Best Backfields in the Nation NCAA 2011-12

This topic contains 44 replies, has 11 voices, and was last updated by Hale 14 years, 11 months ago.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 9:25am #31774

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Oregon owns nation’s best backfield

July, 13, 2011

Jul 13

10:09

AM ET

By Bruce Feldman, ESPN Insider

Craig Mitchelldyer/US PresswireDarron Thomas and LaMichael James form a dynamic backfield duo for the Ducks.

Next week we have the beginning of the annual conference media days, which are a good sign that teams are close to reporting for camp and the season is almost here. So for this week’s list we decided to look at some of the stars that will be taking the field this season, honing in on the top 10 backfields (QBs and running backs) in the country:

1. Oregon Ducks

The Ducks have a very, very good quarterback in Darron Thomas and a great running back in LaMichael James, a pair of standout Texans who are thriving in the Pac-12. James, who is a legit Heisman contender, ran for 1,731 yards and 21 TDs in 2010. The Ducks also have a dangerous back-up to James in Kenjon Barner, who gained 551 yards and averaged over six yards per carry.

Thomas, a 6-foot-3, 212-pound junior, may get overlooked due to the presence of James and also because he plays in the same conference as Andrew Luck, but the Ducks’ QB is a lethal triggerman in Chip Kelly’s scheme. He almost ran for 500 yards last season while averaging over five yards, in addition to posting a stellar 30-to-9 TD-to-INT ratio.

2. Stanford Cardinal

The presence of Andrew Luck alone would almost merit the Cardinal a spot on this list. He is that special. Luck is the best player in college football and he’s got some pretty good talent around him. Stepfan Taylor, a junior, rushed for 1,137 yards and 15 TDs last season. The Cardinal, however, did lose versatile RB Owen Marecic, the tough two-way player who was Jim Harbaugh’s favorite.

3. Boise State Broncos

Kellen Moore‘s production in three seasons is staggering. The guy has an almost unthinkable 74-to-9 TD-to-INT ratio the past two seasons. He averaged over 10 yards per attempt last year. And this is not a one-dimensional team, either. Doug Martin, one of the guys on our Freaks list, is a highlight film runner with his tackle-breaking style. Martin ran for 1,260 yards in 2010 and is an outstanding receiver to boot.

4. Wisconsin Badgers

It remains to be seen how easily North Carolina State Wolfpack transfer Russell Wilson will blend in with his new teammates. On paper, he looks like a great addition. The heady QB has a career 76-to-26 TD-to-INT mark and he’s a very capable runner, too. Still, he’s going to have to overtake sophomore Jon Budmayr, who seems like a viable option. At running back, the Badgers have two studs: 214-pound Montee Ball (996 yards and 18 rushing TDs) and 202-pound James White (1052 and 14 TDs) to hammer away at rival defenses.

5. Michigan State Spartans

Kirk Cousins is a winner, a leader and a study in perseverance for this gritty MSU team. Last year, he connected on 67 percent of his passes and had 20 TDs and just 10 INTs. He is also fortunate to have quite the 1-2 punch behind him with Edwin Baker (1,201 yards) and Le’Veon Bell (605 yards as a freshman).

6. South Carolina Gamecocks

Marcus Lattimore was one of the breakout stars of the 2010 season in the SEC, rushing for almost 1,200 yards and 17 TDs. The bruising 220-pound sophomore is also a very underrated receiver coming out of the backfield. There’s has never been a question about Stephen Garcia‘s toughness or ability to make plays. Decision-making with him is another story, but the Florida native has been very sharp at times, and in big games (he went 17-for-20 with three TD passes against Alabama last year).

7. Oklahoma Sooners

The Sooners come into the season ranked No. 1 by many people (myself included), and one of the biggest reasons for that is QB Landry Jones, who has blossomed into a star for Bob Stoops. He completed 66 percent of his passes for almost 5,000 yards to go with 38-to-12 TD-to-INT mark. Gone is versatile DeMarco Murray, the team’s leading rusher, but OU has options to replace him. Speedy Roy Finch is a playmaker, and keep an eye on Brandon Williams, who may be the most explosive true freshman running back in the country.

