To characterize Eric Breitenstein as a straightforward, pads down bruiser back would be to grossly understate his abilities. The Championship Subdivision 2010 leader in rushing touchdowns1 displays impressive footspeed in the open field and dexterity maneuvering through blocking holes, which the talented Wofford offensive line created with regularity.
His halfback style in a fullback frame renders Breitenstein a Championship Subdivision version of Peyton Hillis, and likely preseason candidate for the 2011 Walter Payton Award from his season-ending momentum. Half of his eight triple-digit-yard rushing games occurred in the final five games, including a cumulative 286 yards in two playoff affairs.
Breitenstein was a nightmare for the SoCon. Against league competition he scored 15 touchdowns and had two games of over 200 yards2.
Other backs rushed for more yards than Breitenstein’s 1639. Five, to be exact: Nate Eachus, Taiwan Jones, Andrew Pierce and Henry Harris. But only Jones was more efficient. The other three all surpassed 300 carries; Breitenstein finished with 267. His approximately 6.2 yards per touch is a testament to the aforementioned speed and block exploiting abilities.
All-America Pat Illig anchored a line that paved the way to the nation’s best rushing offense. Last season, Illig credited the Terriers’ success to their experience. Terrier head coach Mike Ayers described the line and ball carriers’ symbiotic relationship as “[knowing] where their bread is buttered.” How Breitenstein adjusts to a less matured unit will dictate where Wofford finishes in a stacked SoCon. While Breitenstein made his bones against conference competition, teams with which the Terriers will contend for playoff positioning had the most success against him.
The second time around facing Georgia Southern in the NCAA Playoffs, he accrued 108 yards but was held out of the end zone. And while he reached pay dirt in the Terriers’ regular season win, managed 73 yards. Wofford’s SoCon championship-denying loss to Appalachian State was also Breitenstein’s worst output of the campaign at 39 yards. Solving these defenses is the different between a good season, and a great one.
FOOTNOTES
1. Breitenstein scored 22 rushing touchdowns, edging Colgate’s Nate Eachus for most in the FCS by one.
2. Against Furman he 230 yards, and 227 against Samford.