Breaking Down The Numbers: Rushing Offense

National rankings based on 119 teams and the ACC rankings on 12 teams:

Stat: Rushing Offense- FSU averaged 127.46 yards per game in 2007.

ACC Ranking: 2006- #12 2007- #8

National Ranking: 2006- #103 2007- #91

Before the 2007 season began, Bobby Bowden predicted that Antone Smith would rush for over a thousand yards. That did not happen. Smith in 2007 rushed for 819 yards or a little over 68 yards per game.

This can be attributed to inexperience on the offensive line and some injuries but quite frankly it is that Smith is not the back that most Seminole fans thought would emerge in 2007. The one bright spot in the backfield was Preston Parker who seemed to be able to find holes that Smith could not.FSU did improve in rushing offense standings from 2006 but the running game was still not a significant factor for the Noles in 2007.

The Noles made a statement when they recruited several backs for 2008. It will be interesting to see how Smith will figure into the mix in 2008.