College Football Power Rankings: Big East Running Backs

This week and every subsequent week, I will look into the Big East rushing leaders. Who will take home the rushing title in the Big East this year?

To start the season, the odds-on favorite was Dion Lewis of Pitt, with Noel Devine of West Virginia a close second. After two weeks of games, the veil has been lifted to a degree.

There are still 10 games to be played, and the leader today, may not be the leader next week.

As with anything football-related, injuries will enter into the discussion. As is generally the case, an injury to one player presents an opportunity for another.

The eventual champion must traverse a 12-game schedule, so with two games in the books, let us look into who has separated themselves from the pack.

8. Pitt's Dion Lewis an After Thought?

Dion Lewis of Pitt shows 35 attempts for 102 yards and two touchdowns so far on the season. Lewis can add six receptions for 61 yards to those rushing numbers.

Undoubtedly not the numbers expected from Lewis this season.

To further exasperate the issue, injury does not appear to be part of the problem. If it is, there is no news coming out of Pittsburgh to support the notion.

For Lewis to play his way back into contention for the Big East rushing title in 2010, he needs to start soon.

Certainly an interesting development early in the season for Big East fans, though Pitt fans may find the development less remarkable.

Ray Graham has emerged in place of Lewis for the Panthers. Graham boasts nine rushing attempts for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

It should be noted that those stats were all generated in Pitt’s game against New Hampshire. Graham did not play in Pitt’s season-opening loss to Utah.

This situation will be worth watching as the season unfolds.

7. South Florida's Demetris Murray Enters the Fray

Demetris Murray of the University of South Florida Bulls is in his sophomore season.

So far, Murray has posted respectable numbers, 21 carries for 108 yards and one touchdown. Murray boasts a 5.1 yard per carry average.

With those type of numbers, look for Head Coach Skip Holtz to provide the opportunity for Murray to play his way into the chase for the Big East rushing title.

Murray’s play against the Florida Gators suggests that he could become a factor as the season progresses.

Time will tell if Murray is a pretender or contender, but Big East teams should keep a wary eye south, as Murray could sneak up on people this season.

6. Who Will Emerge in Cincinnati?

With Isaiah Pead sidelined with swelling in his knee, the running back position for the Cincinnati Bearcats is wide open.

With two games in the books, Darrin Williams appears to be the man to tote the ball for the Bearcats.

Williams shows 14 carries for 120 yards and no touchdowns in the first two games.

Injuries have often derailed a running back's potential. As the season progresses, Pead’s knee may or may not keep him off the field.

With Pead and Williams splitting time as the season advances, both may be knocked out of the race for the rushing title. Neither may generate enough carries to mount a successful challenge.

5. Joe Martinek of Rutgers Plows His Way

Rutgers football in 2010 is expected to compete for the Big East title and the associated BCS bowl berth.

Joe Martinek, Rutgers' leading rusher, plans on powering Rutgers football to that title.

Unfortunately, Martinek may not be able to see that plan to fruition. Head Coach Greg Schiano is not so sure that Martinek will be available for the next game against North Carolina.

Martinek’s numbers for the first two games are 34 carries for 137 yards and one touchdown. Martinek adds one reception for six yards to his rushing stats.

Martinek’s style does not generally lend itself to rushing titles. Also add an injury question and the future does not appear to hold the Big East rushing title for him.

If, in fact, Martinek misses the North Carolina game, he could be too far behind to catch the leaders in the Big East.

4. Delone Carter of Syracuse Is on the Prowl

After two games, Delone Carter of Syracuse University has an outside shot to compete for the Big East rushing title in 2010.

Carter has his work cut out for him though; don’t expect the top three backs to slow down for Carter.

Carter shows 44 carries for 182 yards and one touchdown so far this season. Carter also has one reception for three yards.

Syracuse Head Coach Doug Marrone will undoubtedly give Carter the opportunity to improve on his numbers. It remains to be seen what Carter will do with that opportunity.

3. Noel Devine Stays Within Striking Distance

West Virginia University football entered the 2010 season with Noel Devine returning for his senior season for the Mountaineers.

WVU fans everywhere are certain that the Big East rushing title goes through Morgantown, West Virginia, this year.

After two weeks, Devine has rushed 46 times for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Devine’s receiving stats are 12 receptions for 80 yards.

Devine will be a dual-threat running back during the 2010 season.

Rest assured the next two backs on this list will be looking over their shoulder to see if Devine is using his vaunted speed to catch them.

Devine is currently the leading active rusher in the FBS.

2. Bilal Powell of Louisville Making a Statement

The University of Louisville is projected to finish last in the Big East this year.

Apparently, no one sent Bilal Powell the memo. Powell has rushed 32 times for 245 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. That equates to an impressive 7.7 yards per attempt.

Powell shows only two receptions for ten yards on the season.

Powell’s goal for the season appears singular early on. It will be interesting to watch as the season unfolds.

After two games, Powell has placed himself squarely in the competition for the rushing title in the Big East.

1. Jordan Todman Opens the Season on Top

The University of Connecticut has an ace in their backfield, Jordan Todman. After two weeks, Todman is averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.

Todman’s accrued stats through two games are 35 carries for 256 yards and four touchdowns.

Add four receptions for 26 yards to Todman’s rushing numbers.

Todman is projected to gain 1,536 yards in 2010. "Impressive" does not seem to do that stat justice.

It remains to be seen if Todman can maintain his early pace. There is still much football to be played.

UConn fans can take pride in the fact that Todman is no doubt aware, and ready for the challenge.