Just curious what everyone else thinks about the backs this fall? I really believe Mikale Wilbon...when given the chance(no credit given to TA's throwing ability on past opportunities)...will surprise us. I think he's actually going to carry the load ahead of Bryant. I see Mazour making it into rotation but I'm torn on how Ozigbo is going to be utilized this year. Thoughts?
Running Backs...
- Thread starter chrsmneric
- Start date
Bryant
wilbon
OZ---situational and against certain teams
mazour (with some return duties)
wilbon
OZ---situational and against certain teams
mazour (with some return duties)
I agree with the above, although I believe Oz will ultimately end up with more carroes than wilbon.
Mazour will be back to return kicks as well as some situational offensive plays...a handful a game.
Hass and Rose will be on kick return teams, and dont be surprised to see the former on kickoff team or other special teams as well.
These are my predictions based on what Ive seen and heard.
We have a good stable of football players at RB. Perhaps even underrated.
Mazour will be back to return kicks as well as some situational offensive plays...a handful a game.
Hass and Rose will be on kick return teams, and dont be surprised to see the former on kickoff team or other special teams as well.
These are my predictions based on what Ive seen and heard.
We have a good stable of football players at RB. Perhaps even underrated.
You might be correct on carries vs touches...many of Wilbons touches may also come in the passing game
Is Wilbon not as skilled as Bryant? Is it the blocking that's held him back? Always had high hopes for the kid and by all means, a committee approach with the abundance of serviceable backs on our roster. It's just been the least discussed position this summer
I have seen a couple of lists from media guys that put our RBs as the poorest or next to poorest position group on the team. I think we have good to very good backs and good depth. To me this group is underrated. No backs are going to look good unless the guys up front are making space (except for Barry Sanders)
These guys all have the ability to give us what we need as runners (albeit different abilities) if the line gives them an opportunity to work. All of what they offer hinges on the OL being better than they were last year when running the ball.
IMO, we've got 5 pretty darned talented guys with experience in the system. I would like to see them maybe split Wilbon out and run out of an empty set sometimes. With our lack of depth at WR he would be an obvious choice for me to run a 4 wide out set. That would screw with an opposing D. Start him in the backfield on a 1st down and go empty with him in a 4 WR set. Let em try to match up with that and maybe a pass catching TE in a route. The rest of the time I expect Bryant to carry the load with a heavy dose of Devine.
I am of the opinion that each of the backs should have the ability to run, catch and block in pass pro. They will rarely be equal level of ability, some will be better runners and others better at blocking. What has hurt offenses in the past, is when RB A is the runner and RB B is the pass catcher, the play calling and audible options are reduced.
In my limited experience as a play caller, I have tried to set up a call against a specific defense and was waiting to call the audible when I gotvthe look I wanted. But was unable to take advantage because the RB in the game is weak in pass pro and the play is contingent on the RB picking up a blitz or helping on an overload.
I do believe something similar to this has happened to Nebraska in the past with Wilbon was in the game. Not that he is inept, just that the OC wasn't comfortable enough to make the call without the right personnel in the game.
Hopefully that has been corrected. Having a full complement of the playbook is essential.
In my limited experience as a play caller, I have tried to set up a call against a specific defense and was waiting to call the audible when I gotvthe look I wanted. But was unable to take advantage because the RB in the game is weak in pass pro and the play is contingent on the RB picking up a blitz or helping on an overload.
I do believe something similar to this has happened to Nebraska in the past with Wilbon was in the game. Not that he is inept, just that the OC wasn't comfortable enough to make the call without the right personnel in the game.
Hopefully that has been corrected. Having a full complement of the playbook is essential.
It's a tough call. Chances are one or even 2 will go down, which will really shape things as the season progresses.
My rough shot:
Ozigbo: May get the first touch of the season. Over time he becomes the solid-short yardage/situational guy.
Wilbon: For no other reason than my gut, I feel like this becomes his year, and when it all shakes out he will be the number 1 back, with the committee backing him up.
Bryant: As holding to what I've said above, I think Wilbon breaks out, but Bryant will over time solidify as the top back up, as well as the passing down guy.
Mazour and Rose: Situational / Shake-up guys. Especially Mazour. I'd like to see him occasionally deployed as a wingback type, the dude you can have split out as an additional slot. They'll both see heavy use on special teams.
My rough shot:
Ozigbo: May get the first touch of the season. Over time he becomes the solid-short yardage/situational guy.
Wilbon: For no other reason than my gut, I feel like this becomes his year, and when it all shakes out he will be the number 1 back, with the committee backing him up.
Bryant: As holding to what I've said above, I think Wilbon breaks out, but Bryant will over time solidify as the top back up, as well as the passing down guy.
