[Tuck4Bama]

STARKVILLE — Among all the many things Sylvester Croom wanted to accomplish when he arrived at Mississippi State, there were two basic, bedrock things he thought his football team had to do: Stop the run on defense; start the run on offense.

His teams have had their successes at both. But perhaps not as much as this year, especially when it comes to its offense.

Add in an emerging Christian Ducre to the known quantity of Anthony Dixon, and Mississippi State has a 1-2 punch at tailback that's been rare.

Heading into Saturday's game at No. 16 South Carolina, Dixon (87.2 yards per game) and Ducre (40.5) lead a rushing attack that's 74 percent improved over last season in terms of per-game rushing yards.

"If you're serious about running the football, you need at least two and I like more backs than that," Croom said. "Because I'm always under the assumption - we've been fortunate - but I always assume that one of them is going to be in the training room."

Only twice since 2001 has Mississippi State had two backs who contributed more than 40 yards per game. In 2003, Nick Turner (58.0) and Jerious Norwood (53.5) had about equal yards, but the MSU rushing offense was the worst in the Southeastern Conference. In 2001, Dicenzo Miller (75.1 per game) and Dontae Walker (49. combined for 124.9 yards per game, but that still ranked 10th in the league.

Even after running 26 times for a mere 10 yards in the season opener against LSU, State is ranked sixth in the SEC in rushing offense, collecting 165.2 yards per game.

MSU's newfound duo figures to be a valuable component against the Gamecocks, especially with MSU's questions at quarterback. Though strong against the pass, the Gamecocks are giving up 216.5 yards rushing per game, which is next-to-last in the Southeastern Conference.

MSU football: Backing Dixon with Ducre gives Dogs powerful double dose