Two top 30 teams nationally. Two recognized running backs nationally.

When NIU takes on Alabama this Saturday in Tuscaloosa, the game will feature two players named to the 2003 Doak Walker Award watch list for the nation’s best running back.

Alabama’s Shaud Williams is the feature back in the Crimson Tide’s run-oriented offense, while NIU’s Michael Turner, the nation’s leading returning rusher, does the bulk of the carrying for the Huskies.

A transfer from Texas Tech, Williams has collected two SEC Offensive Player of the Week honors in only three weeks of the college football season.

“He is a very good player,” NIU coach Joe Novak said. “He has great balance. He kind of hides behind those big linemen and then darts around them. He is a good back.”

Turner and Williams have contrasting styles, said Novak.

“[Williams] isn’t as big as Mike,” Novak said. “He may be a little quicker … he can dart around well.”

Williams collected his first SEC Player of the Week honor in Alabama’s first game of the season. He ran 28 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Tide’s 40-17 comeback win over South Florida.

After rushing for 91 yards against consensus No. 1 Oklahoma, the Texas native put up a career day against conference rival Kentucky.

The 5-foot-8, 191-pound running back posted career highs in carries (30), rushing yards (174) and touchdowns (three).

“He’s a good back,” Turner said. “He’s strong, fast and seems quick.”

Turner, who outweighs Williams by 37 pounds, relies on a combination of his 4.41 speed and strength (400-pound bench press) to gain yards.

After gaining 1,915 yards last season, Turner has 224 yards through two games, but has gained only 3.9 yards per carry.

Those numbers look good compared to Alabama’s rush defense. In three games this season, Alabama coach Mike Shula’s team has allowed 50 yards per game, 2.1 yards per carry and eight rushing first downs.

The Huskies rush defense ranks second in the MAC, giving up 102 yards per game on the ground.

So, in a game that features two star players at running back, Novak thinks it may be both teams’ ability to throw that could determine the game.

“They are hard to run against,” Novak said. “They’re similar to Maryland, physical and maybe a little quicker. To think we are going to four- and five-yard them to death is crazy.”