Tuesday, October 30, 2001

Who to watch
Chad Bayer, LB vs. Leonard Henry, RB

The matchup: Henry’s ability to make plays, both rushing and receiving, are key reasons why ECU is 7-1 and undefeated in C-USA. Bayer walked his way from the scout team to the first-team, leading the nation’s No. 1 defense in tackles last year (107). The three-year starter has a knack for making plays.

The stats: Henry has rushed for 943 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 carries. His average of 8.3 per carry ranks among the best in the nation. Oh, and he’s also ECU’s leading receiver (17-159-1). Bayer ranks third on the team with 44 tackles, including seven for a loss, but always gets his hat in on plays.

Effect on the game: Henry, perhaps more so than Gerrard, drives the ECU offense. When he slashes through defenses, ECU’s passing game opens up and No. 1 offense in C-USA clicks. When he doesn’t, it doesn’t. That simple.

Winner: Bayer. Granted, TCU had months to plan, but the Frogs held Nebraska 160 yards under its rushing average this year. TCU may have lost seven defensive starters but still can slow the run Henry may be the most talented back in C-USA, but teams don’t run on the Frogs.