ESPN College Football

From billboards to an untimely joy ride, the SEC has seen a lot of change in recent months.

The black Missouri billboards sprinkled around the South, reading “PROUD TO BE SEC: MIZZOU” coupled with those not-so-discrete Texas A&M/SEC TV adds ushered in the arrival of the SEC’s new families. But their exodus from the Big 12 wasn’t the only big change for the league.

The league said goodbye to a load of defensive talent and lost a couple of head coaches -- and even more assistants. Still, for as much change that has been made, it seems the overall results will be the same.

“You have to give the SEC a lot of credit,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “I tell a lot of people that we played in the Big 12, which is a great conference, but they just have more good team in [the SEC]. It’s remarkably competitive.”

LSU, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, four top-10 defenses from a season ago, return relatively intact this fall. Of those four, all but Florida will be involved in national championship discussions to start the season, especially LSU.

On paper, the Tigers might be the most talented team in the country. The defensive line possesses three potential first-rounders and the Honey Badger (Tyrann Mathieu) is still lurking in a secondary stocked with talent and athleticism.

The offense has to be better with Zach Mettenberger taking over at quarterback. He possesses the skill to throw the ball pretty much whenever he’s asked to, so that will be a major upgrade. He’ll also have plenty of weapons with five able running backs to choose from -- including Michael Ford and Spencer Ware who were both ranked in the top 10 in SEC rushing -- and a talented, young receiving group.

The scary thought is that a lot of people around the program think Les Miles might have a better team in 2012.

Georgia has 15 total starters returning, including a potential Heisman candidate in quarterback Aaron Murray, and yet again has a favorable schedule. South Carolina looks like it’s a healthy Marcus Lattimore and a more polished Connor Shaw away from making it back to Atlanta.

While defending national champion Alabama is down a handful of defensive starters from last season, the Crimson Tide can’t be counted out. The defense has more than capable players ready to fill holes. Nico Johnson and C.J. Mosley are ready to take over at linebacker, while Jesse Williams and Damion Square will lead up front. The secondary still has veterans Dee Milliner and Robert Lester and welcomes junior college studs Deion Belue and Travell Dixon.

“We’re going to be younger on defense. We don’t have as much experience, but we’ve got some good players,” coach Nick Saban said.

“I was pleased with the progress that we made -- not satisfied with where we need to be.”

Then, there’s Arkansas.

After Bobby Petrino's infamous motorcycle ride, the Razorbacks look to bounce back with an offense capable of pushing Arkansas to an SEC title and beyond. We still don’t know how effective interim coach John L. Smith will be, but he’ll have quarterback Tyler Wilson, running back Knile Davis and receiver Cobi Hamilton at his disposal, and that will make things easier.

With an improved offensive line and some talented, young receivers, Arkansas will score points. Now if only the defense can keep up …

There will no doubt be awkward situations ahead in the SEC. Making flights to Kansas City and Houston will seem wrong. Watching an entertaining coach’s news conference at Arkansas will feel unnatural. And not knowing what to expect from a Saban defense will confuse you.

But with everything that has changed, one thing that should remain is another championship run.

There’s still just too much clicking for the SEC.

The good folks over at the SEC office delivered a plethora of post-spring notes for us to dive into as summer creeps closer and closer.

I've split it up by division, so you all aren't overwhelmed. We'll start with the SEC West:

ALABAMA

• The attendance for A-Day was 78,526 (1st in the SEC and 2nd nationally this year to Ohio State) which was the fifth-largest in school history. Each spring game under coach Nick Saban has had an attendance of 78,200 (2008) or higher.
• As an SEC head coach (beginning in 2001 at LSU and 2007 at Alabama), Saban has totaled 73 NFL draft picks with 20 first-round selections and 10 among the top 10 overall.
• During the last academic year, Alabama’s football program led the SEC (in what is believed to be a conference record) with a total of 38 student-athletes on the Academic All-SEC Honor Roll. A total of 22 players were on the bowl roster who had already earned their degrees, which was tied for first nationally in terms of graduates on bowl rosters.
• Of Alabama’s 13 starters lost, all were either drafted or signed free -agent contracts with the NFL. Included among those 13 were the four first-rounders along with LB Courtney Upshaw (2nd round), NG Josh Chapman (5th round), DB DeQuan Menzie (5th round) and TE Brad Smelley (7th round). OG Alfred McCullough, WR Marquis Maze, WR Darius Hanks, C William Vlachos and LB Jerrell Harris each signed as free agents following the draft.

ARKANSAS

• Arkansas is the only team in the SEC to return a quarterback (Tyler Wilson) with a 3,000-yard passing season in his career and a running back (Knile Davis) with a 1,000-yard rushing season.
• Arkansas has been ranked in 32 straight Associated Press polls, tied for the seventh-longest active streak in the nation, and in the top 10 for nine straight polls, which also ranks seventh among active streaks in the country.
• Arkansas finished the 2011 season undefeated at home for the first time since 1999. With seven home victories in 2011, the Razorbacks have 19 wins at home in the past three years, which is tied for the fourth-highest total in the NCAA. Arkansas enters the 2012 season with an 11-game home winning streak, the fifth-longest active streak in the country.
• Kicker Zach Hocker enters his junior season as Arkansas' record holder for career field goal percentage with his success rate of 80.4 percent. He also ranks in the top 10 in school history in six other categories and finished the 2011 season second in the SEC in points per game, field goals made per game and touchback percentage.

