Pitt Run Defense Tasked With Conference's Top RB

PITTSBURGH — It's a good thing that the Pitt Panthers' defense is built to stop the run because they'll be up against another challenging run game this week against the NC State Wolfpack.

Hollywood Smothers is the No. 1 running back in the ACC. He has 739 yards, five touchdowns, averages 6.6 yards per attempt and 105.6 yards per game. Smothers' rushing total is nearly 200 more yards than the next leading rusher in the conference.

Pitt has already faced a run-heavy Central Michigan offense, a speedy Louisville run game and the No. 2 rushing offense in Florida State. The defense was up to the challenge each time, allowing an average of 87.7 yards in those three games.

Not only will the Panthers be challenged to slow down Smothers, but they'll also have to stop the rest of NC State, which Pat Narduzzi called "the most talented football team that we will have played to date."

"Their tailback is special," Pat Narduzzi said. "Best tailback we've faced to this point. One of the top two leading receivers, as well as he's a balanced runner."

Pitt Defense Faces Tough Challenge vs. NC State

Narduzzi even compared Smothers' skill set to Desmon Reid's.

"He's got speed. He's as close to a guy like Des Reid that we'll face this year," Narduzzi said. I know we've got some great ones coming up here in the future, but he's really good."

Smothers stands at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. Not only is he a talented and speedy rusher, but he is also used in the pass game. Smothers has the second-most receptions on NC State's offense with 25 grabs, and the seventh-most yards with 145 and a touchdown.

"It's a bigger challenge for everybody, because you've got to tackle him in space, not just within the box," said defensive coordinator Randy Bates. "He's probably one of the best players in the league, in my opinion."