Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Re'quan Boyette is Duke's junior running back and leading rusher through the first seven games of the season. The 5'10" 210 pound back from Wilson, North Carolina has 279 yards rushing and 1 TD. Duke has 4 total TDs rushing. He is averaging a respectable 5.2 yards per carry. Duke had a bye this week but in their last game against Va. Tech Boyette had 42 yards rushing and no TDs as they lost 43-14.

Boyette is a talented back who can run both inside and outside of the tackles. He was Duke’s leading returning rusher from a season ago. He also owns the 10th-longest rush from scrimmage in Blue Devil history with a 78-yard jaunt against Florida State on October 22, 2005. In 2006, he played in all 12 games and led Duke in rushing with 388 yards.

For the Noles,Antone Smith had a breakout game against the Canes on Saturday. For the year Smith has 436 yards rushing and 3 TDs. FSU has 7 total TDs rushing for the season. Against the Canes, Smith rushed for 114 yards and 0 TDs. He averaged 5.2 yards a carry in the game and had a run for 36 yards. The key will be if Smith can continue to run the ball with confidence and avoid fumbles.

With the announcement that Drew Weatherford will be the starting QB, Smith had better be at his "A" game from here on out. As every Nole fan knows, the schedule in November is T-O-U-G-H.