8. Texas A&M Aggies

Ryan Tannehill sparked the Aggies when he took over at midseason. And with a full offseason to build off the strong finish, along with the return of standout wide receiver Jeff Fuller and another year of experience for last year’s incredibly young offensive line, Tannehill should be even better in 2011. The Aggies also return one of the top 1-2 running back combinations in Cyrus Gray (1,133 yards) and Christine Michael (631 yards). This is an offense with a ton of firepower.

9. Arkansas Razorbacks

Perhaps more than anyone on this list, the Razorbacks have the potential to make a big move up because new QB Tyler Wilson, who was impressive in his one game of significant action last year against Auburn, seems primed for a big season. He has everything he needs to really turn some heads (a very good arm, a QB friendly system and some fantastic skill talent to work with). The Hogs have a superb starting running back in 230-pound Knile Davis, who emerged last year as a star, rushing for 1,322 yards and 13 TDs. Behind him is an even bigger back in 6-3, 235-pound Ronnie Wingo, who is coming off a very strong spring.

10. USC Trojans

Matt Barkley returns for his third season as starting quarterback of the Trojans. He’s been very impressive at times, but will need to take his game (26 TDs, 12 INTs) to another level if this team is going to get close to being back where it was just three years ago.

Barkley does have some spectacular young receivers to throw to, led by budding star sophomore Robert Woods. The Trojans have more young talent in the backfield, starting with speedy redshirt freshman D.J. Morgan, who appears to be the home run threat this team has lacked the past few years. Senior Marc Tyler, the team’s leading rusher last season with 913 yards, is a bigger back to provide another option. Shifty Dillon Baxter and little Curtis McNeal also have flashed some potential, but they still have to prove they can do it in games and not just on the practice field.

Hmmm, what to think? Oh, yes, GOOOOOOO DUCKS!

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 9:30am #570426

BasketballGuru24
Participant

I thought this was staging.nbadraft.net not nfldraft.net

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 9:30am #570295

BasketballGuru24
Participant

I thought this was staging.nbadraft.net not nfldraft.net

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 10:03am #570471

mikeyvthedon
Participant

But, thanks for being a tool!

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 10:03am #570340

mikeyvthedon
Participant

But, thanks for being a tool!

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 10:52am #570375

aamir543
Participant

Good list, except I think Cal is number 1. Go Bears!

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 10:52am #570507

aamir543
Participant

Good list, except I think Cal is number 1. Go Bears!

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 1:56pm #570627

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Do not be bitter. I will give the Golden Bears credit, they played us to the wire last year, and I am sure you will have a better team this year. Your receivers may be better than ours (just receivers, because David Paulson rocks), but our backfield kicks Cal’s face off. Give credit where it is due man, you guys have been churning out RB’s like nobodies business (Marshawn Lynch, JJ Arrington, Justin Forsett, Jahvid Best, Shane Vereen), but you do not have a LaMichael James or Kenjon Barner this year. Our backfield is special, and I think this list is a justification for how great they really are.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 1:56pm #570494

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Do not be bitter. I will give the Golden Bears credit, they played us to the wire last year, and I am sure you will have a better team this year. Your receivers may be better than ours (just receivers, because David Paulson rocks), but our backfield kicks Cal’s face off. Give credit where it is due man, you guys have been churning out RB’s like nobodies business (Marshawn Lynch, JJ Arrington, Justin Forsett, Jahvid Best, Shane Vereen), but you do not have a LaMichael James or Kenjon Barner this year. Our backfield is special, and I think this list is a justification for how great they really are.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 2:30pm #570663

kanyedabest
Participant

Ive liked oregon before it became cool to like them…. but clearly oregon has the best backfield in the nation, they are loaded…. lamicheal will win the heisman this yr imo… the ducks will only go as far thomas takes them and that makes me a lil nervous

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 2:30pm #570530

kanyedabest
Participant

Ive liked oregon before it became cool to like them…. but clearly oregon has the best backfield in the nation, they are loaded…. lamicheal will win the heisman this yr imo… the ducks will only go as far thomas takes them and that makes me a lil nervous

