West Virginia

For the second preseason in a row, WVU takes the top spot when it comes to running the football. And why not when the same faces are in this backfield? Most schools are elated just to have one 1000-yard rusher in their backfield. Steve Slaton rushed for 1744 yards and Pat White rushed for 1219 yards in 2006, both averaging over 100 yards a game. OK, so QB is not as much of a consideration with these RB units, but in Morgantown, the QB really is a viable RB in the approach of head coach Rich Rodriguez and his unique spread system. Pat White is the best running QB in college football, bar none, and that equates to big gains at this level. Even bone crushing FB Owen Schmitt is back in the fold to blow open holes and bowl over defenders. If that were not enough, watch for incoming frosh Noel Devine to garner a few carries and turn heads. Both White and Slaton are legitimate Heisman candidates playing on the same team, and rightfully so.

Arkansas

If it weren't for WVU, new offensive coordinator David Lee would have the best 1-2 combination of RBs in the country with juniors Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. They rushed for 1647 and 1168 yards, respectively, last season. McFadden won the Doak Walker Award (nation's top RB) and finished second in the Heisman voting. Weighing in at 215 pounds with legit 4.3-forty speed, he is the favorite to take both awards at this early junction. Senior FB Peyton Hillis is a superb blocking back and an established receiver out of the backfield (tied for second on the team in receptions). Razorback fans may be getting tired of Houston Nutt's offensive philosophy, which includes a lagging passing game, but the numbers in terms of carrying the pigskin speak volumes…one that includes a 2006 SEC West Championship ring. You know they are coming and you can try to stop them, but these Hogs will still run right through almost any defense.

Clemson

To beat Clemson, opponents have to stop this powerful running game. As a freshman, James Davis exploded two seasons ago while earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors. Just when most felt he would be the back of the future for coach Tommy Bowden, young C.J. Spiller enters the mix as a frosh in 2006 and left opposing tacklers chasing a shadow. The speed and power both possess are unequaled in this conference by any other duo. The QB situation has hampered this offense's progress, and defenses are left crowding the box in an effort to slow this running train down. Given this scenario again, the Tigers will still be tough to stop on the ground.

Texas A&M

The option-style of offense head coach Dennis Franchione employs at College Station should be a cause of concern for those attempting to defend this unit. The Aggies have three RBs who earned some form of All-Big 12 recognition at last season's end. At 270+, Jorvorskie Lane is a fan favorite. He produced either a first-down or touchdown 26 times on 29 third- or forth-down carries. Mike Goodson was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year while racking up 6.7 yards per carry and gives this team the speed needed to stretch the field. Senior FB Chris Alexander (Second Team All-Big 12) is a thumper known for head-knocking blocks while he averages 5.4 yards per carry. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. QB Stephen McGee is also a big part of the rushing mix in their option system, giving A&M four difference-makers who might be carrying the ball.

Navy

Isn't it about time somebody recognized the nation's #1 rushing offense? It's more than just a product of coach Paul Johnson's triple option system - the Middies have been the nation's #1 rushing offense three out of the last four years. OK, so the system does work apparently with whoever lines up in the backfield, but senior FB Adam Ballard is as good as any counterpart. Adam is averaging 5.5 yards per carry over his career as a big, bruising runner that possesses outstanding speed (played tailback and receiver in high school). Slotback Reggie Campbell is a game breaker, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, 18.8 yards per reception and over 20 yards returning kicks and punts. Depth here is as deep as Johnson has had during his Annapolis tenure with Shaun White, Zerbin Singleton and Eric Kettani sharing carries as well. With smaller, quicker linemen that pull effectively wherever needed, this non-BCS-aligned service academy impresses even against their biggest foes.

Just Missed: BoiseState, Michigan, Oregon, Rutgers, Wisconsin