So much for Big Ten-SEC hate, Heisman rivalries and College Football Playoff resentment.

Alabama’s Derrick Henry (1,797 rushing yards, 22 TDs) and Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott (1,642 rushing yards, 19 TDs) are competing for many of the same team and individual goals.

Henry appears to hold an advantage over Elliott when it comes to individual awards. Alabama is a lock to make the College Football Playoff as well, if the Tide wins next week’s SEC championship. Ohio State needs Florida to upset Bama if the Buckeyes are to have a prayer to make the four-team field.

Oh, and there’s the simple matter of Elliott’s 230 rushing yards and two touchdowns when Ohio State beat Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinals last Jan. 1.

The two players may even be competing for spots in the NFL draft. Elliott already has said that he’ll declare, while Henry is a potential first-round pick. Expect to see the two attending the NFL Combine as competitors, wanting to become the first running back selected in 2016.

For now, though, they share mutual respect.