BleacherReport.com
The Ohio State Buckeyes have a need at the running back position. Games in the Big Ten are won in the trenches with great offensive line play and strong defensive line play. The Ohio State Buckeyes running game has been average at best.
Boom Herron has ran the ball pretty well this season, but Brandon Saine has been a disappointment so far. Take away his big game versus Marshall and he has been very underwhelming.
Terrelle Pryor is the team's leading rusher and that is a great feat, but that creates more wear and tear on the young quarterback's body.
Saine is the weak link of the backfield between him and Boom Herron. Saine possess great speed and amazing hands for a running back, but he lacks vision and patience when running the ball. The Buckeyes may have the biggest offensive line in the country and there is no excuse why they cannot run the ball effectively.
Jaamal Berry is unproven, but seems to add a spark to the offense when he is on the field. When given the opportunity this season, he has answered the call.
Berry is an undersized back, but he will not be another Maurice Wells (OSU RB, 2006-2009).
The combination of Pryor, Berry, and Herron running the ball will be very effective and it is a preview of what next season's backfield will look like.
Saine should not be an outcast from the offense, however.
He is a valuable asset, but he should be used as a gadget player to utilize his speed and his ability to make plays in the open field. Saine can also fill the void as a third receiver and a third-down back.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bollman and head coach Jim Tressel need to re-evaluate the running back situation and insert Berry into the lineup.
As a fan I may be hitting the panic button a little too soon, but something needs to be done, before we play tough games against Wisconsin, Iowa, Penn State, and the team up North.
Other than Pryor, the backs aren't getting it done, but there is still time this season for improvement in the running game.
Jim Tressel must challenge his offensive line and his running backs to elevate their play in the crucial part of the season.
The Bucks will need to do something soon, because they cannot afford to lose Terrelle Pryor.
If he gets injured carrying the ball, which could very well happen if he continues to take multiple hits game after game, the season will be all-but over.
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I think Berry could be like LaMichael James for our offense. He has top end speed and he is shifty.
ReplyDeleteEven the god awful big ten announcers noted Saine's inability to make anyone miss. Don't get me wrong, Saine is great in the open field, but that's not what RBs are. Saine seems to lack vision, the ability to make cuts, and make people miss. OSU and Saine would be much better served if he moved to receiver for the remainder of the season.
I can admire Tressel's loyalty, but not if it results in Ls that should be Ws. We must run the ball more and more effectively. Pryor is dinged up and who knows if he will be able to continue to carry this team on his legs and arm.