Chris Wells, Knowshon Moreno: 2008 College Football Battle—Running Backs

There are some quality backs scattered throughout the landscape of college football. Names including LeSean McCoy, James Davis, and DeMarco Murray come to mind as members of the upper echelon of NCAA running backs entering the 2008 season.

However, no two names will shine brighter than Chris Wells and Knowshon Moreno, the two titans atop a mountain of college football tailbacks.

Chris "Beanie" Wells and Knowshon Moreno are the two most accomplished backs returning to school this fall. They are also the only two running backs entering the season with serious chances to win the storied Heisman trophy. 

Both players are truly special talents coming off stellar 2007 campaigns and head into 2008 looking to improve.

Chris "Beanie" Wells (6'1", 237 lbs.)

Beanie had a prodigious sophomore season carrying the ball 274 times for 1609 yards and 15 touchdowns. The kid has the prototypical build of a dominating Big Ten running back and the slug it out style demanded of him. 

While he isn't the swiftest back, Wells has shown flashes of speed with long carries against Michigan (62 yds) and in the title game against LSU (65 yds). 

Wells has great NFL potential in his big frame, durability and aggressive running style. He is a non-factor in the pass game, only catching five passes for 21 yards. This can be attributed partly to his ineffectiveness but also to Jim Tressell's system. 

Although Beanie isn't a truly elusive running back he is a consistent breaker of tackles and runs to and through contact to get the extra yards.

The most impressive attribute of Beanie Wells is his ability to put the Buckeyes on his back in multiple situations, essentially carrying the ball and his team to victories at the Big House (39 carries, 222 yds) and against Michigan State (31 carries, 221 yds). 

He is the centerpiece of a championship caliber Ohio State team and with Heisman moments like those a serious contender.

Knowshon Moreno (5'11", 207 lbs.)

His size listings are generous but his impact is major, toting the load 248 times for 1334 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2007. Moreno burst onto the scene for the Bulldogs, clearly establishing himself among the nation's elite all the while still splitting time with the incumbent, Thomas Brown (148 carries, 816 yds).

Knowshon is a solid back, especially at his small stature, that possesses the speed and exceptional elusiveness required to be a successful SEC running back.

Another plus for the New Jersey native is his factoring into the Dawgs passing game. Moreno caught 20 balls for 253 yards, ranking him fourth on the team and making him a versatile threat to defenses.

Some may question his durability at a scrappy 5'11", 207, but his 33-carry Cocktail Party performance sandwiched between 28 carries at Vandy and 26 carries at Troy, should dispel any doubt. 

Moreno is a quality, every down back who catches as surely as he runs the rock. He's a confident player who should lead the Dawgs to an SEC title and a BCS berth.

The Verdict

Both running backs bring tremendous talent and a strong skill set to the table.  Both seem positioned to be in the season-long Heisman race up to the end, and deservedly so.

OSU's Wells holds the edge in strength, power and size, while the Dawgs' Moreno edges Wells in elusiveness, speed and versatility. 

The nod has to go to Moreno. 

He possesses all the major qualities that today's college football running backs need to be great; speed, elusiveness, versatility, and above all, durability.

Moreno is a dual threat every time he steps on the field and his speed allows for him to break off big chunks of yardage in a hurry.

Next Week's Battle at the Top: Spread QB's