Rob Weiss, FCS Update
This weekend, those of us in the Fargodome are in for what should amount to be an epic battle. North Dakota State’s running back, Pat Paschall, is currently the number one running back in all of FCS football. Paschall, coming into the game averaging 150.8 yards per game, is going to be up against the defense from the University of Northern Iowa. The Panther defense comes into Saturday’s game ranked in the top 10 in 3 major statistical categories.
Paschall, The Bison’s fifth year senior from St. Louis, Mo., was originally recruited to Georgia Southern University, where in his redshirt season he was named scout team player of the year. Unhappy with the situation in Statesboro, Paschall headed to Dodge City Community College, where he would eventually be recruited by North Dakota State.
In his sophmore season, his first with the Bison, Paschall would run the ball 84 times for a total of 530 yards and five TDs. He also had one reception for 16 yards and a touchdown.
His junior year was very similar to his sophmore campaign. He would run the ball 108 times for 601 yards and two TDs, so more carries, a little more yardage, but less TDs. He would also catch nine passes for 51 yards.
The 2009 season has already been great to Pat. Through 5 games he has rushed the ball 100 times for 765 yards (7.65 yards per carry) and 5 TDs. Career highs less than halfway through the season in both yards and TDs. He also has 6 receptions for 120 yards.
This week the Bison’s running game faces a highly ranked Panther defense.
We’ll turn to the Panther defense on Thursday and will finish next week with a post game commentary on what should be a great battle.
Taiwan Jones might have less total yardage per game, but only because he averages only 12/13 carries a game. Nonetheless, he has more TD’s (9), and ypc (9.2) than Paschall. Should be a great matchup of two feature backs in Jones and 3-time defending BSC rushing champ Trevyn Smith this weekend in Cheney.
Technically speaking, Paschall is #1. The best RB is always debatable. Competition level, QB’s ability to pass and O-line all play a role.