Buzzmaster

  (3:51 PM)

Hey everybody, welcome to The Show! Next up, we have the nation's leading rusher stopping by to answer your questions. Send 'em in to Louisiana Tech's Ryan Moats! He'll be here in 10 minutes.

Buzzmaster

  (3:59 PM)

Ryan is just finishing up some stim treatment. He has two more minutes left. As soon as the machine timer goes off, he's going to start taking your questions. Hang tight.

Ryan Moats

  (4:03 PM)

Hi everybody, thanks for waiting. Thanks for joining me, I'm ready for your questions.

Ryan Bell, Austin, Texas

Ryan, I was in Ruston last Saturday, great performance, I'm a huge fan. I would just like to know, coming from a place like Dallas, how are you enjoying Ruston so far?

Ryan Moats

  (4:04 PM)

It's a big diference. The city vs. the country. I'm getting used to it now, but it's certainly a lot quieter.

James Cotten (Copperas Cove, TX)

Ryan, congratualtions on a great season thus far. You're on track for 3084 yards. WOW!!! That even sounds impossible. Your schedule looks ferociuos. Patrick Cobbs one of the best backs, yardage wise last year, was stopped soundly by a larger D1 School (Texas). What do you see your offense needing to do to allow you to be productive against the #5 Hurricanes of Miami who are coming off a non dominating win at Florida State? Good luck in knocking them off this week.

Ryan Moats

  (4:05 PM)

Thanks James. Basically, we just want to play our game, we don't want to change anything just b/c we're playing Miami. When you make too many adjustments and too many changes that's when the mistakes come.

Brian Piccola (Dallas)

Moats, what does it feel like to have all this media attention after just two games?

Ryan Moats

  (4:07 PM)

Hey Piccola! I try not to think about it too much. I just try to focus on the game, there are a lot of things I have to do with the media, but I try to really concentrate on preparing for the game each week.

gator4 life (fl)

who will win the florida/tenn. game ryan?

Ryan Moats

  (4:08 PM)

Well, Tenn looked pretty strong against UNLV from what I saw. But, that's a huge rivalry, everybody comes to play in games like that. We'll see what happens. I know I"ll be watching that one if I can.

Kevin atlanta ga

do you think you will be able to get over 200 yard against that powerful miami defense

Ryan Moats

  (4:09 PM)

I don't think about yardage too much. I just run and then at the end of the game i see what I've got. I can't tell you how much I'm gonna get. I can tell you that I'm gonna run, and I'm gonna run my hardesrt. I can promise you that.

Chuck (Tampa)

Ryan, There was a guy who played against Miami before and an at best mediocre team and scored hugh yards. His name was Marshall faulk. How do you compare your abilities to him and do you think you can crave your way through Miami's defense the way he did?

Ryan Moats

  (4:11 PM)

I model myself more after Barry, but Marshall, yes, was a great back too. I don't know, I"ll try to do the best I can!

Ross & Betty Harper, Full time RV'ers

Ryan: We know that the coaches are preparing you guys for the physical game against Miami, but are they also preparing you for the mental game - knowing that you can win?

Ryan Moats

  (4:12 PM)

Yes they are. That's the number one, before even the physical. We believe it. Everybody plays a physical game, you have to, you can't just get thrown around. But, you have have to have the mental edge that gives you the courage to do it.

Michael Newton (Shreveport, LA)

For a school known for passing, it is great to have a running game. Do you think playing against Michigan State, Miami, and LSU last year will help prepare you for the next four weeks?

Ryan Moats

  (4:14 PM)

Yes, those are all similar big-time teams, but every team is different, they all bring something totally different to the table.

Chris Sebastian, Notre Dame, IN

Hey, Ryan, Bishop Lynch '03 here (Tony Simon's cousin). All of the former Friars are cheering you on! What do you feel will be your biggest challenges this year?

Ryan Moats

  (4:15 PM)

Hey Chris. The toughest part will be sustaining myself, keeping my body healed up and ready to go every week.

john (lake charles, la)

if you finish the season with the most rushing yards in ncaa, do you think being in a non bcs school will hurt your chances for a heisman?

Ryan Moats

  (4:17 PM)

Well, I don't really think about the Heisman... BUT... yes, that plays a role, bigger schools and bigger conferences. It does hurt, sure, it does hurt being in the WAC. But hey, maybe it's just not for me to win the Heisman. Just to be in that realm is an honor. It's a dream come true just to be mentioned with those other guys.

jeff (ft worth)

what was your reason for going to ltu. Where else did you look.

Ryan Moats

  (4:19 PM)

It was either here or UTep. I was recruited by Texas A&M and Colorado and some other bigger schools, but this offense really fit me better. Run the ball more, catch the ball out of the back field. It really allows me to be a total threat instead of just a running back.

Brian Piccola (Dallas)

Moats, after the doctors told you that you wouldnt play again, how much did it drive you to be where you are today?

Ryan Moats

  (4:24 PM)

It was a big fight for me. I really taught me how to work hard and what it is like to really be tested. It taught me to believe in God, that's for sure. I never imagined that I would be where I'm at, I never dreamed I'd be the leading the NCAA in rushing! No way!

Zack (Latech)

At what point did the coaches come up to you and say "hey were going to start giving you the ball 30-35 times and not just 15-20) What adjustments did you have to make?

Ryan Moats

  (4:27 PM)

You know, my coaches had discussed with me that I was going to be getting the ball a lot more this year -- I never thought it would be 30 times! But it's great, it's a challenge and it has made me a lot tougher and it's something I'm happy to take on. I never expected it, but I'm am very happy with the way things worked out. I'll do my best every carry.

Ryan Moats

  (4:29 PM)

Hey everybody, I have to run to practice. Thanks so much for all the questions and support. I really appreciate it. Good bye!

Sean (Omaha)

BUZZKILLER......Time to open another Free For All!!???

Buzzmaster

  (4:35 PM)

How's everybody doin'?

Sean (Omaha)

Just trying to stay awake at work

Arturo (Miami)

Wassup!!

Zack (Baton Rouge)

I'm doin' great, can't wait to see the Bulldogs put it on the Canes this weekend!

Buzzmaster

  (4:40 PM)

Nice.. it's been a long day so Buzz is gonna pack it in. Be back tomorrow with MLB HOFer Joe Morgan, MLB Insider Jerry Crasnick, World Series of Poker champion Greg Raymer, NFL Insider Randy Mueller and Scouts, Inc.'s Todd McShay. So enjoy the rest of your day and we'll see you tomorrow!