Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Through the first two games, junior college transfer Shaun Kermah is the leading rusher for Chattanooga. The 6-2. 225 back has rushed for 114 yards and 1 TD and is averaging almost 4 yards a carry. Prior to Chattanooga, he was a running back who gained over 800 yards and scored eight touchdowns last year at Glendale College in Glendale, Calif.

Close behind him is Erroll Wynn who has rushed for 65 yards and 1 TD. Although a junior, Wynn is the elder statesman of the backs in his third year with the Mocs. In 2007, Wynn had 776 yards rushing with 3 TDs and averaged 4 yards per attempt.

Before the season began, it was thought that the running back tandem of senior Bryan Fitzgerald and junior Erroll Wynn had the potential to be the best in the Southern Conference in 2008. However, on the first day of the Mocs’ preseason camp Fitzgerald reported with a knee injury that has him out for the season.

For the Noles, Antone Smith will be the starting back. In the first game, Smith had a good outing with 46 yards and 1 TD. He had limited playing time against West Carolina coming out in the third quarter while backup freshman Jermaine Thomas had 91 yards and 2 TDS.In addition, freshman Carlton Jones had 24 yards rushing. Expect to see the backups in the game against Chattanooga as the Noles head for their first ACC game against Wake Forest next week.