AUBURN

• Auburn returns 48 lettermen (20 offense, 26 defense, 2 specialists). Of the 68 scholarship players who participated in spring drills, 61 percent (38) were underclassmen.
• The Tigers start the 2012 season in the same location as they finished the 2011 campaign, playing in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. On Sept. 1, Auburn opens with Clemson in the Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game. The Tigers completed the 2011 season with a 43-24 victory over Virginia in the Chick-fil-a Bowl on Dec. 31. Auburn’s 2012 schedule features eight games against bowl participants from a year ago, including five that played in traditional New Year’s games.
• Junior punter Steven Clark, one of three finalists for last year’s Ray Guy Award, is one of two returning first team All-SEC honorees for Auburn, along with junior defensive end Corey Lemonier. Returnees Philip Lutzenkirchen (senior tight end) and Onterio McCalebb (senior all-purpose back) were second team all-SEC selections in 2011.

LSU

• The Tigers have four running backs coming back who had seven or more rushing touchdowns (Spencer Ware 8, Kenny Hilliard 8, Michael Ford, Alfred Blue 7).
• LSU has five returning offensive linemen with starts to their credit, led by C P.J. Lonergan with 26 and OG Josh Dworczyk with 26. Other linemen with career starts to their credit include LT Chris Faulk (13), RT Alex Hurst (23) and RG Josh Williford (9). A sixth offensive lineman – La’el Collins – came out of spring practice as possibly the starter at left guard.
• Defensively, LSU returns its top two tacklers (Tyrann Mathieu 76, Eric Reid 76) and its top two leaders in both tackles for loss (Barkevious Mingo 15.0, Sam Montgomery 13.5) and sacks (Montgomery 9.0, Mingo 8.0).
• LSU returns 11 players on defense that started at least one game a year ago, including five defensive linemen.

MISSISSIPPI STATE

• Mississippi State is one of only two SEC teams to bring back all 10 on-field coaches from last season. The entire staff continuity is a first in more than a decade (1999-2000) for the Bulldogs.
• Dan Mullen enters the 2012 campaign with 21 wins in his first three seasons, the second most in school history (Alllyn McKeen, 26, 1939-41). Mississippi State had only won 21 games over any three-year stretch eight times prior to Mullen’s arrival.
• Wide receiver Chad Bumphis enters the season with 101 career receptions, good for eighth in school history and 61 shy of David Smith’s (1968-70) record of 162. The Tupelo native needs five touchdowns to reach the school record of 17 held by Eric Moulds (1993-95) and Justin Jenkins (2000-03).

OLE MISS

• Five returning offensive linemen have each started five or more games in their career, including junior starting center Evan Swindall. Senior A.J. Hawkins and sophomore Aaron Morris settled in at the guards during the spring, while a pair of potential first-time starters, junior Emmanuel McCray and mid-year JUCO transfer Pierce Burton, have taken the lead at the tackles.
• Special teams remains a strength of the Rebels, led by 2010 NCAA punting champion and two-time All-SEC senior Tyler Campbell. In addition, senior K Bryson Rose has made 25 of 29 career field goals and 65-of-67 PATs.
• In the return game, junior running back Jeff Scott has established himself as a weapon during his career, ranking 20th in the country in kickoff returns in 2010 and helping Ole Miss finish third as a team nationally in punt returns in 2011.

TEXAS A&M

• Senior Dustin Harris enters the 2012 football season as the reigning punt return average statistical champion. The cornerback from Livingston, Texas, led the NCAA with a 18.9 average on 18 returns in 2011, with a 72-yard touchdown return against Kansas. Against the Jayhawks, Harris set a school record with 162 punt return yards.
• Senior Ryan Swope, from Austin, Texas, has career numbers of 180 catches for 2,204 yards and is chasing Jeff Fuller’s school records of 233 catches for 3,092 yards. Fuller’s records would appear to be within range after Swope’s record-setting junior season that saw him set school standards with 89 catches for 1,207 yards.
• The Aggies led the nation with 51 sacks in 2011 (six more than the second-best team), and A&M’s top two pass-rushing threats return in 2012. In fact, Texas A&M is the only team in the nation with two returnees that posted 8.5 or more sacks in 2011. Senior Sean Porter led the Big 12 with .73 sacks per game (No. 19 nationally), while junior Damontre Moore chipped in .71 per game (No. 21 nationally).
• Despite attempting the ninth most pass attempts in the NCAA FBS, the Aggies did a remarkable job of protecting their quarterback in 2011. In 13 games, A&M allowed just nine sacks for a NCAA-low 44 lost yards. Four of five starters return from the 2011 offensive front, including juniors-to-be OTs Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, who have been mentioned as first-round draft picks in several early 2013 mock drafts.
• The offensive line was penalized for holding just twice in 2011 and enters 2012 with a streak of 11 straight games without a holding call against a lineman.

Our look at the SEC's most productive returning players in 2012 continues with the running backs.

Past producers:

• Quarterback

Just five of the top 10 statistical rushers return in 2012. The league's top two rushers from last year -- Trent Richardson and Michael Dyer -- are gone, leaving the race wide open for the title as the SEC's best running back this fall.

Here is the conference's top returning producer at running back:

Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt: He ranked third in the SEC in rushing with 1,193 yards and was second only to Richardson with 14 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and 5.7 yards per carry in SEC games, while scoring seven of his rushing touchdowns in those contests. In four of Stacy's last seven games, he rushed for more than 100 yards an outing. In those games, he averaged 161.3 yards. Twelve of his 14 rushing touchdowns came in the last seven games of the season. Stacy isn't the biggest back in the league, but he can be quite elusive and has great vision. His speed gives him the ability to break long runs if the right hole opens up.

The SEC returns four more of the top 10 statistical rushers from a year ago:

• Isaiah Crowell, Georgia: He rushed for 850 yards, five touchdowns and averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
• Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina: In barely seven games, he rushed for 818 yards, 10 touchdowns and averaged 5 yards per carry.
• Michael Ford, LSU: He rushed for 756 yards, seven touchdowns and averaged 6 yards per carry.
• Spencer Ware, LSU: He rushed for 707 yards, eight touchdowns and averaged 4 yards per carry.

