College Football Power Rankings: The Top 25 Running Backs Heading Into Week 9

For as much as Cam Newton has captured the attention of the nation from the quarterback spot, LaMichael James deserves nearly as much praise from his spot in the backfield. 

Oregon's sophomore running back is more than halfway on his way to having an outstanding season and we have to think if the Heisman voting ended today, he'd be sitting comfortably as the runner-up.

Week after week he's produced while other backs have stumbled or struggled with inconsistency. 

He's our clear-cut favorite No. 1 back heading into Week 9. 

25. Dan Herron, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Dan Herron #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 520 / AVG: 4.6 / TD: 11 / Receiving Yards: 137 / AVG: 12.5 / TD: 0

Herron's numbers aren't particularly strong at first glance, but his 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for fifth in the country among running backs. And with limited carries in the last four games, Herron is averaging 4.7 ypg with seven rushing touchdowns. 

24. Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 838 / AVG: 4.8 / TD: 7 / Receiving Yards: 98 / AVG: 2.4 / TD: 0

Rainey had his second to worst game of the season in Week 8, carrying the ball 21 times for 67 yards and failing to find the endzone. Coming off a 169-yard, two-touchdown performance against Louisiana-Monroe the week before, you would've expected more against Louisiana-Lafayette. 

23. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 849 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 11 / Receiving Yards: 14 / AVG: 4.7 / TD: 0

Hillman was coming off one of his best performances of the season against Air Force in Week 7, but he wasn't able to capitalize against New Mexico last week, with 64 yards and a touchdown off 18 carries. It was only the second time in his last six games he's averaged less than 5.5 ypc. 

22. Chris Polk, Washington

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back Chris Polk #1 of the Washington Huskies rushes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on September 18, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 636 / AVG: 5.2 / TD: 4 / Receiving Yards: 126 / AVG: 9.7 / TD: 0

Washington in general had one if it's bad days against Arizona in Week 8, with Jake Locker struggling. And when Locker struggles, so does the running game. That left Polk with 65 yards off just 14 carries, though he did score a touchdown in the 44-14 loss. 

21. Montel Harris, Boston College

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 04: Montel Harris #2 of the Boston College Eagles carries the ball in the first quarter against the Weber State Wildcats on September 4, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 694 / AVG: 4.7 / TD: 3 / Receiving Yards: 71 / AVG: 4.4 / TD: 0

Harris had gone through a rough patch earlier in the year, but he's been on fire the last couple of weeks against Florida State and Maryland. After putting up 191 yards against the Seminoles, Harris came back in Week 8 with 116 yards and two touchdowns against the Terrapins. 

20. Mikel LeShoure, Illinois

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Mikel Leshoure #5 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 757 / AVG: 5.3 / TD: 4 / Receiving Yards: 56 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 0

After starting the season hot, LEShoure has cooled off over the last month, averaging under five ypc in his last four games and scoring only one touchdown over that stretch. Of course three of those games came against Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State so expectations were tempered anyway. 

19. Jordan Todman, Connecticut

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SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 21: Jordan Todman #23 of the Univeristy of Connecticut Huskies runs with the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on November 21, 2009 in South Bend, Indiana. Connecticut defeated Notre Dame 33-30 in o

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 841 / AVG: 6.0 / TD: 8 / Receiving Yards: 62 / AVG: 6.2 / TD: 0

Todman was held under 100 yards rushing and failed to score a touchdown for the first time this season in UConn's 26-0 loss against Louisville. Considering the Huskies were down big, the running game was abandoned so the fact that he still totalled 102 yards was impressive. 

18. Bilal Powell, Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, KY - OCTOBER 15: Bilal Powell #15 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the Big East Conference game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium on October 15, 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 1,003 / AVG: 7.1 / TD: 9 / Receiving Yards: 114 / AVG: 11.4 / TD: 1

Powell was able to crack the century mark against Connecticut, but failed to score for the first time this season. He had 27 carries for 105 yards in Louisville's 26-0 win, brining his total for the year over 1,000 yards; making him the second-leading rusher in the nation amongst running backs. 

