What do you think the chances are that we will be able to just beat down teams by cycling our RBs?

[MikeRU1766]

Do you guys think we will be able to win some games by being able to cycle James, Hicks, Martin, and Peoples into the game so that we constantly have a fresh RB in the game? I feel like this could be a huge advantage in the 4th quarter when the defense has been going against fresh RBs ALL GAME LONG already and now they have to deal with our starting RB being fresh for the 4th quarter when the defense is totally exhausted.

What is the most recent college football team we could compare to where they could legitimately cycle in 4 different RB's? I would be curious to see how they fared and if they choose to use just 1 or 2 RBs or if they chose to use all of the RBs.

 

[vkj91]

Yes and no. We have four games we could win with any RB on our roster. We have a few more we will probably need decent QB play and then some it probably won't matter. We need QB play against WSU, PSU, Michigan, and possiblyNebraska with a new O.

 

[RUwoz]

OSU and PSU have top-10 run defenses, MSU and Wisconsin both have really good defense in general, Michigan has a ton of defensive talent and Nebraska has the overrated, but still good blackshirts. It will help but running over teams will not be our best option

 

[MikeRU1766]

I agree with the above posters.

The one thing to remember though is that even Top 10 run defenses.... they usually only have to go against 1 starting RB and maybe the occasional change of pace RB or back-up RB a couple times throughout a game.

It is rare to have to go every single play against a RB that is able to give his 110% effort. It takes that much more effort to bring down the RB every play and eventually that must take it's toll on the defense no matter how highly ranked it is because it just NEVER usually has to deal with a situation like that.

An interesting statistic I would love to know at the end of the year is how many broken tackles our team had last year and how many broken tackles we will have this year. Because don't forget that our RB's pounding down the DL and LBs all game will also make it easier for our TE's to break some tackles too hopefully on some worn down LB's and CB's. I predict we will have more broken tackles this year than last year for sure because of this built-in advantage when you are able to use a stable of fresh RBs throughout an entire football game.

Obviously, this is all kind of a guessing game. That is why I am wondering if anyone knows of any college football teams that have employed this strategy and if it actually worked.

 

[zappaa]

Simple answer is, no chance.
We will have to make multiple big plays in the passing game to even be close in the 4th quarter.
Big plays are converting 3rd and 10s and gaining ten or more yards via the pass on 1st down.

 

[MikeR0102]

Doubtful. Even against WSU and Indiana who have had terrible defenses the last few years, we are going to need to score a lot of points. We can be run first, but we are still going to need to get points every drive against them.

 

[jerzeyguy]

Let's see how good the offensive line is first.

 

[DJ Spanky]

Let's see how good the offensive line is first.

^^^^ This. ^^^^^

Doesn't matter how good our RB's are, or how many of them we have. If our O Line can't open the holes, the RB, whoever it is, ain't goin' anywhere.

 

[zappaa]

^^^^ This. ^^^^^

Doesn't matter how good our RB's are, or how many of them we have. If our O Line can't open the holes, the RB, whoever it is, ain't goin' anywhere.

Spanky,
Those holes you speak of will not open regularly at this level, if the line backers and defensive backs don't have a basic fear of a passing game.
You need to have at least six guys on the defense thinking I can't bite on play action because I might get beat.

 

[JQRU91]

As previously mentioned, a lot depends on the offensive line. Plus some running backs need to get enough carries and be in the game long enough to get in a rhythm.

 

[zappaa]

As previously mentioned, a lot depends on the offensive line. Plus some running backs need to get enough carries and be in the game long enough to get in a rhythm.

You have not addressed the question of the OP.
Can we win games without a vertical passing game? The answer is not many.

 

[JQRU91]

You have not addressed the question of the OP.
Can we win games without a vertical passing game? The answer is not many.

Maybe I wasn't clear enough. I was addressing the OP's suggested strategy of constantly rotating in a deep stable of running backs throughout the game. I was pointing out some possible issues with such a strategy. I think, overall, the depth at running back is not as big a difference maker for RU in a single game as much as it will be throughout the course of the season.

 

[KnightsofChrome]

As previously mentioned, a lot depends on the offensive line. Plus some running backs need to get enough carries and be in the game long enough to get in a rhythm.

