Mike Tice couldn't wait to find Onterrio Smith on the practice field Thursday.
In an attempt to throw a little encouragement, and pressure, at his blossoming rookie, Tice told him that he predicted on his radio show that the rookie would earn his first 100-yard game Sunday at Atlanta. Smith, as self-assured as anyone in the Vikings' locker room, didn't flinch.
"That sounds good to me,'' Smith said Thursday when asked about his coach's forecast. "It feels good that he has that type of confidence in me.''
It also meant Tice is ready to give Smith his most extended playing time of the season. The fourth-round draft pick gained 43 yards on 10 carries, including a 5-yard touchdown run, in Sunday's 35-7 victory over San Francisco. Tice has said he would like Smith to share time with starter Moe Williams.
"Onterrio is going to get his chance,'' Tice said. "He looks good.''
Smith has made major strides since struggling with blocking schemes and passing routes.
"I've made an about-face,'' Smith said. "I feel so much more comfortable out there.''
Against the 49ers, Smith got up and danced after most of his runs, a practice he will continue.
"I've done it since I was in Pop Warner,'' Smith said. "If I make significant yardage, I'll get up and dance a little bit.''
Evidently, Tice believes Smith will do a lot of dancing Sunday.