17. Adam Robinson, Iowa

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23- Defensive back Niles Brinkley #29 of the Wisconsin Badgers puts pressure on running back Adam Robinson #32 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as he rushes for yards during the second half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 2

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 737 / AVG: 4.8 / TD: 9 / Receiving Yards: 222 / AVG: 14.8 / TD: 0

Discount Robinson's game against Arizona in Week 3 and the sophomore has been outstanding this season, averaging 122 yards in his other six games. He was outshined by John Clay in Iowa's loss to Wisconsin last week, but with 114 yards and a score, the performance was still noteworthy. 

16. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 538 / AVG: 4.4 / TD: 10 / Receiving Yards: 214 / AVG: 17.8 / TD: 2

Lattimore sat out South Carolina's win over Vanderbilt after suffering an ankle injury against Kentucky the week before. A shame considering he ripped the Wildcats to shreds with 212 total yards and three touchdowns; maybe the best game of his young career. 

15. Ed Wesley, TCU

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FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 23: Tailback Ed Wesley #34 of the TCU Horned Frogs carries the ball against the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 874 / AVG: 7.0 / TD: 9 / Receiving Yards: 6 / AVG: 1.5 / TD: 0

One thing Welsey has proven all season long is that if you feed him the ball he'll produce. While he's failed to surpass 100 rushing yards in four games, he's been held under 5 ypc just once. Against Air Force, TCU got the memo and gave him 28 carries. He rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns. 

14. Derrick Locke, Kentucky

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LEXINGTON, KY - SEPTEMBER 18: Derrick Locke #20 of the Kentucky Wildcats runs with the ball during the game against the Akron Zips at Commonwealth Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 574 / AVG: 5.3 / TD: 7 / Receiving Yards: 225 / AVG: 9.4 / TD: 0

Locke hasn't played since sustaining a shoulder injury against Auburn on October 9. Considering the type of year he was having it's really a shame too. He's missed Kentucky's last two games, but has returned to practice and should be nearing a return soon. 

13. Edwin Baker, Michigan State

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Edwin Baker #4 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks away from Brian Peters #10 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonatha

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 779 / AVG: 6.8 / TD: 7 / Receiving Yards: 15 / AVG: 7.5 / TD: 0

After his breakout performance against Michigan we expected Baker to make his rise to stardom, but it hasn't happened yet. He's been give only 18 carries combined in the Spartans last two games. He didn't do much against Illinois, but had 11 touches against Northwestern for 86 yards and a score. 

12. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Ima

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 712 / AVG: 4.4 / TD: 63 / Receiving Yards: 218 / AVG: 7.3 / TD: 3

After putting up 286 total yards and five touchdowns in his last two games, Murray was quieter against Missouri, but that can be chalked up at least partially due to Oklahoma falling behind early. Murray still managed 97 total yards and a score off 12 carries and eight catches though. 

11. Andre Ellington, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Andre Ellington #23 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 642 / AVG: 6.3 / TD: 10 / Receiving Yards: 100 / AVG: 9.1 / TD: 1

Ellington had one of the best games of his career in Week 8 and boy did he need after a couple of very forgettable weeks of football before then. In Clemson's win over Georgia Tech though, Ellington stole the show with 20 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns, scoring a third off a six-yard pass. 

10. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State

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LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball as Olaitan Oguntodu #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 895 / AVG: 5.4 / TD: 9 / Receiving Yards: 88 / AVG: 5.5 / TD: 0

Thomas ha s been good the last couple of weeks, but not great and certainly not as good as he was in the first three weeks of the season. In Weeks 1-3, Thomas averaged 184 yards rushing and two scores, but in his last four games he's averaging 85.7 ypc with three total touchdowns. 