Mazour and Rose: Situational / Shake-up guys. Especially Mazour. I'd like to see him occasionally deployed as a wingback type, the dude you can have split out as an additional slot. They'll both see heavy use on special teams.
my prediction is that the rotation will leave us scratching our heads.... Ozigbo is good for a few 20 carry games but then several games where he doesn't play. Wilbon will look like he is breaking out... only to be forgotten about the next week. I would really like to see Ozigbo get the bulk of the carries against Oregon if he is healthy. In Lincoln last fall, the ducks wanted nothing to do with tackling Ozigbo.
But based on how Ozigbo and Wilbon have been given playing time in the past... I think Bryant will be the top guy. Mazour should receive a few touches per game in the passing game.
But based on how Ozigbo and Wilbon have been given playing time in the past... I think Bryant will be the top guy. Mazour should receive a few touches per game in the passing game.
I feel like Ozigbo isn't getting enough credit for what he can do when healthy.
To me the jury is still out on the RB unit as a whole. With the limited experience that is coming back I guess I don't really hold to high of expectations for them, through no real fault of the RBs. I think that there are a couple factors that are holding this unit back.
1) The offensive line is not that good. Hopefully you will see improvement this year as a lot of these guys have some experience and have maybe developed some more strength and technique.
2) I don't feel this offense is very RB friendly based upon the west coast style and there doesn't seem to be a lot of imagination in the running game. A lot of between the tackles running. He did have some success at OSU with some RB, but I would say those guys were some elite talents that went on to the NFL.
3) Last years YPC (4.2) was the lowest since 2009, and that was with a "running" QB. Tommy was the second leading rusher. Now that may open up some more carries for the RBs this year but only Wilbon had over a 4.2 YPC at 5.9 but that was only on 15 carries. Most of which were in one game.
I guess we will see, but I don't expect to see any of these guys getting any mention for end of the year Big 10 honors. I hope I am wrong, but that is what is see.
1) The offensive line is not that good. Hopefully you will see improvement this year as a lot of these guys have some experience and have maybe developed some more strength and technique.
2) I don't feel this offense is very RB friendly based upon the west coast style and there doesn't seem to be a lot of imagination in the running game. A lot of between the tackles running. He did have some success at OSU with some RB, but I would say those guys were some elite talents that went on to the NFL.
3) Last years YPC (4.2) was the lowest since 2009, and that was with a "running" QB. Tommy was the second leading rusher. Now that may open up some more carries for the RBs this year but only Wilbon had over a 4.2 YPC at 5.9 but that was only on 15 carries. Most of which were in one game.
I guess we will see, but I don't expect to see any of these guys getting any mention for end of the year Big 10 honors. I hope I am wrong, but that is what is see.
New Orleans runs what I consider a West Coast offense. Last year they ran the ball 19th most out of 32 teams. They were 16th in total rushing yards. They were 14th in YPC. Mark Ingram was 11th out of 330 players who recorded rushing yards (Sam Koch was 330th with -23 yards). So while I don't consider the WCO to be three yards and a could of dust, I do not think it is unfriendly to the running game. I saw some counters and off tackle runs during the Spring Game that seemed different from runs the last two years so am hopeful they are a little more diverse with it.
I think wilbon fits the kinda back riley is used to...hes got more shake... I think Bryant is 2 and his pass catching ability is underrated.. it's crazy cause when I was at the ducks game oz looked more polished more decisive in traffic and in the open field. Bryant fumbled.. and looked scared. Ran very uptight. Didn't see much of wilbon.. by the end of the year it almost did a 180 for all three backs. I like all 3 as well as long as they hold onto the ball
The above there doesn't seem to be a lot of imagination in the running game. A lot of between the tackles running Summarizes my thoughts. I like the ratio of run to pass plays. I just don't really care for when and how they are used and designed. Seems like way too many situational, 1st down run play between the tackles. It looks like Sunday afternoon football with poor line play.
I really wish DL would study the TO playbook from 25 years ago and find a handful of pitch plays that went outside and were properly blocked. Surely there has to be a way of simulating a pro style pass offense without the vanilla running game plan.
Devine Ozigbo has a nagging foot injury that plagued him last season and could really hamper his PT going forward. He's actually a great pass catching running back and would play a ton now with Lee if he can overcome the issue.
Wilbon has 4-Star speed, agility, cutting ability, vision, and balance. However, he has terrible hands and makes mental errors constantly in practice. His mistakes really off set tempo and consistency in practice. He needs to develop their trust and prove he can limit his mistakes.
