By Jason Smith
Sports Editor

The running game in football is transforming from a system that features one back into a running back by committee style. The Shaun Alexanders and Cadillac Williamses are not as prevalent and teams utilize a multitude of backs that feature different styles of running.

LSU Tigers
LSU has a never-ending supply of running backs it seems, whether it is Charles Scott bruising up the middle, Richard Murphy beating defenders to the corner or the steady Keiland Williams. Throw in the dual-threat capabilities of Jordan Jefferson and the Tigers have the top running game in the SEC.

Florida Gators
As prolific as the Gators’ offense has been the past few years, the Gators have not been able to find a consistent running back not named Tim Tebow. In fact, the top two rushers on last year’s Gator offense were Tebow and wide receiver Percy Harvin.

The Gators still have three blazing fast running backs who can thrive in Meyer’s spread offense.

They may not have the typical bruising style that people have become accustomed to in SEC football, but they are definitely one of the better backfields in the SEC.

Alabama Crimson Tide
The Tide lost leading rusher Glenn Coffee to the NFL last season, but the talented sophomore Mark Ingram appears to be a budding star at running back. The Tide can also rely Roy Upchurch and Mississippi native Terry Grant.

Ole Miss Rebels
Everyone expected Houston Nutt to bring in some of the nation’s top running backs when he took the job at Ole Miss. In his first year he brought in three freshman running backs that are poised to make an impact this season and transformed Dexter McCluster into one of the most dangerous players in football out of the backfield.

Brandon Bolden was second behind senior Cordera Eason in rushing yards and emerged from spring practice as the starter.

Enrique Davis continues to improve his conditioning and has the most potential out of the three freshmen, and Devin Thomas is making a strong case for more playing time following an impressive spring.

Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas fans have convinced themselves that Houston Nutt left their progam in shambles. However, he did leave them the best running back in the SEC heading into the 2009 season. Michael Smith tallied 1,119 yards on the ground last season and became one of the more dangerous backs in the SEC as the season progressed.

Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia fans anointed Caleb King the next Knowshon Moreno as a senior in high school. King has not been that type of player yet and will have to come into his own and help new starter Joe Cox at quarterback.

Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee is usually similar to LSU in that they are constantly replenishing their running back corps. Ed Orgeron and Lane Kiffin do not have much in terms of experienced talent, and will rely on James Hardesty early on in the season, but do not be surprised to see the No. 1 recruit in the nation last season, Bryce Brown, compete for playing time.

Auburn Tigers
Ben Tate struggled last season, but so did the entire Auburn offense. Problems at quarterback made it difficult for the Tiger ground game to produce. Tate managed to compile 664 yards last season and will be backed up by Mario Fanin and Onterrio McCalebb.

Mississippi State Bulldogs
Each year Anthony Dixon is supposed to be the next big running back in the SEC. That has not been the case. Still, Dixon is a solid running back, but unfortunately the Bulldogs do not have much on offense other than Dixon.

Vanderbilt Commodores
Jared Hawkins had a solid season last year as a junior, but the Commodores look like they’ll remain the Commodores and stack up near the bottom of the SEC.

Kentucky Wildcats
The Wildcats are led by Alphonso Smith at running back. It is a veteran backfield with one running back coming off injury. They don’t have a premiere guy in the backfield but they should be able to produce.

South Carolina Gamecocks
Inexperience sums up the Gamecocks backfield. Eric Baker appears to be the starter but will be pressured by Brian Maddox.