The wide-open attack took pressure off Marinaro, and with the offensive line executing the Arkansas scramble block well, he began hitting quick openers for big gains.

He credits his backfield cohorts with much of his success, though. Quarterback Rick Furbush is a running threat himself, and the Red fullbacks lead Marinaro into the line.

"They really work," Marinaro said of the fullbacks, who alternate because of the demands placed on them.

Of course, most of Marinaro's yardage is his alone. He has an excellent chance of making All-American this year, and two consecutive rushing titles could bring him the Heisman Trophy.

"If Calvin Hill wasn't doing so well in the pros, I wouldn't have a shot at it," he said, looking ahead Thursday. "The rushing title is really more important, though, because it leads to other things. I just can't afford to worry about it now."

Marinaro may not be worrying. The Harvard defense is.