This! Rhythm is just as important to a RB, as a QB. They are not interchangeable parts, which can be added or subtracted at someones whim. As far as the line goes, they also must have confidence in the RB, which no one seems to mention. Running styles effect the way OLines block, release or hold, hold and release.

I believe that James, if 100%, should be the featured back in every game, other than Army. Both Martin and Hicks will spell James. But, James should be the guy. If he gets hurt, well then he gets hurt. Then, you go back to either Martin or Hicks as the featured. The two remaining RB's should not be playing, there are just so many carries in a ball game.

Can we win games with a solid running game, of course! A team that can control the clock, and imposes their will on the other teams Defense, also does a lot of psychological damage. But, at some point the QB will have to make some completions. Also, you MUST have a tough, solid Defense to make stops on that side of the ball.

 

[NorthernKnight]

Do you guys think we will be able to win some games by being able to cycle James, Hicks, Martin, and Peoples into the game so that we constantly have a fresh RB in the game? I feel like this could be a huge advantage in the 4th quarter when the defense has been going against fresh RBs ALL GAME LONG already and now they have to deal with our starting RB being fresh for the 4th quarter when the defense is totally exhausted.

What is the most recent college football team we could compare to where they could legitimately cycle in 4 different RB's? I would be curious to see how they fared and if they choose to use just 1 or 2 RBs or if they chose to use all of the RBs.

I think Denman's grade for the season will correlate closely with our win/loss record.

 

[RU Husky]

I'm with Zappaa on this one. OP is delusional to think that RU can run smash mouth at this level. we'll be lucky to do that against Norfolk. I don't see this as a pony express offense.RU will need lots of big plays to keep the sticks moving and the points growing.

 

[rutgersdave]

Wow, this is a realistic view of our situation.

 

[RU4Real]

There are definitely ways to win with the talent we have at RB. Most of those ways would require a different offense, or at least some very different looks.

 

[rutgersal]

I think the chances are zero. in any case, We have the best WR in the Big Ten. You better believe we will use him along with Agudosi, Grant, and maybe even sprinkle a little Jawuan Harris if he's ready. I think our biggest advantage lies within our wrs beating the overmatched DBs of the Big Ten. But the qb has to be able to deliver the ball, so that the WR has a chance at it.

 

[RUich]

Pretty much the opposite of the Wash. St. air attack. Keep in mind that they really had no running game to fall back on.
But, usually defenses wear down faster than offenses and a constant menu of run here, run there can really make any kind of a passing game much more possible.
I fully expect to see a very run-heavy offense all season since it is clearly our strength. But, I think to win the games that are in "who knows" category, we need to put the ball in the air too.

 

[B0ski]

There are two chances - slim and none and slim just left town.

 

[RUBand]

Simple answer is, no chance.
We will have to make multiple big plays in the passing game to even be close in the 4th quarter.
Big plays are converting 3rd and 10s and gaining ten or more yards via the pass on 1st down.

I agree 100%. Last year the Fridge kept defenses honest by throwing downfield the second they began to cheat.

 

[wheezer]

There are two chances - slim and none and slim just left town.

-------
We could not run very well against the top big ten teams last year...... It could easily happen again if our O line cannot do its job...... Hoping for better this year.....if we can open holes we should stay in all the games

 

[Purple-Ed]

absolutely and positively NO.

 

[Ru2bnj]

No. I really like the RBs but RU is going to have to be able to throw the ball downfield and be a threat in the passing game to score points. The defenses that RU is playing are too good to just be one dimensional. If RU wants to get to a bowl and have a winning record, they will have to be balanced and effective both running and passing the ball.

 

[RU848789]

I love our RBs, but I don't quite get the issue with thinking rotating will help much vs. having a workhorse,, durable back like Rice. And like others have said, if we can't throw downfield enough to keep the defense honest, it's going to be a long season. That's why QB is such a huge ????? for us this year.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

Spanky,
Those holes you speak of will not open regularly at this level, if the line backers and defensive backs don't have a basic fear of a passing game.
You need to have at least six guys on the defense thinking I can't bite on play action because I might get beat.

And for this we would need play action to be part of our offense. We've done this so rarely, and I hope McDaniels makes it part of our scheme.

 

[MikeRU1766]

Just to clarify I never said that we were going to just run over teams to victories. Obviously, we are going to have to throw the ball and keep teams honest.