Lattimore would have been much more productive and probably would have challenged Richardson as the SEC's best back if not for his ACL injury halfway through the season. A totally healthy Lattimore is arguably the nation's top running back in 2012.

But don't forget about Arkansas' Knile Davis. Davis burst onto the scene back in 2010, after he rushed for 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, he missed all of the 2011 season with a broken ankle. He didn't go through contact this spring, but Arkansas' coaches expect him to be 100 percent this fall. He probably isn't as powerful as Lattimore between the tackles, but he's faster and more agile. He'll be extremely fun to watch this fall.

Eddie Lacy just missed the cut because he finished the year ranked 11th in the SEC in rushing and now takes over for Richardson. He'll have a couple of other players to work with, but Lacy will be in charge of Alabama's running game and if he can overcome some nagging injuries, he'll be tough to stop this fall.

Newcomers Kendial Lawrence at Missouri or Texas A&M's Christine Michael will challenge for top dog, too. Even though Michael shared carries with Cyrus Gray and tore his ACL against Oklahoma halfway through the year, he ranked eighth in the Big 12 in rushing (899 yards). He was ahead of schedule this spring with his rehab.

Lawrence finished with 566 yards last year, after starter Henry Josey went down with a devastating knee injury. He took the majority of the reps this spring and while he isn't the biggest guy, he'll make defenders work to bring him down.

There are a host of talented players flying under the radar as well, so don't be shocked if some unheralded guys make some noise this fall.

Now that national signing day is behind us, we'll continue our look back at each position in the SEC. Today, we're ranking the league's running back units:

1. Alabama: Not only did Alabama lead the SEC in rushing (214.5 yards per game) but Alabama's running game led the league with an average of 5.1 yards per carry against SEC teams. Alabama also had the Doak Walker Award winner in Trent Richardson. Projected as a top-10 pick in April's NFL draft, Richardson finished the season with 1,679 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Backups Eddie Lacy and Jalston Fowler combined for 1,059 yards and 11 touchdowns.

2. LSU: The Tigers used a stable of running backs throughout the year and led the SEC with 200.9 rushing yards per conference game. Michael Ford and Spencer Ware each eclipsed the 700-yard mark, while Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue combined for 875 yards. LSU's four regular running backs combined for 30 touchdowns. For 13 games, LSU made its mark on offense by wearing teams out with its running game.

3. Auburn: This group of Tigers might not have gotten a ton of offensive praise this season, but Auburn probably had the best running back duo behind Alabama in Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb. Dyer was the only back other than Richardson to average more than 100 yards rushing against SEC opponents (101.1) and he was second in the league with 1,242 yards. McCalebb put up 641 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

4. South Carolina: The Gamecocks would have been higher on this list if not for the unfortunate season-ending injury Marcus Lattimore suffered in the middle of the year. Lattimore led the SEC in rushing after six games, but was injured a week later, ending the year with 818 yards and 10 touchdowns. Former redshirt candidate Brandon Wilds was a pleasant surprise as he rushed for 486 yards, including gaining 100-plus yards in three of his last five games.

5. Georgia: Like LSU, the Bulldogs used a stable of running backs to get through the season. Freshman Isaiah Crowell led the group and started the season off well, but his play dipped during the second part of the season, as injuries took hold. He was named the SEC's freshman of the year by the Associated Press and gained 850 yards with five touchdowns. Injuries affected Georgia's entire backfield, but the Bulldogs still ranked fifth in the league averaging 169.8 yards in SEC games.

6. Vanderbilt: The Commodores didn't have great depth at running back, but did have an absolute stud in the starting lineup. Zac Stacy came out of nowhere in 2011 to rank third in the SEC with 1,193 yards and second with 14 touchdowns. Freshman Jerron Seymour added 268 yards and five touchdowns.

7. Florida: The Gators had two of the fastest running backs in the country in their backfield in Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Both excelled in space and both ranked in the top 10 in rushing during conference play, as they each averaged more than 59 yards a game and combined for 872 yards. They combined for 1,430 yards, but didn't create a power running game as Florida ranked eighth in the league in rushing.

8. Mississippi State: Vick Ballard had a tremendous season for Bulldogs, rushing for 1,189 and 10 touchdowns in 2011. But the Bulldogs scored just seven rushing touchdowns in SEC play and averaged 131.1 yards per SEC game, ranking ninth in the league. LaDarius Perkins was second on the team with 422 yards and Mississippi State averaged just 3.4 yards per carry against conference teams.

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks took a major hit when Knile Davis missed the season with an ankle injury. There was depth, but it took a while before Dennis Johnson finally emerged as Arkansas' top back. He finished the season with just 670 yards and three touchdowns. Ronnie Wingo Jr. was second with 458 yards and three scores, as Arkansas ranked ninth overall in rushing in the SEC and seventh in conference play. As a whole, inconsistency plagued Arkansas' backfield.

10. Ole Miss: Houston Nutt prided himself on running the ball, but Ole Miss failed to do it well in 2011. Brandon Bolden's ankle injury at the beginning of the season didn't help. Speedster Jeff Scott received the bulk of the carries, but never really provided a consistent spark and bruiser Enrique Davis was a no-show for most of the year. The Rebels were 10th in the SEC in rushing and their running backs scored just three rushing touchdowns against SEC opponents.

11. Tennessee: If not for Tauren Poole, the Vols would have been dead last on our list. Tennessee was awful running the ball, but Poole gained 693 rushing yards and five touchdowns. However, Tennessee ranked 116th nationally in rushing and last in the SEC, averaging 90.1 yards per game and averaged just 63.5 against conference opponents. Tennessee running backs scored just 11 rushing touchdowns.

