It seems as if college football has gone crazy on speed.
With the innovations of the spread offense and getting players out in space, teams are trying to find quicker, faster players. This is especially true for the running back position. Consider that of the top 10 rushers in the NCAA, eight of them are shorter than 6 feet and weigh less than 210 lbs.
However, the two Utah schools this year are going against the trend. Brigham Young University and the University of Utah are out to prove that size does matter. In Saturday’s rivalry game, you will see four running backs who are listed at or above 6 feet and weigh more than 220 lbs. These four backs8212;Harvey Unga and Fui Vakapuna for BYU and Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack for Utah8212;will use their size and physical running style to help their teams march down the field.
Utah’s rushing offense stands at No. 3 in the conference, behind Air Force and New Mexico. However, Utah’s running back duo of Asiata and Mack could be the best running back tandem in the Mountain West Conference. Last year, Mack ran for 1,204 yards and 12 touchdowns en route to an All-Conference selection. Mack’s numbers have taken a bit of a hit this year, but that is because the backfield is no longer solely his.
Asiata’s return from injury has given the Utes two punishing runners to bruise and soften up the defense. Although their numbers might have taken a bit of a hit because of sharing time, the two have worked off each other fantastically.
“Mack helps me a lot,” Asiata said. “On and off the field, he’ll tell me what to expect.”
Despite having a new partner in the backfield, Mack said he doesn’t see any real changes in his role on the team.
“I don’t think my role has changed much. I may block more now with Asiata there, but it’s just what I got to do,” Mack said. “It’s still fun.”
There isn’t much of a difference in their styles, either. Both like to punish defenders at the point of contact.
“I try to hit them before they hit me,” Asiata said.
If Utah is to win, expect the physical running game to be a big reason.
BYU has been known more for its passing attack recently, but its backs still play a huge part in the offense. Unga, who is 6 feet tall, 243 lbs., is on his way to a 1,000-yard season. He teams up with fullback Vakapuna (6-foot-1, 245 lbs.) in the backfield. Although Vakapuna doesn’t get as many carries, his blocking is a big reason for the Cougars’ success. He also gets an average of 5 yards a pop every time he touches the ball. BYU’s passing game opens up the defense for these two backs.
If Utah is to stop BYU, it can’t just key on Max Hall and the Cougars’ passing attack. Unga and Vakapuna are too big and talented to not take note of. Neither Unga nor Vakapuna was available for comment.
In this day and age of slinging the ball around, the use of a physical running attack has almost become a lost art. Not this week. Utah and BYU will combine the old with the new. You can expect a lot of spreading out of the defense, but once these backs get a hold of the ball, get ready for some real smash-mouth football.
Thien SokMatt Asiata has returned this season after breaking his leg in the opener against Oregon State last season. The tandem of Asiata and Darrell Mack has given Utah a strong running game this season.
Lennie MahlerBYU running back Harvey Unga will face the No. 3 rush defense in the conference when he comes to play Utah. Unga and Fui Vakapuna are scoring threats who give balance to the BYU offense.