The ACC's two leading rushers from a year ago return in 2010, with Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams (1,655 yards) leading the way and Boston College running back Montel Harris (1,457 yards) at No. 2. Williams was the better back -- he averaged more yards on fewer carries, had more yards per carry and scored seven more touchdowns than Harris.

For all of the deserved hype surrounding Williams heading into this fall, though, it's possible Harris could unseat him as the league's top rusher in 2010. Here are three reasons why:

• One-man show. Harris, at least following spring drills, is the only proven option at running back for the Eagles. (That being said, his health is of the utmost importance.) The Eagles finished the spring uncertain about who Harris' backup would be. Virginia Tech has the opposite problem -- it's too crowded. Williams is likely to lose some carries to Darren Evans, another 1,000-yard rusher whose talent will make it impossible to keep him off the field.
• Boston College is better up front. The Eagles return four starters, including potential NFL draft pick Anthony Castonzo, while Virginia Tech has to replace veterans Sergio Render and Ed Wang.
• BC scheduled to face less daunting rushing defenses. In looking at last year's statistics for rushing defense, the Eagles face only one program that finished better than 40th in the nation -- No. 13 Syracuse. BC faces four programs that finished worse than 80th (Notre Dame, Wake Forest, Florida State and Virginia). Virginia Tech, though, will face two top-15 rushing defenses in No. 14 Boston College and No. 10 North Carolina. Boise State ranked No. 28 in rushing defense last year and East Carolina was No. 27. The Hokies also have to face Miami.

Of course, some of you might argue there is another running back in the conference who might surpass both of these guys -- somebody like Georgia Tech's Anthony Allen, perhaps, or one of Miami or Florida State's many options. It's a strong position throughout the entire league. Nobody was able to rack up more yards than Williams or Harris last year, though, so until anyone does, they remain kings of the carries.