Southern Miss's Smith ranks as one of the best running backs in the country

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss's impressive 34-7 victory against UTEP Saturday night was just what the Golden Eagles needed after the tough loss to Troy the week prior.

Running back, Ito Smith has been a big part of the Golden Eagles success.

Smith is ranked third in the country for rushing yards and fourth in yards per game.

Offensive coordinator, Shannon Dawson said, "Overally impressed with the guy. Everything about him. Not only is he great with the ball in his hand. But what makes him great is during the week. That guy puts his work in. And so I appreciate that about him. He caught four or five balls Saturday I think, and so he's really good out there too. But I mean, I can't overload him to where I'm doing too much with him. I got to keep it fine-tuned where he's doing everything in the backfield and we're handing him the ball a lot. But I got to keep defense's off-balanced where I line him up too, because he's our best player. If he played slot receiver all the time, he'd be the best. I mean he's just that kind of guy."

Smith has rushed for 550 yards and four touchdowns so far this season.