12. Kentucky: As a whole, the Wildcats' numbers were better than Tennessee's. They were 11th in the league in rushing and averaged nearly 40 more rushing yards in conference games, but injuries ravaged this group. Freshmen Josh Clemons looked like he might have a solid season before a knee injury cost him the second half of the season. Raymond Sanders was supposed to be the guy, but played just six games. CoShik Williams ended up being Kentucky's leading rusher, with 486 yards.

For those of you hoping you’ve heard the last of Les Miles and his LSU Tigers, think again.

While LSU came up short with a poor performance in its 21-0 loss to Alabama in the Allstate BCS National Championship Game Monday, the Tigers won’t be going anywhere.

In fact, they might be right back in the national title picture next season.

LSU returns most of the talent that helped the Tigers get to New Orleans, so that trip to South Beach for next year’s championship game is very much in play.

The quarterback position should receive an upgrade with Zach Mettenberger taking over, top receiving threats Rueben Randle and Odell Beckham return and LSU’s defense should return mostly intact.

“When you look at that you think we pretty much have the same team,” said sophomore defensive tackle Michael Brockers, who had 54 tackles, including 10 for loss last season. “There are little voids in our team, but they can be filled. That’s the best part about it.”

What might be the scariest part about LSU is the fact that along with Brockers, defensive linemen Sam Montgomery, Barkevious Mingo and Bennie Logan were sophomores in 2011. So were defensive backs Tyrann Mathieu and Eric Reid, along with linebacker Kevin Minter.

Offensive players around the SEC all just shuddered at once at the thought of that, but it gets worse. Cornerback Tharold Simon, who defended 12 passes and had two interceptions, will be a junior, and defensive linemen Anthony “Freak” Johnson, Ego Ferguson and Jermauria Rasco will only be sophomores.

Offensively, LSU brings back all four members of its bullish running team. Spencer Ware, Michael Ford and Alfred Blue were all sophomores last season and combined for 2,002 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Oh, and freshman Kenny Hilliard might have the most talent of any of his running back partners. He came on late and rushed for 336 yards and eight touchdowns during his first season.

Beckham appears to be a real budding star in the SEC. He was second on the team with 41 catches for 475 yards and two touchdowns. He showed deep threat ability along the way, but has tremendous hands. He can really go up and get passes.

Also, keep an eye on rising sophomore receiver Jarvis Landry. He only caught four passes this season, but he flashed some pretty good speed at times in 2011 and with his 6-foot, 190-pound frame, he’ll be able to get pretty physical with opposing defensive backs.

With the recruiting class Miles hauled in 2011, there will naturally be more names that emerge in 2012, and this year's recruiting class looks to be another stellar one for The Hat.

Monday was rough for the Tigers, but Mathieu said there is hope for the immediate future. There is certainly motivation in the loss to the Crimson Tide after what was turning into a truly historic season, but the Tigers will have no problem picking their heads up in 2012.

“Those guys are ready to get on the field, ready to make their mark,” Mathieu said. “That’s something to lean on right now.”

“We gotta get the ball back rolling and be in the same position next year and hopefully win it.”

NEW ORLEANS -- The ride is over.

The emotional roller coaster that was LSU’s season ended tragically inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The team that had shaken off a plethora of distractions and back-to-back games with double-digit, first-half deficits never made its way out of the French Quarter as No. 1 LSU (13-1, 8-0) fell to second-ranked Alabama (12-1, 7-1) 21-0 in Monday’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game.

For once, there was no spark for the Bayou Bengals. The team that had rolled over each and every opponent it faced this season -- and seemed on its way to a historic finish -- fell flat when it mattered the most.

“You have to play through adversity,” LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers said. “That’s what our coaches teach us.

“[Alabama] made all the big plays and made all the tough plays tonight, and [I] tip my hat off to them for making all the big plays and winning tonight.”

The defense had more bend on Monday than it had been accustomed to, allowing nearly 400 yards, five field goals and a late-game touchdown. Still, for staying on the field for 35 minutes that’s pretty good.

For everything the defense did for the offense, it got nothing in return. It got no adjustments, no originality. What it did get was five first downs, 92 total yards, 2.1 yards per play and zero points.

It got an offense that crossed into Alabama territory just once … and that came in the fourth quarter.

Followed by criticism throughout the season, LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson couldn’t get his offense moving. He couldn’t run and his arm didn’t help. The vertical passing game LSU promised wasn’t there because Jefferson admitted to holding onto the ball too long on designed deep passes because he wasn’t confident in where Alabama’s defenders were.

Some of his passes ranged from erratic to short. He was sacked four times and heard boos late in the first half and throughout the second when he took snaps instead of demoted quarterback Jarrett Lee.

Jefferson threw for 53 yards and an interception, and was beautifully contained by Alabama’s defense, which allowed him to rush for only 15 yards on 14 carries.

“I was seeing things clearly,” Jefferson said. “Making decisions with the ball wasn’t an issue.”

Jefferson turned the ball over twice, but it was his ill-advised flip-pass to an unsuspecting Spencer Ware that was devastating. Jefferson thought Ware was ready for the pass, but Ware had turned up field to block before Jefferson released the ball, which was intercepted.

“Other than that, I made great decisions with the ball,” Jefferson said. “Offensively, we just fell short.”

Very short.

Though there was no sign of Lee. He just stood on the sidelines, tossing the ball occasionally to keep his arm warm.

“It’s disappointing,” Lee said. “I would have liked to have gotten some snaps, but it is what it is. Didn’t get any snaps, so you gotta move on past that.”

LSU coach Les Miles' only explanation for not playing Lee was that with Lee’s lack of mobility he didn’t feel as though he could sustain Alabama’s pass rush.

Even with as poorly as Jefferson played, the pounding, wear-‘em-down running game that moved this offense never arrived. The Tigers got 12 carries from their running backs. (Leading rusher Michael Ford got four carries but managed only 1 yard.)

