ACC vs. SEC: RB Rankings
By: Roy Philpott
As mentioned in a previous blog, the ACC, while not the stronger conference, does have more talent and overall depth among its 12 institutions than the SEC at the running back position.
Just for fun, we decided to rank all 24 schools to see how it all shakes out:
1. Arkansas
- Darren McFadden and Felix Jones give the Razorbacks the most explosive combination of running backs in the country. McFadden is my early selection to win the Heisman Trophy. (Surprise.)
2. Clemson
James Davis and C.J. Spiller give Clemson the top running back combination in the ACC, but this duo still ranks below McFadden and Jones. No shame in that.
3. Georgia
- Somewhat quietly the Dawgs have assembled a collection of running backs with as much talent as any team in the country. Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, Knowshon Mareno, and yes even Caleb King give Georgia speed, talent and depth for the foreseeable future.
4. Virginia Tech
- Brandon Ore could be depended on even more heavily this year with question marks at quarterback for the Hokies. A strong back that is known for breaking tackles and carrying the load, Ore will put up even larger numbers this year assuming he stays healthy.
5. N.C. State
- Toney Baker and Andre Brown give the Wolfpack faithful hope of turning last year’s 3-9 disappointment into a bowl game in 2007 under new head coach Tom O’Brien. Give it to each back 20 times and watch what happens in Raleigh.
6. Tennessee
- Last year’s top three ground gainers return for the Volunteers, but will they establish the running game with QB Erik Ainge calling the shots? LaMarcus Coker averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season.
7. South Carolina
- Cory Boyd is one of the toughest backs in the SEC and is also a solid threat through the air. Mike Davis provides ample depth.
8. Miami
- Javarris James and Graig Cooper could be two of the top backs on this list before the end of the season. But let’s see how new coach Randy Shannon elects to use them before we get ahead of ourselves.
9. Georgia Tech
- Tashard Choice led the ACC in rushing last season but how will he do when teams focus on stopping Tech’s ground game as opposed to stopping the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft in Calvin Johnson?
10. Maryland
- Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball are two bruising backs that offer the Terps a solid one-two punch in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.
11. Boston College
- While not the most explosive backs, L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendar give Boston College quality depth on an offense led by the ACC’s top signal caller, Matt Ryan.
12. LSU
- The Tigers need a healthy Keiland Williams to pick up the pace after No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell left for the National Football League. QB Matt Flynn is no slouch and plenty of talent remains behind Williamsand on the offensive line for LSU to win the SEC West once again.
13. Ole Miss
BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a powerful runner who has All-SEC potential (behind McFadden and Jones of course). Bigger questions at quarterback make it even more important for him to have a big season.
14. Florida State
- Antone Smith will carry the load in an offense led by new coordinator Jimbo Fisher. As mentioned in a previous blog, FSU hasn’t had a 1,000 yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996.
15. Auburn
- Brad Lester will likely hold off Ben Tate for the starting position, but for how long? Both backs put up solid numbers in limited action a year ago backing up Kenny Irons.
16. Florida
- Hard to believe the defending national champions are this low on this list- but they are. Sorry Urban, Keystan Moore doesn’t sound like a guy to lead you to back to back championships. Tim Tebow? Now that that’s a different story.
17. Kentucky
- If Rafael Little could manage to stay healthy for the course of an entire season, the Wildcats would be ranked higher on this list. Too bad that’s a big if. Also there’s this guy named Andre Woodson who likes to throw the ball.
18. Wake Forest
A healthy Micah Andrews could move the Deacons up this list before the end of the season. The development of ACC Rookie of the Year Riley Skinner may allow Jim Grobe to move the ball through the air more than he ever has before in ’07.
19. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt may be one of the best rushing teams in the SEC this season- but it’s not because of the running backs. Sure, Cassen Jackson-Garrison and Jeff Jennings are a decent tandem, but the real star of the show is quarterback Chris Dixon- who led the Commodores in rushing a year ago.
