Question for all the people doubting me that we will replace Dixon.....

[Coach34]

Do you think all these teams in college and the pros are adding the zone read with their best athletes because Dixon ran the ball so well last year or because it's one helluva play that's super hard to defend? <span style="text-decoration:underline">Think about it- pro teams are putting this play in their offense now because of how effective it is and how damn hard it is to stop.</span>

Dixon was a good player. But we will keep on keepin on because of our committment to the running game and because of the way we use the zone read within our offense- combined with the veer option game. All these teams wouldnt be putting in their offensive package if it wasn't a special play that is hard as hell to stop. And it's not going to stop for us just because Dixon graduated.

 

[SyonaraStanz]

Dixon wasn't much of a threat in Croom's magical offense. His Junior and Senior seasons are night and day when compared, and you can chalk up about 25% of that difference to his conditioning and the O-line; the rest is the scheme change.

 

[GloryDawg]

Johnson replaced McGhee, Miller replaced Johnson, Norwood replaced Miller, Dixon replaced Norwood. All turned out to be pretty dang good. I am sure we will have someone step up to the plate this year and we might evenhave a good O-Line to help that personout. </p>

 

[coach66]

at running back, the system works well. I think we have the chance to be better with more backs with different styles contributing. With that said I still say Dixon is one of the top 3 running backs we have ever had.

 

[OMlawdog]

But I think you would admit that Dixon has a candid ability to turn a 4 yard gain into a 6 yard gain.

That adds up. Now, I think MSU should have a solid rushing attack this year, and it could rival last year's output, may even out gain it, but at the end of the day Dixon will be missed some. It might not be much, but he will be missed. I think that is what most people are thinking about MSU losing Dixon.

Im interested in seeing how Relf develops this year, if he adds any type of passing threat, MSU offense could be really good.

 

[Todd4State]

I think we're going to miss Dixon's intangibles- like getting those extra two yards, or dragging someone 5, 10, or in the case of Houston 50 yards downfield. Statistically, if Ballard and Elliott average 50 yards a piece per game, which is not exactly a difficult number of yards to achieve in this offense, then we can match about what Dixon can do statistically per game. You add in the Montrell Conners, Matthew Wells, and etc., then we can easily exceed that.

 

[coach66]

which is the mark of a good back but he was also the best dancer on the team and turned 5 yard gains into 3 yard losses on some occassions. I am not sure we have a dancer this year but who knows. I loved Dixon, when the chips were down most of the time he came through, I wish he had gotten the ball against LSU last year on that goaline stand.

 

[markymark.sixpack]

We always do, you're right. But to me, it's this simple: I would RATHER have Dixon than any one back we have this year. I think deep down you would too. To me that means we will miss him.

Will we be fine w/o him? Yes. You are correct though, the scheme will continue to be productive without him. I'm sure there will be some plays and some moments where we all think "Damn, I wish we had Dixon" though. In the end, if Relf can step up his game...that's all that matters.

 

[NutherT]

Vick Ballard will look a lot like Dicenzo on the field this year. I'm glad that comparison came to me. Same skill set. He'll look like him, but who knows if he will be as effective.

 

[Dollabillz]

We've always got the Dandy Dozen guy, or some JUCO dude who can play.

2007-Robert Elliot
2008-Vick Ballard (JUCO equivalent, Tig was the guy this year)
2009-Montrell Conner/Ladarius Perkins (not the typical DD, but there really wasn't one)
2010-Nick Griffin/Matthew Wells

Personnel is there, they just have to produce. Realistically Elliot or Ballard is going to have to step up and run this show. Elliot's time is now.