Who was a more exciting runner, Curt Warner or Ki Jana Carter?

[Jerademan74]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

 

[fairgambit]

Warner.

 

[dawgduice]

Warner was "quicker" and Ki Jana was "faster" maybe a bit stronger. There were some other differences as well. Man would we LOVE to have either today

 

[fairgambit]

According to the stats, Warner was 2.5 yards per carry above replacement, while Carter was only 2.1 above replacement. OK, I made that up, but I like Warner better anyway.

 

[really?????]

warner, not even close

 

[Jerademan74]

warner, not even close

Not even close? Really???? Wow, that is a bold statement! I think they were very close, unless you were judging them based on their NFL careers. Warner was one of the few Penn State RB's to stay healthy in the NFL, along with Franco, Lydell, Matt Suhey and Gary Brown. LJ, Jr. was relatively healthy physically, but not so much mentally.

 

[Cvilleguy12]

Warner

 

[LemonEars]

Warner was more exciting. He made people miss and was super quick. KiJana was more powerful besides being super fast. KiJana would have been a better pro if he didn't get injured. Warner was definitely more exciting to watch.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Both were great. Carter was ever-so-slightly better.

 

[bjf1984]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Warner......but its kinda' like Anne Margaret vs Raquel Welch in their respective primes.

 

[GregPSU]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Well, since you asked more exciting then that would be Warner. DJ Dozier would be 2nd. Both those backs made amazing moves leaving many a defender grasping air. I loved Carter, but Warner & Dozier had the most shake & bake that was very exciting to watch.

 

[BigMatt]

Warner, but it's close...

 

[LionJim]

Carter was better but Warner was a hell of a big-game player. He blew up the Ohio State and USC bowl games and his touchdown in the Georgia game, well, of all the Penn State plays I've got stored in my memory, that's the one that comes most easily (and happily) to mind.

 

[doublehaul]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?[/QUOTE
Carter, his power and speed made him IMHO the most explosive player we've ever had. He could also make people miss with a little shoulder
fake on the corner. I remember a USC db lying on the ground looking at his hands , wondering how did he get by me? Carter avg. over 7 yds a carry for his career.

 

[bdgan]

Both were great. Carter was ever-so-slightly better.

Carter ran behind a much better OL and opposing defenses couldn't focus on the run with PSU's QB, WRs, & TE.

Warner did a lot more on his own. He was great on the screen pass. I pick Warner.

 

[PSU87]

Tough one, but I gotta go with Carter. He was so fast, smooth and powerful. I remember one play in the Minny opener in 94. Routine toss sweep that looked like it was going to lose 2 yards. In the literal blink of an eye, Carter, as if by magic, is on the other side of the LOS and running downhill for 50 some odd yards....he was somethin'.

 

[olelion]

[QUOwhat'serademan74, post: 165507, member: 8510"]NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?[/QUOTE]
So, whats next? My favorite tie that Joe wore?

 

[Jerademan74]

Carter was better but Warner was a hell of a big-game player. He blew up the Ohio State and USC bowl games and his touchdown in the Georgia game, well, of all the Penn State plays I've got stored in my memory, that's the one that comes most easily (and happily) to mind.

How about Warner's games against Nebraska. He still owns the record for most yards by any RB against Nebraska in Lincoln at 220 yards I believe!

 

[Jerademan74]

[QUOwhat'serademan74, post: 165507, member: 8510"]NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

So, whats next? My favorite tie that Joe wore?[/QUOTE]
Well, what was your favorite tie? If you don't like the questions, you don't have to reply?

 

[psuro]

So, whats next? My favorite tie that Joe wore?

Well, what was your favorite tie? If you don't like the questions, you don't have to reply?[/QUOTE]

He used to wear a blue Penn State tie with the Nittany Lion logo -like the statue. I liked that one

I really liked his whale pants though

 

[NJLions]

Warner

 

[DCLion]

Curt Warner was the better back

 

[LeatherHelmets]

Warner. My favorite PSU player. Carter was great too but Curt could do it all.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Apparently, neither one could match up with Lenny Moore. I think Joe called Lenny the best player he's ever coached.

