College football is normally a quarterback-driven sport. When it comes to Heisman Trophy talk, it’s always the quarterbacks that seem to get all of the publicity. Heading into this season, there were a few running backs that were getting some preseason Heisman publicity. Oklahoma State’s Chuba Hubbard, Clemson’s Travis Etienne, and Alabama’s Najee Harris were three running backs that were mentioned in Heisman talk.
Now that we’re to Week 11 of the season, the three backs mentioned above have had nice seasons but probably aren’t going to be at the top of most Heisman ballots. Let’s take a look at some backs that have had tremendous seasons but aren’t getting a lot of publicity so you can considered them when making your bets against their NCAAF odds.
Top College Football Running Back Rankings Heading Into Week 11
Breece Hall, Iowa State
Breece Hall currently leads the nation with 1,034 rushing yards. He’s just now starting to get some media attention, and deservedly so. Not only is he leading the nation in yardage, but he’s also first in rushing yards per game, has seven 100-yard games, and is great after getting hit, as he’s gained 595 yards after contact.
Hall should be getting some Heisman hype, but with quarterbacks such as Mac Jones, Kyler Trask, Justin Fields, and Trevor Lawrence standing in his way, it’s doubtful that he’ll get the attention that he deserves. However, Hall is probably the leader for the Doak Walker Award, which is awarded to the top running back in the country. Hall will be returning to Iowa State next season, so he’ll be a name that will keep popping up.
Leddie Brown, West Virginia
Leddie Brown is currently third in the nation in rushing yards with 897. Brown is a power runner who has helped lead West Virginia to a 5-3 record.
Brown is averaging over five yards per carry and has done this as he has been battling through injuries for much of the season. Brown doesn’t get much press outside of West Virginia, but if he continues to put up big numbers, many will get to know his name soon.
Michael Carter/Javonte Williams, North Carolina
These two have formed their own category, as they’re by far the best rushing duo in the country. They’re both currently in the top 10 in the nation in rushing yards, as Williams is fifth with 868 yards, while Carter is ninth with 807 yards.
This feat is very impressive, especially since these two are splitting time with one another. They each have over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, and both are averaging over seven yards per run. They both have a knack for being able to break tackles and gain good yardage after first contact.
North Carolina has a very powerful offense, and these two are huge components of that group. Mack Brown has assembled a unit capable of putting up a ton of points, and these two have taken advantage of a strong offensive line to become the top rushing duo in college football.
They aren’t getting the hype that they deserve, but if Brown and his Tar Heels continue to win football games, they’ll soon be getting the publicity that comes with that.
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