9. Shane Vereen, California

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BERKELEY, CA - OCTOBER 09: Shane Vereen #34 of the California Golden Bears runs against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at California Memorial Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 721 / AVG: 5.5 / TD: 10 / Receiving Yards: 172 / AVG: 10.8 / TD: 3

Vereen has been one of the few bright spots in a tough year for Cal, but he didn't have his strongest game this weekend in the Bears win over Arizona State. Vereen rushed for 91 yards and two scores in the 50-17 win. 

8. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Runningback Jacquizz Rodgers #1 of the Oregon State Beavers warms up before the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Wildcats 29-27.

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 621 / AVG: 4.4 / TD: 10 / Receiving Yards: 128 / AVG: 8.5 / TD: 2

Rodgers can't seem to play with any consistency, but when he's hot there might not be a better back in the country. After a decent good game against Arizona, Rodgers blew up against Washington, rushing for 140 yard and three touchdowns with another 49 yards receiving and a fourth score. 

7. Vai Taua, Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Vai Taua #34 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the UNLV Rebels in the second quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada Reno won 44-26. (Photo by

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 928 / AVG: 6.6 / TD: 11 / Receiving Yards: 102 / AVG: 9.3 / TD: 3

After averaging 167 yards over his previous for games we expected Taua to come out swinging against Hawaii, but the game didn't turn out to be the offensive shootout we were expecting. Taua was limited to 91 yards off 24 carries, but did catch three passes for 30 yards and a score. 

6. Noel Devine, West Virginia

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 02: Running back Noel Devine #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers runs for a 65-yard touchdown against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second half at the Tostito's Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium January 2, 2008 in Glendal

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 626 / AVG: 4.9 / TD: 4 / Receiving Yards: 129 / AVG: 5.9 / TD: 1

Devine bounced back from a miserable game against South Florida last week with solid performance against Syracuse. The problem was he didn't score and West Virginia lost the game 19-14. Truthfully, we've quite troubled the fact he's scored only three times in his last five games. 

5. Trent Richardson, Alabama

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Trent Richardson #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs for a touchdown during the SEC game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 606 / AVG: 7.0 / TD: 5 / Receiving Yards: 244 / AVG: 13.6 / TD: 3

Richardson's performance against Tennessee showed us yet again that he's going to really this country by storm once he's the featured back. Even in Mark Ingram's shadow, Richardson is 44th in the country in rushing. Against the Vols, he need only 11 carries and one catch for 124 total yards and two scores.

4. Mark Ingram, Alabama

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the SEC game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 544 / AVG: 6.4 / TD: 8 / Receiving Yards: 68 / AVG: 5.2 / TD: 0

Ingram has failed to rush for over 100 yards in each of his last four games and while splitting carries with Trent Richardson has cut into his production, averaging four ypc or less in three of four contests can't be explained with that.

3. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 1,031 / AVG: 6.4 / TD: 12 / Receiving Yards: 44 / AVG: 3.1 / TD: 0

Take away Oklahoma State's win over Tulsa, a contest Hunter was barely needed in, and the Cowboys star back is averaging an astounding 162 yards and three touchdowns a game in six appearances this season. His 202 yards and two scores made him the No. 1 rusher among running backs in the nation. 

2. John Clay, Wisconsin

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Running back John Clay #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers is tackled by line backer Lance Tillison #50 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as he drove the ball up the middle of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of play at

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 887 / AVG: 5.5 / TD: 13 / Receiving Yards: 9 / AVG: 9.0 / TD: 0

Clay failed to rush for over 100 yards for just the second time this season in Wisconsin's win over Iowa last week. He carried the ball 24 times for 94 yards and his two third quarter touchdowns were pivotal in the win. The scores made him second in the nation only to Cam Newton in rushing touchdowns. 

1. LaMichael James, Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

2010 Stats

Rushing Yards: 971 / AVG: 7.2 / TD: 11 / Receiving Yards: 121 / AVG: 30.3 / TD: 1

James was spectacular yet again in Week 8, with 20 carries for 123 yards and two scores. He's averaging 182 total yards and two touchdowns a game on the year. Let that sit for a second and think it over again. James is in the top five in rushing and top ten in rushing touchdowns and yards per carry average.