Against a tough defense, watch Lousville's Bilal Powell tonight

There is no better running team in the Big East than Louisville. That's thanks in large part to running back Bilal Powell.

The senior is averaging 137.8 yards rushing a game, with the team averaging 217.8 on the year. Powell already has more yards this season (689) than he did in 2009 (392).

Against Cincinnati, Powell will face the best run defense in the conference. Powell is a late-round sleep prospect, but could really help himself tonight against a team that gave up only 42 yards rushing to Miami and 82 to Oklahoma.

Powell is a solid running back at 6-foot, 215 pounds who is faster to the corner than most might think. None of his tools are elite, but Powell is just an incredibly solid running back. He's faster than he is quick but also has a good power base.

Some of his running strength gets negated by an upright running style. It may work in the pros for Adrian Peterson, but it won't for Powell. If anyone, Powell has similar traits to Arian Foster – except speaking Pterodactyl bit.

Like Foster, Powell has solid athleticism. That's thanks in large part to being in better shape this season. Powell also shown he can catch the ball. Against Arkansas State, he had a 57-yard touchdown reception.

Powell has a leadership role this season for Louisville, under coach Charlie Strong. The new head coach likes Powell's work ethic, something that will greatly help his chances to make it in the NFL.

A good game against Cincinnati wouldn't hurt either.