The Big East is the RB conference

Headed into last season, the Pac-10 was the conference of running backs. It still has some good ones -- Jacquizz Rodgers and LaMichael James jump out -- but right now, the true running back conference is the one that once gave us Tony Dorsett, Ray Rice and Curtis Martin: the Big East.

Football Outsiders uses one metric called POE (points over expected); more than yards or yards per carry, POE and Adjusted POE (adjusted for offensive line play) combine a runner's ability to break long runs, score touchdowns, and produce at a level higher than what an average back could achieve given his carries and set of opponents.

You can find more on POE and Adjusted POE by going here.

This output-versus-expected-output approach is a reliable method for adding context -- opponent quality, offensive line play and more -- to a running back's production.

For the full metric breakdown of the Big East's RB success, you need to be an ESPN Insider.

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