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 2:58pm #570683

Platypus
Participant

sleeper pick: Alabama

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 2:58pm #570550

Platypus
Participant

sleeper pick: Alabama

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 3:43pm #570712

JNixon
Participant

Texas A&M’s backfield is very strong, I like them alot last year when I watched them and they have big potential, but yeah Oregon’s backfield is going to be the best. LaMichael James is electric and Darron Thomas is a year older, and he was very good at QB last year.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 3:43pm #570577

JNixon
Participant

Texas A&M’s backfield is very strong, I like them alot last year when I watched them and they have big potential, but yeah Oregon’s backfield is going to be the best. LaMichael James is electric and Darron Thomas is a year older, and he was very good at QB last year.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 5:04pm #570672

mikeyvthedon
Participant

I just started liking you a lot more. Know what would be really cool? Not having Jay Cutler as your avatar and switching to LaMichael James. Just saying…….

LOL at Alabama being a "sleeper pick". They are stacked, I am sure they will get a nice QB in AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims (hearing McCarron), and Trent Richardson is a great RB. But, Alabama was being crowned as the best backfield last year, and it turns out, we were better. Bama should more than likely be in the top 10, but I am loving our backfield as the best in the nation.

DT has an iron will, that guy does not get shaken. He can run, he can pass and he may make an occasional mistake, but he will shake it off an come back. LaMichael James is the most explosive RB in the nation, and Kenjon Barner is one of the best in the nation as well, and should be on the field as a "TAZR", which in our system is a slot receiver or receiver from the backfield, often. Plus, we have 5 star Lache Seastrunk waiting in the wings and DeAnthony Thomas. I am LOVING our backfield next year, and hope they repeat last years incredible performance.

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Posted on: Wed, 07/13/2011 - 5:04pm #570807

mikeyvthedon
Participant

I just started liking you a lot more. Know what would be really cool? Not having Jay Cutler as your avatar and switching to LaMichael James. Just saying…….

LOL at Alabama being a "sleeper pick". They are stacked, I am sure they will get a nice QB in AJ McCarron or Phillip Sims (hearing McCarron), and Trent Richardson is a great RB. But, Alabama was being crowned as the best backfield last year, and it turns out, we were better. Bama should more than likely be in the top 10, but I am loving our backfield as the best in the nation.

DT has an iron will, that guy does not get shaken. He can run, he can pass and he may make an occasional mistake, but he will shake it off an come back. LaMichael James is the most explosive RB in the nation, and Kenjon Barner is one of the best in the nation as well, and should be on the field as a "TAZR", which in our system is a slot receiver or receiver from the backfield, often. Plus, we have 5 star Lache Seastrunk waiting in the wings and DeAnthony Thomas. I am LOVING our backfield next year, and hope they repeat last years incredible performance.

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:18pm #571143

aamir543
Participant

Phillip Sims, any relation to Phil Sims?

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 12:18pm #571278

aamir543
Participant

Phillip Sims, any relation to Phil Sims?

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 4:19pm #571482

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Na, man. His son Chris of course played at Texas and has been a QB journeyman. His other son, Matt, lost the starting job at University of Tennessee after some inconsistent play (that lead to a fight between Phil Simms and Desmond Howard during the Super Bowl weekend). So, nope, no relation. Also, where is your admittance to the greatness of Oregon’s backfield? Where I ask you?

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 4:19pm #571347

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Na, man. His son Chris of course played at Texas and has been a QB journeyman. His other son, Matt, lost the starting job at University of Tennessee after some inconsistent play (that lead to a fight between Phil Simms and Desmond Howard during the Super Bowl weekend). So, nope, no relation. Also, where is your admittance to the greatness of Oregon’s backfield? Where I ask you?

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 4:33pm #571492

aamir543
Participant

Oh right, I remember him, he played for the Bucs, and had that bad rib injury, and haven’t seen him since.

Oregon has the…………………..has the……………………..has the ……………..thebestbackfield!

There, I said it!

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 4:33pm #571357

aamir543
Participant

Oh right, I remember him, he played for the Bucs, and had that bad rib injury, and haven’t seen him since.

