a handful of carries but, ask any fan of the team and they will tell you, without a doubt he was a definite spark in the Georgia Bulldog's offense that day.

Ealey only got better as the season progressed and he added an exclamation point at the end by delivering a 183-yard performance against the teams bitter in-state rival, Georgia Tech.

2010 offers a new quarterback, a more-experienced offensive line, and a heavier reliance on the run game to get the offense moving. Ealey, along with Caleb King, will be expected to get his mojo going early and it's expected that he will be ready for the challenge.

If he can keep his head on straight and maintain his focus, he will have little trouble making his presence felt in the SEC East this season.

NCAA Football: Five SEC Offensive Players Who Won't Endure A Sophomore Slump

A "sophomore slump" is easy to explain. It's a condition which has effected enough second-year players that its become a well-known, oft-expected, affliction. Some guys will manage to avoid it, but most players do hit that proverbial wall at some point.

Why? The main reason is opposing defenses begin to familiarize themselves better with that guy's style of play.

See, the great thing about being new to a conference is defenses aren't familiar with a player's tendencies yet. Film can only show so much—the real test comes on the field. Many times, a players speed, agility, and strength can be underestimated.

That said, upon first encounter, many defenses will be a bit unprepared. However, defensive coordinators don't get paid to only watch tape, they are paid to not be fooled twice and, that means, by the second time around, most defenses will have adjusted their schemes to impede a particular player's progress.

Once that happens, it becomes that player's job to adjust his tendencies again. That is not done easily as many of these guys have been running, catching, juking, and cutting the same way their whole life. Many simply cannot make those adjustments without seeing a drop in their production from the previous season—therein lay the foundation for the dreaded sophomore slump. 

Even so, there are players who will be able to defy those odds and make a run at being even better than the year before—a sophomore superstar if you will. 

In my opinion, these guys are primed to be even better player as sophomores (be they true or redshirt) than they were as mere freshmen:

1. Trent Richardson—Alabama 

2009 Stats: 144 Attempts, 749 yards, and 8 Touchdowns (5.20 YPC)

He's got great size, tremendous strength, and an uncanny ability to leave defenders diving at his heels. He also plays for a team that has a Heisman trophy winner starting at the tailback position.

Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman winning running back for the Tide, returns for his junior season. He will still command the bulk of the Tide's carries, leaving Richardson free to run as dangerously as he pleases in 2010—no pressure means very little drop in production.

The spotlight on him is brighter, but it's still Ingram's team until further notice. That means Richardson can keep auditioning for 2011—the year he's likely to take over the top spot for the Tide.

I see big things for him in 2010—how could you not?

Fearless Prediction: 175 attempts, 962 yards, and 12 Touchdowns

2. Ronnie Wingo, Jr.—Arkansas

2009 Stats: 50 Attempts, 318 yards, and 3 Touchdowns (6.36 YPC)

Everyone knows that the Razorbacks can throw the ball behind the arm of, probable Heisman candidate, Ryan Mallett, but the key to a Hog revival in the SEC West won't come through the air, but on the ground.

In the SEC, it's nice to have a good passing game in your arsenal but if you expect to win the close ones, you have to establish a good running game to offset your air attack. The Hogs have no less than three talented men to fill that void and none of them is full of more promise than Ronnie Wingo.

His 6'3" frame coupled with his 200+ pounds of muscle are daunting enough but coupled that with his speed and vision and you have one serious player on your hands.

He didn't get nearly the carries he deserved last season but don't expect that to happen again in 2010.

Fearless Prediction: 115 Attempts, 667 Yards, and 7 Touchdowns

3. Orson Charles—Georgia

2009 Stats: 23 Receptions, 374 Yards, and 3 Touchdowns (16.26 YPC)

Charles may have been one of the last to sign in Georgia's 2009 recruiting class, but he was one of the first to make some noise on the football field last season.

He is listed as a tight end for Georgia, but his overall skill set makes him every bit as dangerous as a wide receiver.

The Bulldogs will break in a new quarterback this year—Charles' good friend and teammate from Plant High—Aaron Murray. The two had great chemistry in high school and have renewed that bond as teammates at Georgia. That bodes well for Orson who became a safe target for former QB Joe Cox in multiple situations last season.

Add to that, the receiving corps is thin for the Bulldogs this season and that means more looks toward the tight end spot this year—expect Orson to take advantage of more opportunities to shine brightly for Georgia.

Fearless Prediction: 38 Receptions, 665 Yards, and 5 Touchdowns

4. Tori Gurley—South Carolina

2009 Stats: 31 Receptions, 440 Yards, and 2 Touchdowns (14.19 YPC)

It would have been easy to pick Alshon Jeffery here, after all, he's one of the most talented receivers on the Gamecock squad and he too is just a sophomore.

However, the pressure to succeed in the face of tremendous expectations will be much higher on Jeffery than on Gurley. Which, in my opinion, means Gurley is more likely to continue his consistency into 2010 and make an even bigger name for himself in Columbia this coming season.

At 6'5", 230 lbs, he's already a load. However, it's his stifling ability to make the big grab that makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in South Carolina's arsenal—assuming he has a competent quarterback to throw him the ball.

Look for more production out of Gurley this season as he struts out of the shadow of his fellow teammates meteoric rise.

Fearless Prediction: 52 Receptions, 769 Yards, and 7 Touchdowns

5. Rueben Randle—LSU

2009 Stats: 11 Receptions, 173 Yards, and 2 Touchdowns (15.73 YPC)

As a freshman, Randle wasn't able to make as big an impact as he might have liked.

The Tigers of 2009 were squared away at the No.'s 1 and 2 receiver position, with both Brandon LaFell and Terrance Tolliver towing the line. However, with LaFell moving on to the NFL and Tolliver laying claim to the No. 1 spot, Randle could finally get his opportunity to show the SEC what he can do—sitting pretty at No. 2.

He will get a little interference from Russell Shepard, that other sophomore dynamo who recently moved over from the quarterback spot, but the benefit of playing as a true wide receiver last season will give him a bit of an edge,development wise,over his teammate.

Randle has great ability as a playmaker and he will, no doubt, break off some highlight reel runs after the catch this coming season. Add to that, the introduction of Billy Gonzalez (the former Florida Gators receiving coach) as his new position coach and the sky could be the limit for Randle in 2010.

Fearless Prediction: 52 Receptions, 780 Yards, and 5 Touchdowns 

(This article appears courtesy of The Lady Sportswriter)