I will be very excited if Carroo and Agudosi BOTH can become legit deep ball threats. That could really be big time for us because if teams want to stack the box and leave those guys 1 v 1 then I believe they'll be able to beat the CBs on the outside and hopefully we'll have a QB who can deliver the ball.
And if they decide to play the WR's with respect I am confident we will have a RB or 2 at least who will be able to have a big game.

 

[wheezer]

Just to clarify I never said that we were going to just run over teams to victories. Obviously, we are going to have to throw the ball and keep teams honest.

I will be very excited if Carroo and Agudosi BOTH can become legit deep ball threats. That could really be big time for us because if teams want to stack the box and leave those guys 1 v 1 then I believe they'll be able to beat the CBs on the outside and hopefully we'll have a QB who can deliver the ball.
And if they decide to play the WR's with respect I am confident we will have a RB or 2 at least who will be able to have a big game.

-----
Not if their defensive line dominates our offensive line...in fact, I would think it gets worse as the game wears on, not better

 

[Abro1975]

Unless you have a modicum of passing game, the Defenses will cheat and put 8 in the box and play the run. Have to throw successfully at least medium range if not occasional deep throws to keep the D honest.

 

[iReC89]

Wisconsin threw 50% fewer yards then RU and did well, but they ran for twice as many yards. A heavy run program can do well, but as noted its about much more then a few great RBs.
I'm going to put some faith in Caroo's decision to return as a sign that he thinks we have what we need for a passing game that will not hurt his career .

 

[MADHAT1]

Rutgers running game can make the difference between a W or a L , but like some have said, without the opposing D concerned about the RU passing game, the running game will not bring home the W on its own.

Also to many cooks spoil the pot and the same goes for running backs used during games..
One feature back, one to give him some rest and maybe one more for special situations where his talent could be best utilized
But rotating all 4 might hurt more than help.

 

[KnightsofChrome]

The B1G is a running first league, even Ohio State plays power football. Power football is Rutgers style of play. Play action pass, is off of running the ball first. Consequently, Rutgers can be a successful running team, if 1. we get good line play, 2. the RB's are able to pick up yardage

If we can't do this, then we better change our philosophy, quick season starts in one month.

 

[PatrickRU92]

for about the 7th year in a row we are going to be facing primarily 8 men in the box.

There is going to be extra effort to take the run away from us and last year teams dared Nova to beat them and he did for the most part. This year I don't know if our QBs will have it in them.

I do not see us pounding it down the throat of OSU and TTFCV (that team from Culty Valley)

 

[MikeRU1766]

for about the 7th year in a row we are going to be facing primarily 8 men in the box.

There is going to be extra effort to take the run away from us and last year teams dared Nova to beat them and he did for the most part. This year I don't know if our QBs will have it in them.

I do not see us pounding it down the throat of OSU and TTFCV (that team from Culty Valley)

Yeah nobody see us running the ball super effectively against OSU and teams like that.

But there are a bunch of games on the schedule where we should be able to.

 

[j10oreo]

When in doubt, pass to Leonte.

 

[RUfromSoCal?]

0

 

[RU#1fan]

Simple answer is, no chance.
We will have to make multiple big plays in the passing game to even be close in the 4th quarter.
Big plays are converting 3rd and 10s and gaining ten or more yards via the pass on 1st down.

This. With no push from the OL there is no way our RBs are going to run anywhere against MSU, OSU, State Penn, Wisky, Nebraska, etc.

 

[RutgersRaRa]

Who's our slot guy willing to go across the middle? We have deep threats in Carroo and Ags, and have very good RBs, but our O-line will wear down as the season progresses and we're gonna need to let the opposition's D make a push and throw over the top. Who's our over-the-middle receiver? Do we throw bubbles to our backs, or do we have a legit underneath threat? Grant is good when he catches the ball, but he's small and crossing routes are rough on anyone, let alone small guys.

 

[DocRU]

There are 5 quality experienced RBs if you count Peoples and Goodwin as well. I don't see using multiple RBs in a game as a strategy. The advantage here for RU is quality depth at an injury prone position. I'm actually of the opinion that McDaniels will utilize a short passing game on obvious run downs to protect and instill confidence in his QB.

 

[seels2662]

Actually, teams with good running games that wear down teams do it not with the RB but with the OL.