LSU Tigers

LSU's Fournette or FSU's Cook? Who would Clemson's Dabo Swinney rather coach?

Published Oct. 20, 2015 2:36 p.m. ET

foxsports

Many people across the college football landscape feel LSU running back Leonard Fournette is the best running back in the country. However, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is not one of them.

On Tuesday, Swinney declared Florida State running back Dalvin Cook to be the better of the two.

"It's like comparing Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota," Swinney said. "They're both really good, but if you can only pick one, I'm taking Dalvin Cook. They're both phenomenal players, and I've seen (Fournette) a good bit."

Fournette currently leads the country with 1,202 rushing yards, but Cook, who has rushed for 955 yards on a sore hamstring, has the edge in yards per carry (8.7 to 8.0). When it comes to rushing touchdowns, Fournette holds a 14-10 advantage.

As far as explosion plays go, ones that travel 20 yards or better, Cook has 16 to Fournette’s 13.

"Maybe it's just more style of play," Swinney said. "I haven't seen everybody, but they're the two best guys I've seen out there."