Kevin Smith vs. Matt Forte

Last year, inspired by the performances of UCF's Kevin Smith and Tulane's Matt Forte, I wrote a post here about college football's 2,000 Yard Club and how its members have fared in the pros. While watching football this afternoon, I heard Forte's name during a highlight and inspiration struck: why not run a weekly comparison between these two guys and see who has the better rookie season? It's a simple idea. I like simple ideas.

Each player's game logs through Week 5 are listed below.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions

Week 1 @ Atlanta: 16 carries, 48 yards, TD; 4 receptions, 32 yards
Week 2 vs. Green Bay: 10 carries, 40 yards; 4 receptions, 21 yards
Week 3 @ San Francisco: 3 carries, 14 yards
Week 4: bye
Week 5 vs. Chicago: 8 carries, 31 yards, TD; 4 receptions, 25 yards

Totals: 37 carries, 133 yards, 2 TD; 12 receptions, 78 yards

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Week 1 @ Indianapolis: 23 carries, 123 yards, TD; 3 receptions, 18 yards
Week 2 @ Carolina: 23 carries, 92 yards; 3 receptions, 21 yards
Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay: 27 carries, 89 yards; 7 receptions, 66 yards, TD
Week 4 vs. Philadelphia: 19 carries, 43 yards; 5 receptions, 42 yards
Week 5 @ Detroit: 15 carries, 36 yards, TD; 4 receptions, 25 yards, TD

Totals: 107 carries, 383 yards, 2 TD; 22 receptions, 172 yards, 2 TD

Both players are contributing on the ground and in the passing game, but Forte is the clear front runner at this stage in the season, leading the Bears in rushing yards and receptions through five games. Smith leads the Lions in rushing yards and is among the leaders in receptions, but his numbers are relatively unimpressive.

Next Week: Forte and the Bears travel to Atlanta, while Smith and the Lions head to Minnesota.