Head To Head Matchup: Running Back

Through two games, Wake Forest has 237 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Contrast that to the Noles with 527 yards rushing and 7 TDs. And it is true that those yards for the Noles were against lesser opponents.

For Wake, their go to guy is Josh Adams. The 6-0/182 sophomore set the Wake Forest record for the most rushing yards (953), rushing attempts (219), receptions (34), rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (12) by a redshirt freshman. Adams was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2007. In 2008, Adams has rushed for 80 yards and 1 TD.

Complementing Adams is 5-9/200 redshirt freshman Brandon Pendergrass. Pendergrass who is a Florida native was rated as the 17th-best all-purpose back by one recruiting service, the 20th-best running back by ESPN and the 97th-best running back by another recruiting service. He was the Lou Groza High School Award winner as the best player in Palm Beach County. In 2008, Penedergrass has 83 yards rushing and 2 TDs.

For the Noles, Antone Smith will be the main ball carrier against Wake. For the year, Smith has rushed for 124 yards and 2 TDs. His yards per carry is a healthy 6.2 yards average. Backing up Smith will be Jermaine Thomas.

On the season, Thomas has 125 yards rushing and 2 TDs.Thomas at 6-1/200 is a freshman that has been described by ESPN as a "supreme blend of size and speed." Fans have seen glimpses of this in the games against WCU and Chattanooga.

In addition, let's not forget that all everything Preston Parker could show up in the backfield for the Noles. Parker is coming off a two game suspension but in 2007 was used in the backfield as well as at receiver.