LSU vs Alabama 2015: Storylines for a classic in the making

Oct 24, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Rushing Attacks 

It is well known what LSU has to offer in the running game.

Sophomore running back Leonard Fournette has taken the college football world by storm. Until a breakout performance by TCU quarterback Treyvon Boykin last week, he was literally and metaphorically running away with the Heisman Trophy. And although his performance has dropped off slightly as of late, he is still the clearcut favorite to win college football’s most prestigious honor.

Through seven games, Fournette leads the nation in several statistical categories, including rushing yards this season (1352 yards on 176 rushes), touchdowns (15), and yards per game (193.1 yards per game). LSU’s workhorse in the backfield has caught the attention of the entire country with his play, including some of the greatest college running backs of all-time.

As great as Fournette and the Tigers’ run game is, though, Alabama’s rushing attack is not far behind.

This should come as no surprise, as the Crimson Tide have been blessed with talented running backs for what has seemed like an eternity. Among the elite backs to come out of Tuscaloosa in recent years include Eddie Lacy, Trent Richardson and former Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram.

The new highly-touted Alabama running back is junior Derrick Henry, who is just as talented as any of the aforementioned greats. Henry certainly fits the stereotypical build of a Nick Saban-bred power back, and if Fournette were not having such a legendary season, he could very well be leading the Heisman Trophy race.

Through eight games this season, the 6-foot-3, 240 pound back has rushed for 1,044 yards and 14 total touchdowns, averaging an impressive 130.5 yards per game.

Next: The Run Defenses