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Vick Ballard flipped through the pages on the Southeastern Conference's statistics report and within a few seconds, the Mississippi State running back found exactly what he wanted.
''Statistically, it shows,'' Ballard said. ''Alabama might have the big names, but we can run the ball just as well.''
Surprisingly, he's correct.
When No. 17 Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2 SEC) travels to face No. 11 Alabama (7-2, 4-2), it's the Bulldogs' relatively anonymous backfield that has the statistical advantage over Alabama's celebrated duo of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.
Mississippi State ranks third in the SEC in rushing yardage, averaging 218.7 yards per game. Ballard, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior college transfer who is one of the team's surprise stars, has rushed for 619 yards and 12 touchdowns. Freshman LaDarius Perkins has been a solid second option, rushing for 377 yards and three touchdowns.
And then there's quarterback Chris Relf, who often looks more comfortable running than throwing. He's rushed for 507 yards and scored three touchdowns.
''We think we can run the ball against just about anybody,'' Ballard said. ''Our offensive line has been great and does most of the hard work. I've had good holes to run through all year.''
Alabama is fifth in the SEC with 177.4 rushing yards per game. Ingram, the defending Heisman Trophy winner, battled a knee injury earlier in the season but has still rushed for 641 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 91.6 yards per game. Richardson has rushed for 634 yards and five touchdowns, but has been limited in practice this week after injuring his knee against LSU.
Alabama coach Nick Saban said they'll have to ''wait and see'' about his status for Saturday's game. Redshirt freshman Eddie Lacy would be the likely candidate to get extra carries if Richardson can't play.
Mississippi State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said Alabama's offense still poised a formidable challenge.
''I think people understand the threat that those guys bring,'' Diaz said. ''I see two backs who are averaging 6 yards per carry. To me, the only difference I see is that - whether they're a shoestring tackle away - they haven't been able to hit the home run. Those home runs change the whole dynamic. Those are the highlights you watch late on SportsCenter late at night - the 60-yard touchdown run.
''But both of those guys definitely still have the ability to do that.''
The difference between the two offenses is that Alabama is much more balanced. Tide quarterback Greg McElroy has thrown for 2,004 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. Receiver Julio Jones has 55 catches for 758 yards and four touchdowns.
Relf has thrown for 926 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. Chad Bumphis is the only MSU receiver with more than 20 catches, with 35 receptions for 502 yards and four touchdowns.
So far, it hasn't mattered for the Bulldogs, who have also leaned on good defense and special teams during their current six-game winning streak. But Alabama's good enough that it might force them to diversify.
''I think in order for us to win the game we've got to pass a little more,'' Relf said.
But Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said the Bulldogs won't shy away from their strength, which is pounding the ball on the ground and grinding for long touchdown drives. He said Alabama's defense will provide the toughest challenge to date.
''When you run the football, your margin for error is smaller,'' Mullen said. ''Your chances of making a big play are probably a little less than when you get a one-on-one throw down the field, and our guy can leap over somebody and catch the ball or if a DB falls down then you have a 70-yard touchdown. When you're running the football, you have to execute at a very high level.''
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AP Sports Writer John Zenor in Tuscaloosa, Ala., contributed to this story.
