College Football 2017: Ranking each conference by its running backs
By Dana Becker
2. More than just the Pac-12
Bryce Love, Royce Freeman and the other backs in the Pac-12 are great, but the Mountain West is truly pushing them for the overall title.
Hawai’i’s Diocemy Saint Juste has already surpassed the 1,000-yard mark and is among the top rushers in the nation. Think about that for just a moment.
A few short years ago, the idea of a running back from Hawai’i being ranked in the Top-5 or even Top-10 in the country would have gotten you laughed at.
Despite struggling vs. Boise State this past weekend, San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny remains a high-level back having rushed for 1,046 yards and 10 touchdowns. Penny is also a dangerous return man for the Aztecs.
UNLV, another team that has struggled in recent years, has put the brunt of its offense on the legs of Lexington Thomas. The junior has churned out 716 yards and 10 touchdowns .
Colorado State features the duo of Dalyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews. Dawkins, a senior, has 684 yards with Matthews adding 414 and five scores.
Alexander Mattison of Boise State has failed to live up to his predecessors like Jeremy McNichols, but the sophomore does have 412 yards and five TDs.