I'd love to see Lenny, Ki Jana, and Larry Johnson in a 100 yard dash with full gear on. See which one had the best 100 yard football speed. I think Ki Jana would have had the best 40 time (in full gear). But Lenny sure had a burst.

 

[NittanyDave]

Curt Warner
He had running cuts like nobody
He caught the ball very well
Dominated games even when we had no passing I.e. Nebraska 1981
Won national championship
One of the best rookie seasons in NFL history
Most fun back to watch

Carter one year wonder few catches.

 

[doc69]

Warner was the best, I ever saw at PSU.

 

[Grove Lion]

Warner......but its kinda' like Anne Margaret vs Raquel Welch in their respective primes.

Anne Margaret

 

[10 Years After]

Anne Margaret

Racquel

 

[lionlurker]

Next thread: Ginger or Mary Ann?

 

[Fayette_LION]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Warner without a doubt but if you wanted an exciting runner, DJ Dozier had an exceptionally exciting running style.

 

[psuken]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Warner, not even close.

 

[psuken]

How about Warner's games against Nebraska. He still owns the record for most yards by any RB against Nebraska in Lincoln at 220 yards I believe!

No way was Carter better; he was a great running back but the short side pitch with Curt was a thing of beauty. Going to Lincoln when Blackledge went 2-19 and Warner had 256 yards. He had the hip wiggle

Carter was better but Warner was a hell of a big-game player. He blew up the Ohio State and USC bowl games and his touchdown in the Georgia game, well, of all the Penn State plays I've got stored in my memory, that's the one that comes most easily (and happily) to mind.

Loved watching that short side pitch, loved watching him coming out of the backfield and catching the pass, and the off tackle with his wiggle was so much fun to watch. Kijana was great but not nearly at Curt Warner's level.

 

[Jerademan74]

Warner was "quicker" and Ki Jana was "faster" maybe a bit stronger. There were some other differences as well. Man would we LOVE to have either today

We may have the next great Penn State RB coming this summer with Saquon Barkley. We'll save the accolades until he proves himself, but we haven't had a more decorated HS RB commit since Austin Scott. Let's hope Barkley proves to be the real deal and stays injury free.

 

[psuken]

Bet we see Barkley or Robinson starting this season..

 

[marisa45]

NOBODY could cut on a dime like Warner to make a defender miss. Nobody got to the corner faster than Ki Jana for at least an 8 yard gain. Not only were they 2 of the best Penn State running backs in history, but they were both top 10 RB's in college football history IMHO! But which was better based on whatever criteria you want?

Again, staying on criteria (most exciting) I'd say Carter. He had that extra gear and seemed to explode through wholes. He also had a knack for the big moments. The breakaway touchdown against Oregon was about as exciting as it gets.

Warner IMHO was the better running back, seemed to have more desire and better game flow.

I think you'd have to include LJ jr and Lydell Mitchell in a "most exciting runner" poll as both were very exciting runners. LJ Jr was a man amongst boys in the last 4 games of the year and although my memory can only take me back to the 70s, the highlight reels of Mitchell say it all.

 

[androcles]

...go back and look at some clips of Lenny Moore...

 

[Fed Express]

Warner was my favorite PSU back. He made Hershel Walker look very ordinary in 83 Sugar Bowl. Warner was an excellent pro also, although short lived. Didn't really matter who carried the ball in 94, the holes were huge.. My second favorite may be Blair Thomas. Charlie Pittman and Bobby Campbell were great too.

 

[dmdpsu]

If anyone truly saw both, there is no contest. Warner was a tremendous athlete. Carter was amazingly fast and benefitted from a great offense and offensive line.
Warner was the best.