In a battle of quarterbacks considered to be the "elites" of the SEC, it might be the battle of unsuccessful rushing attacks that actually makes the difference between the LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Tigers' offensive line has struggled to generate push all season, leading to them being one of the weakest run games in the country. They average just 104.8 yards per game, which ranks No. 118 out of 134 schools.

For possibly the only time this season, though, they are facing an opposing rushing attack that is less successful than their own. The Gamecocks gain just 99.8 yards on the ground, on average, which ranks at No. 120.

If one of the two teams could get their rushing attack going, it could be the difference in the game.

Starting with the LSU ground game, they will be getting a boost with Caden Durham coming back from injury. Hopefully, he will return with some renewed energy that can help him find his footing.

Durham had expectations of being one of the top backs in the SEC this season, but that hasn't happened because of his inconsistencies. He can still break off big rushes, but the carry-to-carry offense hasn't been there.

It's partially the offensive line struggling, but Durham himself hasn't looked the same either. He has felt a step slower and a little bit stiffer, but he's still far from a lost cause. 

Behind him, things aren't much clearer. Ju'Juan Johnson and Harlem Berry have had their moments, but the Tigers don't lean on them much. Neither stood out in Durham's last game.

South Carolina's rushing defense is just ok, which could be the opening that the Tigers need. They rank No. 70 with 143.2 yards allowed each game.

The Gamecocks mostly split their carries between Rahsul Faison and Oscar Adaway III on offense.

Faison leads the team with 163 yards and three touchdowns on 41 carries, which is just at 4.0 yards per carry. He's a big 6-foot-0, 218-pound bruiser who dominated the Mountain West Conference last season. He just hasn't stood out as a transfer.

Adaway is a sixth-year senior whose role has decreased since the start of the year.

Redshirt freshman Matthew Fuller had 19 carries for 48 yards and a score in their last game, a win over the Kentucky Wildcats. It wasn't an efficient night, but they could get him working in to try and get something going.

There is also the dynamic of LaNorris Sellers' legs to worry about. He doesn't do it every game, but he can certainly take over. Last week, for instance, he had 81 yards on 14 attempts. LSU struggled to stop Trinidad Chambliss, so it could come back to haunt them again.

Both teams have more talent than they have had results. Whoever can look better on the ground on Saturday will have a major leg up on their opponent.