Which BYU running back needs to step up in LJ Martin's absence vs. Iowa State?

From the mouth of BYU football's offensive coordinator, Aaron Roderick, star running back LJ Martin will most likely not appear in the Cougars' Friday night clash with the Iowa State Cyclones.

Martin's health is a major point of concern for the Cougars this year, as his return was a critical aspect of the team's bid to return to the Big 12 Championship game. Sharing the tandem backfield with Bear Bachmeier, this BYU offense is incredibly run-heavy. Without Martin, however, the Cougars' passing attack is a bit more muted.

We saw that in action against TCU last weekend, where rainy conditions kept Sitake's squad ground-bound in the hopes of controlling the game by limiting mistakes. It worked, but it wasn't as impressive a win as many had hoped for from a team currently ranked in the AP Top 10.

In preparation for the looming matchup with Notre Dame in two weeks, it's important that the Cougars re-establish some confidence on the field to enter the season's biggest game with plenty of momentum.

And they'll have to do it without Martin, last season's Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

They'll also have to do it without Sione Moa, the second-string tailback who suffered an injury in Week 1 against Utah Tech -- his timetable is still uncertain.

So who can step up to fill the void? Three names come to mind based on what we've seen to this point in the year.

Preston Rex, Senior

I expect Rex to get the start on Friday night. He's the first back to take the field once Martin ducked under the medical tent on the sideline, and he's the steadying presence in the running back room right now.

He's run for 94 yards to this point in the season, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and breaching the plain of the end zone twice this year, which is the highest total of any runner on the team behind Bachmeier and Martin (Legend Glasker also has 2 rushing scores off jet sweep looks). When it comes to limiting mistakes, Rex is the natural option out of the backfield.

Journee Tonga, Freshman

Is it Tonga time? I think it's Tonga time.

He's a true freshman, and runs like his legs are fresh out of the running back factory. Every step is sharp, violent, and explosive when Tonga digs his cleats into the dirt, and that's pushed his yards per carry average to an excellent 8.3.

He's BYU's second-leading rusher this season (ahead of Bear) with 157 yards on 19 attempts. And though he's still largely inexperienced, Journee has been an exceptional weapon in Aaron Roderick's arsenal. Though he may not get the start against ISU, excpect to see the clock hit Tonga Time (TM) under the lights of LES.

Devaughn Eka, Freshman

It's a young backfield for BYU, which is ironic, considering how veteran this roster appears across the board otherwise. But if you like secret weapons, look no further than the Lehi native who amazed in Week 1 against Utah Tech.

Averaging 7.3 yards per carry, Eka is a stable, powerful runner at the Cougars' disposal. He's only appeared in two games -- Utah Tech and Colorado State -- well after the result of the game had already been decided, but expect to see Eka take the field against the Cyclones.

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