20. Alabama
Terry Grant will be a better long term option than Jimmy Johns. There is talent in the backfield in Tuscaloosa, but it’s largely inexperienced.
21. Virginia
The ‘Hoos averaged less than a 100 yards per game on the ground for the first time since 1992 in 2006. Cedric Peerman doesn’t exactly scare you but his backup, Keith Payne, could move the Cavs higher on this list by season’s end.
22. Mississippi State
- Anthony Dixon isn’t a bad back, he just isn’t that good. Nor is Slyvester Croom’s offense.
Nor is Mississippi State.
23. Duke
- Duke is Duke despite the fact “the Stable” returns in Ronnie Drummer, Justin Boyle and Re’Quan Boyette. The Blue Devils will be throwing the ball more this season anyway under new offensive coordinator Peter Vaas.
24. North Carolina
- When your likely starter is known more as a cartoon character rather than a running back … well that tells you all you need to know. Richie Rich may prove to be a good back, but North Carolina is a few years away.
As mentioned in a previous blog, the ACC, while not the stronger conference, does have more talent and overall depth among its 12 institutions than the SEC at the running back position.Just for fun, we decided to rank all 24 schools to see how it all shakes out:
1. Arkansas
- Darren McFadden and Felix Jones give the Razorbacks the most explosive combination of running backs in the country. McFadden is my early selection to win the Heisman Trophy. (Surprise.)
2. Clemson
James Davis and C.J. Spiller give Clemson the top running back combination in the ACC, but this duo still ranks below McFadden and Jones. No shame in that.
3. Georgia
- Somewhat quietly the Dawgs have assembled a collection of running backs with as much talent as any team in the country. Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, Knowshon Mareno, and yes even Caleb King give Georgia speed, talent and depth for the foreseeable future.
4. Virginia Tech
- Brandon Ore could be depended on even more heavily this year with question marks at quarterback for the Hokies. A strong back that is known for breaking tackles and carrying the load, Ore will put up even larger numbers this year assuming he stays healthy.
5. N.C. State
- Toney Baker and Andre Brown give the Wolfpack faithful hope of turning last year’s 3-9 disappointment into a bowl game in 2007 under new head coach Tom O’Brien. Give it to each back 20 times and watch what happens in Raleigh.
6. Tennessee
- Last year’s top three ground gainers return for the Volunteers, but will they establish the running game with QB Erik Ainge calling the shots? LaMarcus Coker averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season.
7. South Carolina
- Cory Boyd is one of the toughest backs in the SEC and is also a solid threat through the air. Mike Davis provides ample depth.
8. Miami
- Javarris James and Graig Cooper could be two of the top backs on this list before the end of the season. But let’s see how new coach Randy Shannon elects to use them before we get ahead of ourselves.
9. Georgia Tech
- Tashard Choice led the ACC in rushing last season but how will he do when teams focus on stopping Tech’s ground game as opposed to stopping the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL draft in Calvin Johnson?
10. Maryland
- Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball are two bruising backs that offer the Terps a solid one-two punch in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.
11. Boston College
- While not the most explosive backs, L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendar give Boston College quality depth on an offense led by the ACC’s top signal caller, Matt Ryan.
12. LSU
- The Tigers need a healthy Keiland Williams to pick up the pace after No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell left for the National Football League. QB Matt Flynn is no slouch and plenty of talent remains behind Williamsand on the offensive line for LSU to win the SEC West once again.
13. Ole Miss
BenJarvus Green-Ellis is a powerful runner who has All-SEC potential (behind McFadden and Jones of course). Bigger questions at quarterback make it even more important for him to have a big season.
14. Florida State
- Antone Smith will carry the load in an offense led by new coordinator Jimbo Fisher. As mentioned in a previous blog, FSU hasn’t had a 1,000 yard rusher since Warrick Dunn in 1996.
15. Auburn
- Brad Lester will likely hold off Ben Tate for the starting position, but for how long? Both backs put up solid numbers in limited action a year ago backing up Kenny Irons.