Offensive lineman Will Blackwell said the plan was to run the ball up the middle, but that never materialized so the staff directed runs to outside. Even after those didn't work, adjustments weren't made.

“I feel like we got away from our game plan a little bit,” Blackwell said. “We planned on running it inside and pounding them to maybe get the edge.

“We fell away from that and I don’t know what the reason for that is. Our game plan just fell apart.

“We got away from the things we’ve been doing all season, and whenever you do that in a championship game it usually doesn’t work out for you very well.”

LSU finally succumbed to all the adversity. For a team that fed off the negativity, the Tigers weren’t ready for Alabama. There was no game-changing play from the Honey Badger, the defense didn’t force any turnovers, there was no emotion in the second half and the offense never showed up.

For the defense, Monday must have hurt the most. They hunkered down near their own end zone and played well enough to win.

In the end, LSU’s defense just couldn’t play both ways for the Tigers.

“It was very disappointing,” linebacker Ryan Baker said. “We were clawing and fighting out there and we were just sitting back watching them go three-and-out.”

Here are three keys for No. 1 LSU (13-0, 8-0) in Monday night's Allstate BCS National Championship Game against No. 2 Alabama (11-1, 7-1):

Jordan Jefferson's play: You never quite know which Jefferson will show up in games. Will it be the one who stumbled through the first half of the SEC championship game against Georgia? Or, as he did against Arkansas, will it be the one who threw for 208 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 48 yards and another score? Jefferson has that Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde quality. Alabama's players lauded Jefferson's running ability and referred to him as the Tigers' X-factor on offense. While he can hurt teams with his feet, he can also scare his team with his passing decisions. He isn't a top-notch thrower, so keeping him comfortable will be key and it will also be important to make him effective in the option game.

Put pressure on AJ McCarron: You know Alabama's offense will go through running back Trent Richardson, but Alabama is going to look to stretch the field with its young quarterback. McCarron was flustered for most of the night when these two teams met back in November. He'll already be in a pretty hostile environment inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, so making him uncomfortable in the pocket will really benefit LSU's defense. McCarron has the skill to make some plays against the Tigers' defense, but this is still his first year as Alabama's starter and this is the biggest game he's ever been in. Mistakes will occur if he loses the mental game.

Continue to pound the ball on the ground: LSU made its mark on offense by wearing down defenses with its running game. What made the Tigers so successful in this area was their ability to throw out multiple backs at a time. Spencer Ware entered the year as the starter, but LSU got solid production out of three other running backs and now have a new leading rusher in Michael Ford and have found the back of the future in Kenny Hilliard. LSU was one of just two FBS schools to rush for more than 100 yards on Alabama's top-ranked rushing defense this season after churning out 148 yards on the ground in November.

NEW ORLEANS -- When Alabama’s defensive players think about Round 1 with LSU, all those blown assignments in the running game stand out.

LSU was one of only two FBS teams to rush for more than 100 yards against Alabama’s defense. The Tigers rushed for 148 yards on 41 carries and wore down one of the best front sevens in the nation.

No matter how good or gritty the defense is, it’s tough to stop a running game that throws fresh legs out there like LSU does. The Tigers can have four to five backs carry the ball on any given drive. It keeps the Tigers’ legs fresh and defenders exhausted.

“It’s hard for teams to prepare for us because they don’t know who they’re going to get or what they’re going to get,” said LSU running back Michael Ford, who led the Tigers with 72 rushing yards against Alabama in November.

Tide players are certainly giving LSU’s backs their due. They understand that those guys can play. But they feel some of their own mistakes definitely helped get the Tigers rolling.

Players were out of position. Running gaps weren’t filled. Jobs didn’t get done.

“We had guys in the right spot, but then we’d have another guy who’s not,” Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw said. “It’s on all 11 players on defense to get to the ball and be in the right spot.”

The most frustrating part for players is that stopping the run is what Alabama does. Alabama leads the nation in rushing defense and is giving up just 2.5 yards per carry.

Defensive tackle Josh Chapman said the key is to own the big uglies up front and force LSU to throw. The more teams try to beat Alabama through the air, the more mistakes are made.

“We have to go out and create a new line of scrimmage,” Chapman said. “One thing we do try to do is make teams one-dimensional, and that’s by throwing the ball. Once you throw the ball, our DBs have a mindset that once it’s in the air, it’s ours.”

But that won’t be so easy with this LSU team. The Tigers have yet another running threat that creates a supreme multiheaded backfield monster.

When asked what Alabama’s defense had to account for most during Monday’s Allstate BCS National Championship Game, linebacker Dont’a Hightower emphatically said two words: Jordan Jefferson.

“He’s their MVP,” Hightower said. “He’s the reason why they’re doing so good right now.”

He’s become such a weapon because he has the ability to run. He can squirm his way out of tough situations when the pocket collapses, opening up running lanes and passing plays.

Defensive breakdowns helped Jefferson be successful on designed runs, options and wild scrambles. Tide players are particularly worried about the option because it brings the element of Jefferson running AND one of the many running backs right back into the picture.

For Alabama’s defense to be successful in stopping LSU’s rushing attack, which led the SEC with 220.4 yards against league opponents, Hightower said it comes down to closing in on rushing lanes, filling gaps and throwing in some tricky defensive looks to confuse Jefferson.

When Jefferson keeps the ball, it’s all about containment.

“I feel like once you keep a dual-threat quarterback inside the pocket, I feel like he’s kind of done,” Hightower said.

LSU’s ground game can hurt Alabama in so many different ways. From Jefferson’s legs, to runners that average well over 220 pounds, LSU’s backfield is a physical force that overpowered Alabama the first time.