Oregon has the…………………..has the……………………..has the ……………..thebestbackfield!

There, I said it!

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 5:01pm #571512

rileymcshea3
Participant

Stepfan Taylor went to my highschool he was pretty good at basketball when he played for a year but he didnt play senior year

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 5:01pm #571377

rileymcshea3
Participant

Stepfan Taylor went to my highschool he was pretty good at basketball when he played for a year but he didnt play senior year

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 5:24pm #571518

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Glad you can admit it, but having the best backfield is indeed not everything. Our line is relatively new, and our receivers outside of David Paulson are incredibly unproven. Not to mention, we will have a lot of new names on our defensive front seven. Throw in the fact that Cliff Harris is suspended indefinitely, having the best backfield will not stop me from panicking every game we play! Hopefully it turns out like last year, except winning the NC instead of losing on a last second FG.

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Posted on: Thu, 07/14/2011 - 5:24pm #571383

mikeyvthedon
Participant

Glad you can admit it, but having the best backfield is indeed not everything. Our line is relatively new, and our receivers outside of David Paulson are incredibly unproven. Not to mention, we will have a lot of new names on our defensive front seven. Throw in the fact that Cliff Harris is suspended indefinitely, having the best backfield will not stop me from panicking every game we play! Hopefully it turns out like last year, except winning the NC instead of losing on a last second FG.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:34am #571703

Tongue-Out-Like-23
Participant

They always seem to have cool football uniforms.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:34am #571567

Tongue-Out-Like-23
Participant

They always seem to have cool football uniforms.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:43am #571705

mikeyvthedon
Participant

The players choose them and the combinations are different for every game we play. One of the benefits of Nike being founded at your University, and the founder having box seats to every game.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:43am #571568

mikeyvthedon
Participant

The players choose them and the combinations are different for every game we play. One of the benefits of Nike being founded at your University, and the founder having box seats to every game.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:10pm #572177

llperez

im about to bust open my ncaa12 football game right now and prove to the world that the best backfield is at ucla.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:10pm #572029

llperez

im about to bust open my ncaa12 football game right now and prove to the world that the best backfield is at ucla.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:19pm #572187

highflyer0
Participant

I’m also a UCLA and they’ve been pretty bad lately 🙁 Franklin is a good running back though.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:19pm #572039

highflyer0
Participant

I’m also a UCLA and they’ve been pretty bad lately 🙁 Franklin is a good running back though.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:22pm #572191

llperez

well if they cant it done, then im creating a rb named llperez and hes gonna come in and get things turned around in westwood with a quickness

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:22pm #572043

llperez

well if they cant it done, then im creating a rb named llperez and hes gonna come in and get things turned around in westwood with a quickness

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:27pm #572195

FLYNTFLOSSYBABY

GO HORNETS GO

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:27pm #572047

FLYNTFLOSSYBABY

GO HORNETS GO

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:35pm #572203

highflyer0
Participant

some day ucla will be rated higher than usc in an ncaa football game and i will be very proud.. hopefully i don’t have grandkids by the time that happens (i’m 16)

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 3:35pm #572055

highflyer0
Participant

some day ucla will be rated higher than usc in an ncaa football game and i will be very proud.. hopefully i don’t have grandkids by the time that happens (i’m 16)

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 4:02pm #572223

llperez

lol, flyntflossybabby, you went to sac state too? I went there for a while. I used to play as them on ncaa 2003 and it was impossible to win.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 4:02pm #572074

llperez

lol, flyntflossybabby, you went to sac state too? I went there for a while. I used to play as them on ncaa 2003 and it was impossible to win.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:09pm #572249

Hale
Participant

I think Wisconsin at worst should be number 2. They have two great backs and stud QB coming in, I can definitely agree with oregon at one, but no way is Boise better and Stanford is great but their RB benefits from Luck, they aren’t better then the Badgers.

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Posted on: Fri, 07/15/2011 - 5:09pm #572101

Hale
Participant

I think Wisconsin at worst should be number 2. They have two great backs and stud QB coming in, I can definitely agree with oregon at one, but no way is Boise better and Stanford is great but their RB benefits from Luck, they aren’t better then the Badgers.

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