Lacy and Yeldon hold the “crystal” key for 'Bama

The Alabama Crimson Tide average 224 rushing yards per contest (20^th in the nation) and that average is due in colossal measure to the output of junior Eddie Lacy, and true freshman T.J. Yeldon.

While it never hurts to run behind what is considered the best offensive line in the nation, both Lacy and Yeldon have shown their ability to make yards after contact and seemingly turn minimal gains into explosive plays.

In what has proven to be the ideal complement of talent, the success of Lacy and Yeldon has allowed the Alabama passing attack to flourish, which has given AJ McCarron the platform to showcase his skills. Both McCarron, and true freshman wide receiver Amari Cooper, have played “starring roles” in the Crimson Tide offense which has been “opened up” courtesy of a potent rushing attack.

While the Notre Dame Fighting Irish also possess a nice mix of run and pass, the prevailing consensus suggests that Alabama’s physicality on the ground is in a different “league” than that of the Irish. Couple that assumption with Alabama’s offensive line, and the postulation does form a more than plausible conclusion.

Similar numerical results (stats) don’t always indicate the entire picture, especially when the “picture” is comprised of different levels of competition, and individual talent.

One can easily deduce that if Lacy and Yeldon achieve the team average mark of 224 yards, Notre Dame could find themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

Season superlatives

Eddie Lacy: 184 carries - 1,182 yards - 6.4 yards per carry - 16 TDs
T.J. Yeldon: 154 carries - 1,000 yards - 6.5 yards per carry - 11 TDs

Both Lacy and Yeldon have individually rushed for 100 yards-plus on four different occasions in 2012, and both set career-high rushing marks against Georgia in the SEC championship game. Lacy rushed for 181 yards, while Yeldon earned 153.

Additional reading

-Alabama has four AP All-Americans
-Demand for Alabama tickets to BCS Championship Game far greater than 2009