Well, Hightower says bring it. Hightower is excited for his shot at redemption and wants to prove that Alabama is just as tough.

Hightower wants that robust running game to come right at this defense.

“I like power guys,” he said. “I don’t like chasing the guys who run the 4.23s. I don’t like that. I’d rather them line up in the I-formation and just run at me.”

LSU passed with flying colors during the regular season, so it's no wonder the Tigers are a win away from taking home the national title.

OFFENSE: B

When LSU wasn't throwing the ball, the Tigers were nearly impossible to stop. LSU's multi-headed rushing monster combined for 215.2 yards per game, including a league-high 35 rushing touchdowns. Against SEC opponents, LSU was even better, leading the conference with 220.4 rushing yards per contest. Sophomore Michael Ford led LSU with 755 yards and seven touchdowns. Spencer Ware, Kenny Hilliard and Alfred Blue added another 1,559 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. Passing was another story for LSU. The Tigers started by losing offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe, who became quarterbacks coach after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. LSU then lost starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson for the first four games to a suspension that stemmed from a bar fight. But Jarrett Lee stepped right in and led this team. He was never flashy, but he was incredibly efficient. He lost his starting job after the Alabama game, but finished the year with 1,306 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. Jefferson took his job back late, and while he looked completely overwhelmed at times, he threw just one interception and six touchdowns. He also didn't lose a game. Despite an average passing game, LSU led the SEC in scoring (38.5) and was fifth in total offense (375.3).

DEFENSE: A+

LSU might have entered the season with a handful of defensive youngsters, but the Tigers never let it become an issue. LSU was fantastic on defense, finishing the regular season second nationally in total defense, allowing 252.1 yards per game and giving up just 3.96 yards per play and 14 offensive touchdowns. Defensive coordinator John Chavis really earned his pay check down in Baton Rouge. LSU was not only fierce but the Tigers were disciplined. Up front, LSU caused major headaches by overpowering offensive lines. With players like Sam Montgomery, Barkevious Mingo, Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan owning the trenches, LSU finished the regular season with 98 tackles for loss, including a league-high 37 sacks. Opponents also rushed for 85.5 yards per game. LSU led the SEC with 30 takeaways, including getting 18 interceptions. That was helped by arguably the nation's best secondary. First, you had do-everything cornerback -- and Chuck Bednarik winner -- in Tyrann Mathieu, who grabbed seven takeaways and forced six fumbles. Then there was Jim Thrope Award winner Morris Claiborne, who was the nation's best cover corner and snatched six interceptions and defended 12 passes.

SPECIAL TEAMS: A

Not only did LSU lead the SEC in net punting average (41.6) and allow just six return yards but Mathieu led the league with 420 punt return yards. He also had two touchdowns, both coming in the last two weeks, and tied for first in the SEC averaging 16.2 yards per return. Punter Brad Wing might have been the league's most accurate punter, planting 23 inside the 20-yard line and launching 18 that went for more than 50 yards, including that 73-yard beauty against Alabama. He also had a touchdown run called back for taunting. LSU also got a kickoff returned for a touchdown by Claiborne, who averaged 26.1 yards per return. LSU led the SEC in field goal percentage (.889) after hitting 16-of-18. In kickoff coverage, the Tigers struggled at times, ranking seventh in the league with a net average of 44.1 yards.

COACHING: A

If not for the passing issues against better defenses, LSU probably would have gotten an A+ here. Coach Les Miles had to deal with a handful of issues before and throughout this special season. The Associated Press' coach of the year saw his offensive coordinator step down and had to deal with a handful of off-the-field issues that led to suspensions. Still, he was able to lead LSU to its first 13-0 season, with 12 coming by double digits and seven by 30 or more points. The Tigers also beat eight ranked opponents, with seven of them coming by double digits. He kept order when Jefferson returned and is a win away from his second national title at LSU. Then you have Chavis, who did a masterful job with LSU's young defense. It was hard to find a faster, more athletic defense around, as LSU allowed 20-plus points just twice during the regular season.

The Arkansas defense wore down more and more with each bone-crushing hit delivered on the Bayou last Friday.

The Tigers’ packed running backs corps punished the Razorbacks with 286 rushing yards on 46 carries, but this wasn’t the first time LSU’s backfield took total control of a game.

LSU’s stable of running backs has pounded opposing defenses all year. The Tigers are second in the SEC in rushing, churning out 216 yards on the ground a game, and have 32 rushing touchdowns.

It starts with Spencer Ware, who head coach Les Miles labeled as the hard-nosed bruiser. Then there’s Michael Ford, who packs a punch, but has a bit more acceleration. Alfred Blue is the slasher and Kenny Hilliard, a true freshman, might be the most gifted with his size, speed and power.

“They're very well equipped to run the football and to run it in such a way that they just wear you down as the game goes on from what I've seen,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt, who must prepare his defense for LSU’s running game in Saturday’s SEC championship game.

“Everybody's having trouble with it. That's why they're undefeated. They're big and physical.”

It almost seems unfair that LSU can rotate four quality backs throughout a game and have an offensive line that has played so well throughout the season. The O-line is pushing and pulling at the defense perfectly to get backs free and gets help from fullback James Stampley, whom Richt referred to as a “beast.”

But Saturday could be different for the Tigers. Their running dominance will face quite the challenge inside the Georgia Dome once the Bulldogs’ vaunted rushing defense says hello -- and it won’t be a very welcoming hello, either.

Georgia’s rush defense ranks sixth nationally (95 yards allowed a game) and is giving up just 2.5 yards per carry to SEC teams.

Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones said he and his teammates aren't intimidated by LSU’s power running game. He said they’re excited to see what LSU has to show and thinks Georgia can match LSU’s intensity.

