Poor RB play has more to do with poor line play and poor play design

than anything else. ND may not have great backs but they were constantly being undone by poor line blocking a frankly ND telegraphing the play to the defense.
On the odd occasion, like once a back broke out for a big gainer.

Sometimes I feel as though the big surprise is a five yard gain with this team. There just has to be better play design and better cloaking of running plays.