3.7yds per carry vs Rice and 3.5 vs Wisconsin. That can't all be the backs...right?
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and then handing it off. For years our RB’s get hit in the backfield a lot. Far more common than it should be. I can see a guy occasionally shooting a gap and making a play in the backfield but for the great offensive lineman we spit out and who end up being great pros, I’ve never understood why the run game isn’t more impactful. I tend to think it’s scheme.
Then add some variety second half. I think part of it seems to be intentionally vanilla play calling that makes it easy for defenses to diagnose. Here's hoping they are saving the variety for when it's needed
But did you look at the YPC in the 4th qtr vs Rice when the subs were in and play calling got pretty blah.
We have been spoiled by two stellar backs the last 2 years. That said, while we don't suffer versus all but 3 teams on our schedule with Williams, while being a great 3rd down back, is not the best RB on the team. It will take a bit to find THE guy who can exploit the gaps more explosively than Williams does. It will take some time and experience.
What I appreicate about this schedule, is unlike last year, when you played your toughest games in weeks 1 and 2., there was not a breaking in process for Carr and company. He and the offense got the two toughest opponents in the first two weeks. Had they played either later in the year, I think it is a different story. This year, we don't have a new QB, but some different guys - with expereince - playing different positions on the line and running backs getting a feel for the game and working with the O-line. The lighter schedule in the front part of the season allows for this to come together as a unit before BYU, Miami, etc.