“We're physical, just like they are,” said Jones, who has an SEC-high 19.5 tackles for loss, including 13.5 sacks. “I believe we've just got to penetrate, get on the ball, make plays. When we get our hand on them, we've just got to bring it to the ground no matter what.”

You have to like the confidence.

It’s no secret that Georgia won’t be favored Saturday, but the Bulldogs are riding a 10-game winning streak and have one of the most underrated defenses out there.

Still, Saturday poses Georgia’s toughest defensive assignment up front.

“It helps to wear down a defense in the sense that our guys don't get as tired,” LSU offensive lineman Will Blackwell said of the Tigers’ running game. “We got fresh legs here at the end of the season. We've got three, four, maybe five guys that can all run the ball and run it hard.

“The best thing for us is we don't have to put the whole load on one guy. When one of those guys comes in, he can just pound it as much as he can and look forward to getting a little break.”

However, Georgia is no stranger to making plays behind the line of scrimmage. The Bulldogs are first in the SEC, and 12th nationally, with 91 tackles for loss and opposing offenses have lost 390 yards on those tackles.

“We've prided ourselves all year on being stout against the run,” Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin said.

“If we can contain their run game, that will be a big plus for us and help us be successful.”

Containing it won’t be easy, but Georgia’s fully aware of that. A good running game not only wears down defenses but it opens up the passing game, something LSU did well against Arkansas.

For Miles, there’s no question his offense -- and team -- wouldn’t be this successful without its tough running game.

“We're fortunate there that we have guys that can step on the field and give us some advantages,” Miles said.

“We're capable any time you have those kind of guys. It allows you to run the football effectively. You have to have that matching tailback that can take a pitch and go speed or come downhill into a tight space and run with physical ability. I'd have to think that our running back group gives us that.”

And just like that, we're all tied up.

For weeks, Chris and his Over the Hill team dominated my Young Guns, but after a four-game winning streak. We both hold 5-5 records with only a couple of weeks left.

Remember, Chris was once had 3-0 and 5-1 records.

I told him not to count me out of this, but he didn't listen. Just like he doesn't understand that he'll fall in the picks this year, as well.

Two weeks ago, the Young Guns fired off a 119-84 win thanks to 31 points from Vanderbilt quarterback Jordan Rodgers and 23 from Auburn running back Michael Dyer. We made a lot of roster adjustments that week, so I guess we know who the best manager truly is.

Last week was beyond crucial. A loss for the Young Guns and the season was basically over. With our regular lineups back, there was no room for excuses. And the Young Guns didn't have time for them as they blew out Over the Hill 145-99.

My quarterback duo of Jordan Rodgers and Aaron Murray got me 58 points, while Dennis Johnson grabbed 17 points thanks to a special teams touchdown.

Chris got 38 points out of his quarterbacks and had a nice 16-point showing from Trent Richardson and a 22-point showing from Vick Ballard, but it wasn't enough. Alshon Jeffery just hasn't come close to being a fantasy star this year and registered jut one point last week.

It is now a best-of-3 series for both teams, so things are going to be exciting from here on out. I knew I'd be counted out and laughed at, but my head stayed up and my team stayed confident.

Chris and I aren't really on speaking terms right now, which is understandable. I'd be pretty frustrated, too, if I was about to go down in both picks and fantasy football to a rookie, fresh off of the newspaper beat.

Change is brewing in the SEC ...

Here's what last week looked like:

YOUNG GUNS

QB: Jordan Rodgers (279 yds, 2 TDs; 20 rushing yds, 1 TD -- 27
QB: Aaron Murray (238, 5 TDs; 28 rushing yards) -- 31
RB: Michael Ford (72 yds) -- 7
RB: Dennis Johnson (86 yds; 36 receiving yds; 1 return TD) -- 17
WR: Jarius Wright (103 yds, 2 TDs) -- 22
WR: Orson Charles (60 yds, 1 TD) -- 12
DEF: LSU (6 pts, 0 TD, 2 sacks, 2 INT, Win) -- 20
K: Georgia (9 XP) -- 9

TOTAL: 145

OVER THE HILL

QB: Tyler Wilson (299 yds, 2 TDs) -- 19
QB: Connor Shaw (128 yds; 24 rushing yds, 2 TDs) -- 19
RB: Trent Richardson (89 yds; 80 receiving yds) -- 16
RB: Vick Ballard (102 yds, 2 TDs) -- 22
WR: Alshon Jeffery (19 yds) -- 1
WR: Joe Adams (63 yds) -- 6
DEF: Alabama (9 pts, 1 sack, 2 INT, Loss) -- 9
K: Ole Miss (2 FGs, 1 XP) -- 7

TOTAL: 99

Edward Aschoff talks to LSU running back Michael Ford about Saturday's matchup with Alabama.

BATON ROUGE, La. -- People usually stress quality over quantity.

It’s tough to perfect that and it’s even harder to get both.

Well, that’s what LSU is working with in its backfield.

The top-ranked Tigers (8-0, 5-0) are putting a pounding on opposing front sevens with their stable of running backs.

First, there’s Spencer Ware, who is the leader of the pack and the battering ram. He runs with power and grace while continuing to get extra yardage with those fancy spin moves.

Next you have Michael Ford. He isn’t as big as Ware, but he still packs a punch. He has a little more speed and complements Ware well in the offense.

And don’t forget about Alfred Blue. Even at 6 feet 2 inches, he’s a versatile back who has as many yards for loss as touchdowns (4).

Together, these three have totaled 1,205 yards and 16 touchdowns on 264 carries this season. They are a major reason why LSU is fourth in the SEC in rushing (189 yards a game) and why the Tigers enter their showdown with No. 2 Alabama (8-0, 5-0) as the No. 1 team in the land.

“It’s nice to have a stable of running backs,” LSU offensive lineman Will Blackwell said.

