Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Consider this for a moment. Florida QB Tim Tebow with 20 rushing TDs has twice the number of TDs than FSU's rushing game. This should be reason for all Nole fans to feel very uneasy going into this game. The Gators QB has 749 rushing yards which is more than our leading rusher.

They also have running back, Kestahn Moore, who has 548 yards and 6 TDs. The 5'10' 207 lb. Junior from Arlington, Texas has carried the ball almost 100 times and averaged 5.6 yards a carry. He has also caught the ball 13 times for 81 yards and 1 TD.

Coming out of high school in 2005, Moore was considered a do it all type of back who will fit in with the rigors of the Urban Meyer offense which spreads the ball and relies on all the skill players to run, block and catch. "I am versatile," said Moore describing his abilities. "I can run over you, run past you, juke you. I can catch the ball and block. I do all of it." One thing can be said for Moore. He's not lacking in confidence.

And then we have Percy Harvin. The 5'11" Sophomore speedster from Virginia Beach, Virginia is the wide reciver for the Gators but has also been used extensively in the Gator backfield. He has missed the last two games due to an illness but is expected back for the FSU game which is not good news for Nole fans or our defense. Last year against the Noles, Harvin carried the ball 4 times for 86 yards and 1 Td. Nole fans will remember his run of 41 yards for a TD to put the Gators up 14-0.

In his last game this season against Vanderbilt, Harvin rushed for 113 yards and 2 TDs in addition to catching the ball for another 110 yards. For the season Harvin has rushed the ball for 442 yards and 4 TDs and averaged 8.2 yards a carry.

Key Stat: The Gators have 34 rushing TDs on the season.

On the Nole side of the ball, who knows who will be in the backfield on Saturday. It may be that FSU will employ the same strategy as Florida and use Preston Parker in the backfield and as a receiver also. Parker was impressive in the game against Maryland carrying the ball for 133 yards on 20 carries and averaging 6.7 yards a carry. Antone Smith on the year has carried the ball 171 times for 657 yards and 3 TDs. It is clear that the Noles need a spark and a play maker if they have a shot at winning the game on Saturday. Preston Parker seems to be the most likely candidate.

Key Stat: The Noles have 10 rushing TDs on the season which is only thirty percent of the Gator's rushing TDs.