PJ is injuring his running backs and it has to stop

[WHB Brewer]

We don’t lack depth at running back.

How do we know? We have names, but none play. No experienced depth

 

[Mr. 131]

How do we know? We have names, but none play. No experienced depth

I just want to know wtf is going on with Evans.
PJ really puts guys in the doghouse.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

Let's not say overwork--let's just look at what is "normal" for high-end backs. For starting work-horse RBs in the B1G, who have played in all 4 games, the highest number of carries (apart from Darius) are Nate Carter, MSU--73; Kyle Monagai, Rutgers--69 and Katron Allen, PSU--63. None of these three work-horse backs are freshmen. No other backs in the B1G have more than 50 carries in the first 4 games.

Now take Darius Taylor, who really didn't play in the Nebraska game (1 carry). He has had 86 carries in the past 3 games, far more than any other workhorse back in the B1G. And, therefore, far more physical punishment. And he is a true freshman. If nothing else, we all must agree that this is quite statistically "abnormal." Whether its is good abnormal or bad abnormal remains to be seen. But in general, good teams almost uniformly rotate RBs AND have a less lopsided run/pass split to preserve the health or utility of their RBs (who take a lot of punishment on every carry) for the long, drawn out season.

There are exceptions, of course, and maybe this season in the B1G Darius is one. Maybe running him play after play after play, when the box is staked, is just what the doctor ordered. Maybe abandoning the passing game to give him more touches once we have a lead is the winning strategy. I hope Darius is the true exception ... because this is, we all must admit, not normal even for work-horse backs.

 

[btowngopher]

I agree. Have to spread out the carries some. The disappointing thing to me is the kid they brought in from Western Michigan. He is flat out not a power 5 type back.
There has to be someone else though that can handle the rock for 10-12 carries a game? Don't run this kid into the ground, he has ALL BIG TEN written all over him.

I think Tyler should get about 10 touches a game. I’m fine with Taylor getting 25. You don’t have to run the same plays with both of them though. Tyler has speed, but plowing him between the tackles isn’t his strength.