Best of the difference-makers

Some highlights this season for Alabama running back Trent Richardson, LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu:

Richardson

-Acco-nted for 169 yards from scrimmage in the regular-season loss to LSU, the most allowed by the Tigers this season. Oregon’s Lamichael James was next best, accounting for 115 in the season opener.

-His 1,910 yards from scrimmage account for 36.7% of the team’s total.

-Has not lost a fumble in his last 550 touches, including 293 this season.

-Posted a career-high four touchdowns on 17 carries vs. Mississippi. He gained 10.8 yards a carry before exiting midway through the third quarter.

-Saved his best for the regular-season finale against Auburn, rolling up a career-high 203 yards rushing on 27 carries.

Mathieu

-Leads the team in total tackles with 70. -His 62-yard punt return in the SEC title game against Georgia got the Tigers on the board after the offense was unable to get one first down in the first half. He also had a fumble recovery and 47-yard punt return in the second half that set up touchdowns.

-Scored the Tigers’ first touchdown of the season when he stripped the ball from Oregon punt returner Kenjon Barner and took it 3 yards.

-Scored again off a fumble against Kentucky, stripping Wildcats backup QB Maxwell Smith and taking the ball 23 yards to the end zone. He forced another fumble that day to set the school career mark with 11 in 18 games.