Barry Sanders is easily one of the 3 greatest running backs in NFL history, if not the greatest. However, his college numbers were even more staggering. And when I say “staggering” I mean they are only possible for a power conference RB to accumulate during a season of NCAA 2K2 for the Sega Dreamcast. Sanders only started one full season at Oklahoma State because he was Thurman Thomas’ backup his freshman and sophomore years, but he sure made it count.

Rushing Yards: 2,850 yards (NCAA Record)

Rushing Yards/Game: 238.9 (NCAA Record)

Rushing Touchdowns: 42 (NCAA Record)

Total Touchdowns: 44 (NCAA Record)

12 consecutive games scoring at least two touchdowns (i.e. the entire season)

9 games scoring at least 3 touchdowns

Ron Dayne played for 4 seasons and amassed a record 6,397 rushing yards on 1,220 carries (5.24 yards per carry). Barry Sanders’ one full season of college football left him with 45% of the yards Dayne gained. Extrapolated over four years Sanders would have rushed for 11,400 yards over his college career. Even if he dropped to an average of 2,000 yards/season, Sanders would have passed Dayne’s career mark towards the end of his junior year, and finish his career near 9,000 yards. 

Alien DNA, it’s the only explanation.