There are several reasons already mentioned why Perkins' performance seems to struggle on short yardage.
1. Our offensive line is not blowing anyone off the line. Malone was pancaked by a DT in the Kentucky game. I am not an OL coach, but that should never happen on a run play where you are supposed to be low and plowing. Reviewing the game footage will show this to be the case. Secondly, Siddoway has not sealed the edge at different times. Everyone was hyped about his JC video, but he is struggling a little against D-I ends. Our line has to get better in order to allow the RB (whatever RB) to power through the line. Furthermore, our OL seems to suck at staying engaged with their target. Don't get me wrong, they are better than last year and getting better this year.
2. Perkins is strong but his running style is a slasher. If you watch the film, he does not generally go down on first contact unless he hasn't gotten going. DL or LBs shooting the gaps get to him just after handoff before he can get going. Any back is going to typically go down then. I think his slashing style is better for the big gain and he is definitely not a power back so why expect him to act like one? We are not a power rushing team anymore. MSU is moving to a finesse type offense under Mullen, especially with TR in there versus a running QB. We may go back when Dak and/or Cord take over the offense in 2014.
3. Running without a FB will give LBs free shots at or behind the line of scrimmage. You can only make them miss so many times. Delayed handoffs actually work better for our style offense.
4. Playcalling. We have unimaginitative playcalling at times. When everyone in the stadium and on TV knows you are going to run the ball, then it is hard to run the ball. We called the same play several times in short yardage situations. We have to improve playcalling if we want to do better. I feel like we get too conservative too early with a lead. That and substituting liberally is what is frustrating most of us with not blowing teams out.
5. Finally, our tight ends are more athletic than previous and are more engaged in the passing game. However, they need improvement in blocking. That extra blocking would help the running game tremendously.
Perkins is by far the best RB on our team, not even close. I agree Milton should be the clear Number 2, but he's not on the same level. I like our system right now with the personnel we have. With improvements in the OL and playcalling we can be a more consistent running team.