“‘Fresh legs’ like I like to say. Guys don’t have to carry the ball 30 times a game. They can get 10 or 15 and run as hard as they can every time and you don’t have to worry about them wearing down or getting out of breathe or getting banged up.”

It’s LSU’s running backs who have done most of the roughing up this season.

Ford said he would love for he and his teammates to take the credit for a successful running game, but all of his praise was directed toward running backs coach Frank Wilson. Ford said he’s the one who comes up with the game plans and makes the decisions about who will play and when someone will play.

He keeps them fresh during games and hungry during practice.

“You might not know who it is, but Coach Frank gets us ready for anybody who goes in there during practice,” Ford said. “We just rotate, rotate, rotate.”

It’s that attitude that has this group excelling. Ware might be considered the No. 1, but all three think they’re starters.

“You never know who is going to start because practice won’t tell you,” he said. “We all have to go out there and play hard.

“It helps out a lot because when we get to the game, nobody misses a beat.”

It could get frustrating not knowing what your role will be in upcoming games, but this group doesn’t mind. Ford said any one of them could take the reins from beginning to end.

That was made pretty obvious when Ware was suspended for the Auburn game, leaving the other backs to shoulder the load. This time it was yet another running back who stepped up in during Ware’s absence. Ford gained 82 yards on 12 carries, but it was true freshman Kenny Hilliard who had a breakout game, gaining 85 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

Before the Auburn game, Hilliard had just five carries.

Having multiple backs carrying the rock during a game doesn’t mean changing offensive styles. Blackwell said that even though each back runs differently, the offense treats the running backs the same when they’re on the field and it’s all about creating holes.

“We block the same no matter who’s back there,” he said.

What can get lost in the rushing bundle is that these backs’ success helps open up the passing game. Quarterback Jarrett Lee said his job is much easier and the passing game is tougher to stop when he has the luxury of handing the ball off to a handful of running backs.

“It helps a lot. When you have a stable of backs like we do who can come in and make plays like that then it opens up the passing game,” Lee said. “It opens up the play-action passing game for us.”

Ware is back from suspension and LSU’s bye week has this group feeling better than ever. Ford said throwing multiple backs out and keeping these players vibrant can be hazardous for a defense.

“Definitely it wears them down because every time somebody goes in there, you know they’re fresh when the defense is tired,” he said.

Our rosters for the weekend are set and since things are really heating up in our College Football Challenge, Chris and I felt we should share our changes with you.

With Alabama and LSU on their bye weeks, we had to make major adjustments to our lineups.

Chris replaced Alabama running back Trent Richardson with Georgia's Isaiah Crowell and LSU running back Spencer Ware with Mississippi State's Vick Ballard.

He also replaced Alabama's defense with South Carolina's.

I subbed out LSU running back Michael Ford for Arkansas' Dennis Johnson and LSU wide receiver Rueben Randle for Georgia tight end Orson Charles. With Malcolm Mitchell doubtful, I think Charles gets a lot of passes thrown his way. Mississippi State's defense also replaces LSU's defense.

Here are our complete rosters:

Over the Hill
QB: Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
QB: Connor Shaw, South Carolina
RB: Isaiah Crowell, Georgia
RB: Vick Ballard, Mississippi State
WR: Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
WR: Joe Adams, Arkansas
DEF: South Carolina
K: Ole Miss

YOUNG GUNS
QB: Aaron Murray, Georgia
QB: Jordan Rodgers, Vanderbilt
RB: Michael Dyer, Auburn
RB: Dennis Johnson, Arkansas
WR: Jarius Wright, Arkansas
WR: Orson Charles, Georgia
DEF: Mississippi State
K: Georgia

Slowly, I'm creeping back in.

Chris had built a pretty strong lead at the top of our College Football Challenge, but after two wins in a row, the Young Guns are starting to get hot. Saturday, the Young Guns (3-5) pulled off a nail-biter with a 107-103 win against Over the Hill (5-3).

We had a few substitutions this week on both sides and we still didn't cover all of our positions. Chris didn't sub out Spencer Ware at running back and I didn't sub out Georgia's kicking game.

Hey, it's a busy part of the year, so we aren't perfect, here. But I lucked by with the four-point win.

Picking up Jordan Rodgers was a strong move for me, as he got a game-high 26 points. Rueben Randle was huge as well, grabbing two touchdown catches and getting me 22 points.

Chris had another big day from Trent Richardson, who recorded yet another 20-plus-point game and Tyler Wilson got him 21 points, thanks to two rushing touchdowns.

We'll be making more adjustments to our rosters this week, so we'll have another update later in the week on what our rosters look like for the weekend ahead.

YOUNG GUNS

QB: Jordan Rodgers (186 yds, 1 TD; 96 rushing yds, 1 TD) -- 26
QB: AJ McCarron (284 yds, 1 TD; 1 rushing TD) -- 21
RB: Michael Ford (82 yds) -- 8
RB: Michael Dyer (60 yds) -- 6
WR: Jarius Wright (20 yds) -- 2
WR: Rueben Randle (106 yds, 2 TDs) -- 22
DEF: LSU (10 pts, 1 TD, 6 sacks, 1 INT, 1 Fum, 1 Win) -- 22
K: Georgia (no stats) -- 0

TOTAL: 107

OVER THE HILL

QB: Tyler Wilson (232 yds, 2 rushing TDs) -- 21
QB: Jarrett Lee (165 yds, 2 TDs) -- 14
RB: Trent Richardson (77yds, 2 TDs; 33 receiving yds) -- 22
RB: Spencer Ware (no stats) -- 0
WR: Marquis Maze (106 yds) -- 10
WR: Joe Adams (124 yds) -- 12
DEF: Alabama (6 pts, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble, Win) -- 18
K: Ole Miss (1 FG, 3 XP) -- 6

TOTAL: 103