Tre Bryant is a going to be a great player at Nebraska. I'm not sure why folks can't figure this out. He was the St. Louis High School player of the Year for a reason. As a true freshman at Nebraska, he totalled more rushing and receiving yards than Ameer Abdullah accumulated as a frosh in 2011.
Hopefully Oz can overcome the foot ailment. If that happens, Nebraska will have a very good 1-2 punch with Bryant and Oz.
I also believe Mazour is a wildcard. He could easily take snaps away from Wilbon.
Wilbon has 4-Star speed, agility, cutting ability, vision, and balance. However, he has terrible hands and makes mental errors constantly in practice. His mistakes really off set tempo and consistency in practice. He needs to develop their trust and prove he can limit his mistakes.
Tre Bryant is a going to be a great player at Nebraska. I'm not sure why folks can't figure this out. He was the St. Louis High School player of the Year for a reason. As a true freshman at Nebraska, he totalled more rushing and receiving yards than Ameer Abdullah accumulated as a frosh in 2011.
Hopefully Oz can overcome the foot ailment. If that happens, Nebraska will have a very good 1-2 punch with Bryant and Oz.
I also believe Mazour is a wildcard. He could easily take snaps away from Wilbon.
The assessment is based on these last two years. Anything else would be a prediction.
My point is the following:
If you wanted to judge DL's running game in a true Pro Style scheme, then you should probably watch it executed with a Pro Style QB.
When your QB can only effectively execute 60% of the passing game, opponents aren't compelled to defend all components of the scheme. In that capacity, you can then cheat up Safety help, avoid the need for Nickel, and in some cases leave certain players undefended or wide open.
Defending Inside zone or power can be really easy when you only have to read one key as a linebacker. And it's also made easier when your Defensive Tackles can dominate the center and left guard on every damn play.
So... To make a long story short:
I think you will have a better understanding of the Langsdorf's running attack after this season. Also, with Farmer, Conrad, and Foster in the interior, Nebraska potentially has a talented trio there that's been lacking for a few seasons.
Farmer, Conrad, Foster >> Hahn, Utter, Farmer for sure.
I'm not going to say we don't have good running backs but need to see better improvement on the offensive line to prove other wise.
Tre Bryant came highly recommended running back out of high school, but holy cow we need to start recruiting the kind of backs we have had in our past glory...
Tre Bryant came highly recommended running back out of high school, but holy cow we need to start recruiting the kind of backs we have had in our past glory...
This is spot on although I think by the end of the season we see more WM than the other two.
I think you missed my point. It wasn't about what our QB might be able to do to take pressure off the running game in a true Pro Style Scheme. It was about the unimaginative play calling and consistent between the tackle runs that have been called. Other than too many ineffective jet sweeps, there has been nothing in TA's pass lacking skills to prevent DL from being more creative. Hopefully DL can find something new. Lets not go down this consistent path of blaming TA for everything. Especially the running game.
can you give me an example of an imaginative handoff? Only partially kidding. Explain your definition of imaginative play calls in the run game.
IMHO, If you look at how Langsdorf adjusted his playcalling from 2015 to 2016, you will see quite a bit of difference and imagination. He called many more RPOs than in the previous year, he utilized Armstrong's strength with his legs to put pressure on the defense using the QB in the run game and it was successful until Armstrong was injured, (running the ball).
I am not saying the run game, in 2015 or 2016, was where it needs to be going forward. I just don't believe imagination was necessarily the problem. I tend to agree with @Cornicator
Too often there were first down runs straight up the gut. Many of his jet sweeps were on first down too when they were set up expecting the run. The RPO will likely be gone going forward so what will replace it? I don't think I have seen us ever run a quick pitch or any attempt at an I formation look. Like I said its vanilla.
I think I counted at least 4-5 different ways of running FB Dive/Trap (formation & the backfield motion) shown from I and Offset I (King or Queen, whatever verbiage you're used to) and even running a Pistol I formation as well.
I'm not saying we're the most creative running team, but when we had someone who could do the work from the FB spot, it looked like we created looks to take advantage.
Janovich Senior Highlights
I am confused, so you are against the run game ? Because with Lee ; DL 's offense is set to punish D's that stack the box against the run. IMO. GBR
Kind of missed the point(s).
You seem to be saying that anything interior is just a "run up the middle". Trap and dive are not the same thing, and are not just generic "runs up the middle". In addition, for them to work, because yes they are interior runs, some sort of outside threat must have been set up.
Also, that's a lot variation from a formation you claimed to have never seen us attempt.
Litterally every time the running game isn't productive enough in peoples eyes I get to hear how vanilla or unimagitive the the run game is. Happened at times under each coach since TO. It's almost as if people on these boards figured out all the answers... Why the heck haven't you guys applied for the HC spot yet? Cause I'd love to be great again.
