In the days leading up to the 2015 Rose Bowl, the Emerald will take a unit-by-unit look at Oregon and Florida State, determining which team has the edge going into the showdown on Jan. 1 in Pasadena. Today, we’ll look at each team’s running backs.

Oregon
Freshman running back Royce Freeman has easily surpassed the glamorously high expectations set for him during the preseason. Freeman finished the regular season with 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns, both freshman school records at Oregon. In the process, Freeman has certified himself as the clear No. 1 running back in an offense accustomed to multiple options in the backfield. Freeman has accounted for 40.6% of Oregon’s carries this season.
Behind Freeman is sophomore running back Thomas Tyner. Tyner has missed the last three games and hasn’t rushed for more than 64 yards in a game this season. Tyner has rushed for 387 yards and three touchdowns. He has been practicing with the team in preparation for the Rose Bowl.
Along with Tyner is senior Kenny Bassett who has ran for 134 yards on 27 carries this season.
Florida State
The two-back duo of freshman Dalvin Cook and senior Karlos Williams has helped fuel a successful Seminoles offense this season. Led by Cook, who rushed for 908 yards and eight touchdowns in the regular season, the Florida State backfield has aided former Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston average 34.8 points per game in the regular year.
Williams has rushed for 609 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior season. He missed the ACC Championship against Georgia Tech after suffering a concussion against the Florida Gators. Along with Williams and Cook, sophomore Mario Pender has shown that he can contirbute in the Seminoles backfield, as well. Pender has rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns this year.
Advantage – Oregon
Royce Freeman has shown to be, not just a top freshman in the country, but one of the better running backs in the nation. Freeman has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his first year with the Ducks. Though Oregon doesn’t boast the same two-back potential that Florida State does in Cook and Williams, Freeman’s influence on the Oregon offense is vital. Also, when healthy, Tyner has proven that he has the skills to be a difference-maker.
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