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I just read a terrific article in the Athletic about James Ford and how he ended up at UC, how it compares to Alabama, Gino's role in it all and what happens next.

Unfortunately, it's subscriber-only, but one of the things Ford and I think Gino even talks about is how he should get better and have a breakout game before long with more use. I think we hear a lot of the same about Doaks and definitely about Warren before him. The dilemma and I think it's a great problem to have, is how do you get let's say touches (to include screens as opposed to carries) for all of them so that they all have a chance to get into the flow?

I didn't pull together the data so far and it might be impacted by specific injuries, but how do you think it should be handled? I was inclined to go with something along the lines of 40% Doaks and 40% Ford and 15% Charles with Montgomery focused on returns and getting the other 5%. But in most situations that's not really enough carries for anybody to get in a real groove especially since it doesn't include runs from the QB - Des in particular. Include QB runs in the mix and our leading runner may not even get 30% of the total runs/screens from scrimmage. Do we need to just pick one guy and get him a good 75-80% of the carries as long as he is healthy and productive?

It's not as "sexy" as the QB dilemma, but any other thoughts on how the RB workload should be handled?

I think it truly is a dilemma right now. The amazing thing about Warren was how the guy just got better as the game progressed. We always felt that by the 4th quarter he'd break off some big gains, right when the team needed it most.

Do you put one of these guys under center for a pre-determined number of snaps each game? Could Ford hand off to Doaks or tuck it and run? Better football minds than me on our coaching staff have likely contemplated such contingencies. And though they were our rival, I enjoyed watching West Virginia when they had a QB and RB who seemed to be co-equal threats to run with the ball. It certainly kept defenses guessing.

I love all 3.

The most difficult issue is Doaks has great hands as well as consistent run game.

Ford for whatever reason has been getting stuffed when going in between the tackles but I’m sure he’ll get going soon.

I love what McClelland brings to the table. I hope he gets more involved. I wouldn’t mind seeing him split out a bit more or in two back sets. He’s dangerous in open field.

(10-14-2020 01:36 PM)natibeast21 Wrote:  I love all 3.

The most difficult issue is Doaks has great hands as well as consistent run game.

Ford for whatever reason has been getting stuffed when going in between the tackles but I’m sure he’ll get going soon.

I love what McClelland brings to the table. I hope he gets more involved. I wouldn’t mind seeing him split out a bit more or in two back sets. He’s dangerous in open field.

I have actually been impressed with McClelland's inside running ability. I saw us running some inside plays again and got flashbacks of RDAIV up the middle, but he was finding open space and grinding out yards.

Would like to see some pass plays to McClelland, inside the hash marks, out of backfield or from the slot position. If he can make someone miss he gone. Doaks and Ford likely to get most of the carriers inside.

(10-14-2020 01:36 PM)natibeast21 Wrote:  I love all 3.

The most difficult issue is Doaks has great hands as well as consistent run game.

So does Charles - my impression is he's been the most impressive of the four catching the ball out of the backfield but that's just an impression. In fact, in the article Geno mentions how Ford "can catch the ball out of the backfield" and his HS coach notes how he sometimes played receiver for them in an effort to get the ball in his hands more often. Ryan's probably got them too or we wouldn't have him returning kicks I'm guessing.

Quote:Ford for whatever reason has been getting stuffed when going in between the tackles but I’m sure he’ll get going soon.

I love what McClelland brings to the table. I hope he gets more involved. I wouldn’t mind seeing him split out a bit more or in two back sets. He’s dangerous in open field.

Again, the tough part is they all are dangerous in the open field. The article includes a clip (wish I knew how to embed it or if it is even possible) of Ford's 18 yard run "where Ford seemed to effortlessly glide past a pair of Army defenders toward the goal line."

“Just outran them. Dudes are stuck in sand and Jerome is blowing by them,” Guidugli said of the play. “It’s like he was in fast-forward.” BTW, the article also notes Ford ran a 10.5 100 meters in HS at 205 lbs.

The tough part about splitting McClelland out more is we've already got similar guys at WR who also could stand to see the ball more in their hands like Young obviously but also Tre Tucker and Jackson.

(10-14-2020 02:51 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  Would like to see some pass plays to McClelland, inside the hash marks, out of backfield or from the slot position. If he can make someone miss he gone. Doaks and Ford likely to get most of the carriers inside.

Bolded, a missing element of the offense that we'll hope to see Saturday. I agree with those here suggesting if UC can break a few big plays offensively, the 'Cats can take control of this game. We are still the better team and the better program. That doesn't mean a guaranteed win. But if UC performs marginally better on offense than in the three previous outings, it could all come together in game four.

(10-14-2020 03:04 PM)OKIcat Wrote:  

(10-14-2020 02:51 PM)SuperFlyBCat Wrote:  Would like to see some pass plays to McClelland, inside the hash marks, out of backfield or from the slot position. If he can make someone miss he gone. Doaks and Ford likely to get most of the carriers inside.

Bolded, a missing element of the offense that we'll hope to see Saturday. I agree with those here suggesting if UC can break a few big plays offensively, the 'Cats can take control of this game. We are still the better team and the better program. That doesn't mean a guaranteed win. But if UC performs marginally better on offense than in the three previous outings, it could all come together in game four.

Nice speed element with Tre on end around plays, but something North and South would be nice. That was incorporated with McClelland 2 seasons ago so hopefully again soon.

We should run the wishbone.

(10-14-2020 03:58 PM)Bear Catlett Wrote:  We should run the wishbone.

With DR poor passing it works for me.