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Oct. 12, 2007

By David Gladow
NOLA.com

For Tulane, one of the real bright spots in the 2007 season has been the exceptional play of star running back Matt Forté. He's been the one constant in an offense that has been searching for consistency, and he set a Conference USA rushing record three weeks ago in a win over SLU. That spells trouble for UAB, which hosts the Green Wave at 6 CT on Saturday night.

The Blazers have been stampeded by opposing running backs all year, ranking 11th in Conference USA against the run by surrendering 221.8 yards per game. A week ago, UAB got flattened by Mississippi State running back Anthony Dixon, who powered his way to three touchdowns in a runaway win for the Bulldogs.

To say Forté has UAB's full attention is probably putting it mildly. And while the Blazers know they've gone against some pretty decent running attacks to this point, Forte presents an entirely different challenge.

"I think he brings more to the table than what the guy did last week," UAB head coach Neil Callaway said. "He's got a lot more speed. I think Forté has all the tools. He's a big, physical guy, has excellent speed, catches the ball well out of the backfield. I think he'll be a high (NFL) draft choice."

The Green Wave can only hope that their biggest edge (the running of Forté) can propel them to their second win of the year and move them right into the thick of the Conference USA race.