TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama-Penn State game presents a matchup of promising running backs getting their shot at bigger roles.
The Crimson Tide’s Trent Richardson and the Nittany Lions’ Silas Redd both have taken over for prolific runners going into Saturday’s matchup. Both also could carry big loads with each team facing uncertain quarterback situations.
Each has shown signs of being able to handle them.
Richardson ran for 144 yards in last season’s meeting while Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram was sidelined with a knee injury. He calls it “one of the biggest games of my life.”
Redd gained 104 yards on 12 carries against Indiana State after taking over for Evan Royster.
Both backs face defenses that yielded little on the ground in lopsided openers.
