Top 10 Rushing Tandems In The NCAA

The NCAA like the NFL has become a two back system. Recent BCS champions and contendors have relied on two running backs to get them there.

Just like the NFL, the NCAA has gone away from pounding the ball all year with one back. This not only proves to be more effective, but also saves the legs of the running backs for the next level.

Recent backs like Cedric Benson, Ricky Williams, and Ron Dayne did not or are not have the kinds of careers that were expected from in college.

This list is going to have what I feel are the 10 best rushing duos — and sometimes trios — in the NCAA.

Enjoy!

No. 10: Penn State's Evan Royster and Stephfon Green

Evan Royster: 79 carries, 410 yards, 4 TD

Stephfon Green: 37 carries, 190 yards, 2 TD

With Royster you get good, consistent rushing. With Green, you get pure speed. Put these two together and you have one of the most feared rushing attacks in the nation.

Despite running behind a suspect o-line, Royster and Green have kept Penn State in the top 25 for rushing in the nation.

No. 9: Virginia Tech's Ryan Williams, Josh Oglesby, and David Wilson

Ryan Williams: 108 carries, 575 yards, 8 TD

Josh Oglesby: 31 carries, 190 yards, 2 TD

David Wilson: 19 carries, 170 yards, 1 TD

Virginia Tech is a team that really depends on the run, and with these three players — not to mention Tyrod Taylor — it's not wonder why.

Williams was only inserted as the started after star back Darren Evans went down with a season ending injury.

Fortunately for Tech he was been an amazing replacement.

It will be interesting to see if the other contributors to Tech's rushing attack can continue with their solid play.

No. 8: Tennessee's Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown

Montario Hardesty: 105 carries, 575 yards, 5 TD

Bryce Brown: 46 carries, 229 yards, 1 TD

Most people know of the number one overall recruit Bryce Brown, but do not sleep on senior Montario Hardesty.

This guy is a tough runner and knows how to move in the open field.

Tennessee knows that their future is Bryce Brown, but for this season they are enjoying seeing some great running from both of these backs.

No. 7: Oklahoma's Demarco Murray and Chris Brown

Demarco Murray: 55 carries, 299 yards, 3 TD

Chris Brown: 52 carries, 268 yards, 1 TD

Despite not having the stats of many others on this list, Demarco Murray and Chris Brown have proven themselves as a top rushing duo in the nation.

Last year, both rushed near 1000 yards and were big parts to Oklahoma's champtionship run.

Look for these two to have a big rest of the season.

No. 6: Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer, Josh Nesbitt, and Anthony Allen

Jonathan Dwyer: 65 carries, 409 yards, 3 TD

Josh Nesbitt: 101 carries, 363 yards, 3 TD

Anthony Allen: 22 carries, 227 yards, 3 TD

So you may be wondering, "why is there a quarterback on this list?" Well that's because Josh Nesbitt is what gets this triple offense going.

He takes the majority of the carries and makes the plays for his talented backs.

Despite knowing that the Georgia Tech offense is going to run the majority of the game, teams still cannot stop them.

No. 5: Wisconsin's John Clay and Zach Brown

John Clay: 112 carries, 582 yards, 7 TD

Zach Brown: 52 carries, 211 yards, 3 TD

What can you say about Wisconsin?

Maybe that they have another top five rusher in the NCAA.

Or that he is another bruiser in the strangely similar mold to Ron Dayne and P.J. Hill

And that they have another runner in Zach Brown to fill the shoes when John Clay leaves.

This is why Wisconsin's John Clay and Zach Brown also find themselves in the top five rushing duos.

No. 4: Alabama's Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson

Mark Ingram: 83 carries, 487 yards, 6 TD

Trent Richardson: 52 carries, 306 yards, 4 TD

If you haven't heard of either of these backs you soon will. Together, Ingram and Richardson pack a punch of power and more power.

Ingram is built at a stocky 5'10" 215 lbs. Richardson is an athletic 5'11" 220 lbs.

Both of these backs run like it is their last, and both have great patience in hitting the holes.

Look for these young backs to have at least another year together and quickly become house hold names.

No. 3: USC's Joe McKnight, Allen Bradford, and Stafon Johnson

Joe McKnight: 67 carries, 473 yards, 6 TD

Allen Bradford: 28 carries, 183 yards, 1 TD

Stafon Johnson: 32 carries, 157 yards, 5 TD

In terms of talent, I do not think there is anyone better than this group. Unfortunately because of a freak weight lifting injury to Stafon Johnson USC finds themselves at No. 3.

In the open field no one is faster and more elusive than McKnight. He can change a game only like a former Trojan, Reggie Bush could.

When Johnson is healthy, he is one of the strongest and best goaline rushers in the nation. Hopefully Johnson will still be able to have a successful NFL career.

Meanwhile his backup — former top recruit — Allen Bradford has filled in very well.

Look for other USC backs like C.J. Gable and Marc Tyler to try to get in the act too as the season progresses.

No. 2: Auburn's Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb

Ben Tate: 97 carries, 540 yards, 2 TD

Onterio McCalebb: 67 carries, 416 yards, 3 TD

Who would have thought that Auburn would have themselves at No. 2 in team rushing offense and have two top 25 rushers in the nation?

Probably only Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb.

Tate brings strong, consistent running, and freshan McCalebb brings a lot of speed and versatility.

Together they are the top rushing duo in the nation — statistically.

It will be very interesting to see if these two can continue Auburn's success for the remainder of the season.

No. 1: Florida's Jeff Demps, Tim Tebow, and Chris Rainey

Jeff Demps: 28 carries, 304 yards, 4 TD

Tim Tebow: 55 carries, 271 yards, 5 TD

Chris Rainey: 31 carries, 261 yards, 2 TD

When you combine speed, power, and talent like this, you get big results statistically. Florida comes in with the number four rushing offense in the nation.

With Demps you get speed, speed, and more speed. A top track runner in the nation, Demps sports an unbelievable 10.9 yard rushing average.

Tebow brings the power and therefore takes the majority of the carries. Tebow may be the greatest goal line back of all time. And he is not even a running back!

Rainey is the most well rounded back of the three. Still, Rainey would probably the fastest running back on any other team in the nation.

Until a team shows that they can stop, no, slow down this Florida rushing attack, then they will continue to hold the top spot.

Not Quite...

This is a tribute to the backs that still shoulder the load by themselves every week.

Jahvid Best, Cal: 83 carries, 514 yards, 8 TD

Toby Gerhart, Stanford: 120 carries, 650 yards, 8 TD

Ryan Mathews, Fresno State: 87 carries, 592 yards, 5 TD

Noel Devine, West Virginia: 73 carries, 540 yards, 6 TD

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State: 95 carries, 508 yards, 9 TD