Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Antone Smith said before the start of the 2007 football season that this was the year for him to shine. That has not happened yet. There have been flashes of greatness but nothing to suggest that he can be a pivotal player-yet. He has been knicked up and suffered a concussion in the UAB game. In the Colorado game, he rushed for 66 yards with Bobby Bowden saying "I didn't think he ran good."

Through three games, the 5'9" and 188 pound junior from Pahokee,Florida has 218 yards for an average of 4.2 yards a carry and 2 TDs. His longest run has been for 49 yards and he is averaging almost 73 yards a game. In addition, he has 9 catches for 75 yards.

On the Bama side of the ball, freshmen Terry Grant, at 5"10" and 188 pounds, is the primary running back for the Crimson Tide. As stated in a previous post, Grant came within two touchdowns of the Mississippi State record with 113 career touchdowns at Lumberton High School. He was tabbed Mississippi’s Mr. Football as a senior and was named to the All-State team. Also played baseball and track. Member of the National Honor Society and graduated with honors.

Through four games, he has 5 TDs and has rushed for 483 yards and is averaging 6.6 yards a carry. He also has caught the ball 8 times for 48 yards. In the Georgia game on Saturday, Grant was really not a factor. He did not have a TD but rushed for 80 yards and averaged 7.3 yards. His longest run of the night was for 30 yards.

In looking at both teams, I look for both Bama and the Noles to try and stop the run and let the quarterbacks try and beat you. Both backs can open up a game if they are allowed to run. I don't see the defenses allowing that to happen.