Why are people perturbed with our running backs?

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

I don't get all the dissatisfaction. Here are a couple of stats comparing our running back (not qbs...not wideouts on sweeps) last year and this year.

YPG by all Running Backs combined
2014: 193.1
2015: 196.3

YPC by all Running Backs combined
2014: 5.8
2015: 5.6

We had an all-world Heisman type back last year and our stats thus far are virtually the same. Why is the oline taking a hit and why do we think we have to have a long search for a running back?

 

[redwine65]

Im just perturbed about the lack of use of them. which I can get over if passing produces wins.
thus far it has produced more defeats then wins.
but maybe riley's system in 2 to 3 years will produce the wins.
I liked the days when 400 to 500 ypg. was the norm.

 

[leodisflowers]

Tom if your eyes don't see a difference in backs I'm sorry buddy.

 

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

Actually, in terms of carries per game the number is similar.

2014: 29
2015: 25 (But remember we run a number of jet sweeps now that are not included.)

The one rushing number that is different is Tommy. He runs the ball far less and is running for less yards per carry.

 

[Tulsa Tom_rivals17485]

Tom if your eyes don't see a difference in backs I'm sorry buddy.

Then we have great offensive line play this year.

 

[leodisflowers]

Our Oline isn't horrible, if we had a good back we'd be parading them

 

[c2o]

Human nature.

 

[barney44]

Our Oline isn't horrible, if we had a good back we'd be parading them

If our line play was great then it wouldn't matter a whole lot who is running the ball, or passing the ball...

I'm a firm believer in strong line play over all else on both offense and defense. Games are won in the trenches and he who blocks best or sheds his blockers best will have more success.

 

[jeans15]

Our OL suffers in pass blocking and the snap.

 

[leodisflowers]

If our line play was great then it wouldn't matter a whole lot who is running the ball, or passing the ball...

I'm a firm believer in strong line play over all else on both offense and defense. Games are won in the trenches and he who blocks best or sheds his blockers best will have more success.

Agree to an extent. A stallion RB makes a mediocre Oline look good. Right now we have tentative backs who don't make people miss. With OZ and Stevenson maybe that changes.

 

[barney44]

Agree to an extent. A stallion RB makes a mediocre Oline look good. Right now we have tentative backs who don't make people miss. With OZ and Stevenson maybe that changes.

My problem with the focus of a great back is that too much is put on his back. An impressive line makes it much easier for these guys to make those plays and make people miss, even the mediocre ones. Look at the lines back in the 90's, even our less than stellar backs were capable of making big plays and on consistent basis. If you have just a great back and mediocre line then that one man is going to have a bad day at some point. Don't get me wrong, I agree that a great back does make things better but I prefer that the offense all around benefits from a great line.

 

[Huskers_Rule]

I don't get all the dissatisfaction. Here are a couple of stats comparing our running back (not qbs...not wideouts on sweeps) last year and this year.

YPG by all Running Backs combined
2014: 193.1
2015: 196.3

YPC by all Running Backs combined
2014: 5.8
2015: 5.6

We had an all-world Heisman type back last year and our stats thus far are virtually the same. Why is the oline taking a hit and why do we think we have to have a long search for a running back?

I think we're fine now, love Newby but he isn't a tough runner. The freshman looks like he runs with power and speed. Newby is great as a receiver so I think that will be his primary role now and a change of pace runner. We found a great all purpose FB so I think the position is looking up.