16. Florida
- Hard to believe the defending national champions are this low on this list- but they are. Sorry Urban, Keystan Moore doesn’t sound like a guy to lead you to back to back championships. Tim Tebow? Now that that’s a different story.
17. Kentucky
- If Rafael Little could manage to stay healthy for the course of an entire season, the Wildcats would be ranked higher on this list. Too bad that’s a big if. Also there’s this guy named Andre Woodson who likes to throw the ball.
18. Wake Forest
A healthy Micah Andrews could move the Deacons up this list before the end of the season. The development of ACC Rookie of the Year Riley Skinner may allow Jim Grobe to move the ball through the air more than he ever has before in ’07.
19. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt may be one of the best rushing teams in the SEC this season- but it’s not because of the running backs. Sure, Cassen Jackson-Garrison and Jeff Jennings are a decent tandem, but the real star of the show is quarterback Chris Dixon- who led the Commodores in rushing a year ago.
20. Alabama
Terry Grant will be a better long term option than Jimmy Johns. There is talent in the backfield in Tuscaloosa, but it’s largely inexperienced.
21. Virginia
The ‘Hoos averaged less than a 100 yards per game on the ground for the first time since 1992 in 2006. Cedric Peerman doesn’t exactly scare you but his backup, Keith Payne, could move the Cavs higher on this list by season’s end.
22. Mississippi State
- Anthony Dixon isn’t a bad back, he just isn’t that good. Nor is Slyvester Croom’s offense.
Nor is Mississippi State.
23. Duke
- Duke is Duke despite the fact “the Stable” returns in Ronnie Drummer, Justin Boyle and Re’Quan Boyette. The Blue Devils will be throwing the ball more this season anyway under new offensive coordinator Peter Vaas.
24. North Carolina
- When your likely starter is known more as a cartoon character rather than a running back … well that tells you all you need to know. Richie Rich may prove to be a good back, but North Carolina is a few years away.
posted by Roy Philpott @ 2:25 PM
11 Comments
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11 Comments:
What about Percy Harvin. I think with Tebow and Harvin they should be higher on this list. Tebow is a running back playing QB and Harvin is basically a RB in Urban's system
Arkansas and Clemson could be a tie. I think it is fair to say that Arkansas has the #1 and #4 running backs, but Clemson has #2 and #3. I also think that Clemson will see more improvement this year where as Mcfadden may not be able to improve on last year's fantastic performance.
UNC's RB's real name is Richie Rich
Nice job Roy. You got Arkansas right. That's funny you took a shot at MSU football in your little blog. Is it because they kicked Clemson's ass in baseball this summer? For you to make any money, you do have to be a shill for Clemson Athletics. BTW, SC will beat the Tigers again in football. Get used to it.
dgnrshnx must be on crack to think USC will beat Clemson again...LOL!! LMAO!!! I believe you've got it right with Arkansas being better "for now" over Clemson, but watch out!!! If Harper or Korn can get the ball down field through the air, Clemson will be a top 5 offensive team and hard to beat.
Well the fact of the matter is that MSU is terrible in football. Just the way it is bud.
I think dgnrshnx may have some emotional issues to deal with. Maybe its b/c MSU hasn't won more than 3 games for the last 5 yrs. This must be the special bond that ties you to the shamecocks. Good luck getting number 4, and stop stinking up our blog.
clemsUn talk'n to me?
I think UGA is ranked a little too high.
Lumpkin is solid but Brown is coming off a serious knee injury. Moreno and King are unproven talents.
Clemson has the best talent in the nation. Just ask 'em. Too bad it doesn't show up on the field. How lucky you are to have such unbiased cheerleaders like Philpot and Ard. What a joke.
Clemson has the best talent in the nation, just ask them. Too bad it doesn't show up on the field. Good to see Philpot and his boy Ard are so unbiased and straight down the middle, instead of being the usual little mary cheerleaders for Clemson.
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