Question for the Board: RB Hierarchy

Submitted by WichitanWolverine on

I just posted this in another thread but thought it might be worthy of its own discussion. I'm wondering why Smith keeps getting the bulk of the carries when the stats for the season look like this:

Smith = 4.9 yards, 121 carries

Evans = 7.8 yards, 65 carries

Higdon = 6.8 yards, 61 carries

Isaac = 6.0 yards, 69 carries

Is blocking the answer? Ball security? He's a full yard lower in average than our next-worst back yet has almost twice as many carries as everyone else. Seems like we really need to start feeding the other guys if we want to move the ball in our final 2 games.

EDIT: From the Iowa game

Smith = 2.3 yards, 12 carries (plus a stutter step to give up a safety!)

Evans = 6.5 yards, 8 carries

Issac = 7.0 yards, 1 carry

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ijohnb

November 14th, 2016 at 9:35 AM ^

would be a monster if we had an elite offensive line, unfortunately right now what we need is somebody that can get to holes fast and get those five yards before it closes up.  Smith is very frustratingly not that.  There are runs where there are a couple of yards to get and he doesn't get there in time.  I think that is a big part of the reason we are unable to get that first down that will run out the clock, both against State and Iowa. 

That pitch to Higdon can be put back on the shelf until we learn how to block it as well.  If we run that play it should be to Isaac, he is really patient in finding the holes on that outside when there are any to be found.

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MGoStrength

November 14th, 2016 at 12:40 PM ^

That and we have to stop playing not to lose.  IMHO you gotta go for the first down and not just run the clock out.  There wasn't a lot to indicate we could just line up and run the ball in that situation.  I think you open with a short pass on first down and see where you're at after that.

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DairyQueen

November 14th, 2016 at 12:08 AM ^

Higdon and Evans are about a buck eighty-and-a-half (I know Evans is listed at 200, but that's ridiculously generous. Peppers is 205, and Evans does not have anywhere near the build that Peppers has). Not saying small guys can't passpro and be fireplugs up the middle, but 180-190lbers definitely tend definitely not to be.

Isaac on the other hand is a 230-240lb back, but, for whatever reason, just isn't a hitter, in any way whatsoever, even when running the ball. Which has been sort of the chorus from the coaches, about his lack of willingness to seek contact as a running back, combined with is ball security issues, he's somewhat stuck in limbo. Also, physically he's a freak with his height, size, speed and change of direction. I don't know if he has hands/catching issues, but I'm sort of disappointed he hasn't been used on some short outlet passes and screens, because his 6'3" height. quickness, and open field moves would be killer on HB swing-type plays.

But, bottom line, De'veon is just the best all-around back. He seeks contact, he trucks people, he can block, and he can catch. He's not the best at anything. But he doesn't have a glaring weakness either. He just simply fights for every yard and inch he can possibly get (making him vulnerable to big hits), and that is going to win you respect in Harbaugh's book every time.

Also, the yards-per-play avg. can be a bit misleading. Smith simply has different plays called for him than Evans and Higdon do. I'm not really sure you can realiably call on Evans and Higdon to run the same plays as Smith and not wear out.

Smith's a grinder. And he's done everything to deserve that win, it's not always about total yards. Iowa had to sell out the run a few times because of Smith and when Speight dropped back to pass, he simply missed his receivers. He hits those passes, we may win by 20.

Don't blame Smith. Smith did (and does) his part.

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Wolfman

November 14th, 2016 at 12:31 AM ^

nailed it. If you doubt that this HC and staff is the best we've had since 1989, well I'll quetion your judgment. Among their duties is putting the players on the field that give us our very best possibility for success in any given situation. And if you don't think Harbaugh listens to the advice of his assistants on the offensive side, including position coaches, then you just aren't aware that a head coach who does not is limiting his resources and Harbaugh in not built like that. He takes every bit of advice and, believe me, he considers all or these coaches would not be on his staff. There are certain things the head man sees in an individual that keeps him on the field that the fan is not aware of. But just as easy as it is to understand why Ty, with all his measureables, including speed,does not get more carries, I understand fully why Smith sees the most reps. 

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Reader71

November 14th, 2016 at 12:16 PM ^

Issac is also our worst back at holding on to the football. Which is why I think his carries are limited in close games in which a turnover could kill us. I think people also have to realize that this is a college football team, and guys lose PT for hundreds of reasons we will never know about -- skipping class, getting a bad grade, having a bad lift, being late to a meeting, murder, etc.

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HarbaughorBust

November 14th, 2016 at 9:31 AM ^

This doesn't explain why we hand the ball off to Smith when everyone knows we are runnning it. Evans should be getting those carries, especially when a first down seals the game. It would also be nice to see Peppers line up behind Speight as a RB in these situations. Total waste of talent having him on the sideline with the game on the line.

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Maize and Blue…

November 14th, 2016 at 11:07 AM ^

doesn't happen if Smith keeps running, but for some reason he decided to stop in the end zone.  I know that there was a missed assignment on the oline, but that doesn't explain why on earth he stopped running knowing the team had the ball in the end zone.  Not knowing your circumstance is unforgivable.  If a fumble can get you bench so should this.

Evans looked good running the ball and I only remember Ty getting one carry which went for a TD.  Smith and Higdon were pretty ineffective and I still don't understand why the carries were distrubuted the way they were, but I'm not there for practice.  I would go with the hot hand though that doesn't seem to be something the staff cares about.

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STW P. Brabbs

November 14th, 2016 at 1:18 PM ^

Smith is an absolute beast in pass pro. At least once in the Iowa game I saw him stone a DT when Bredeson on took on a blitzing LB. There are several times each game where I notice him picking up a free rusher and stopping him in his tracks. The other backs are either not big enough (Evans and Higdon) or not physical enough (Isaac) to do the job nearly as well.

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MichiganMan14

November 13th, 2016 at 9:59 PM ^

One of those backs typically gets his carries with the 2s blocking. The eye test tells most of the story in this situation. Michigan is trying to honor Deveon as he is a hard worker and a Senior. He should not be out touching any of the other 3 backs though. His production doesn't warrant it. He is being featured along with Evans. The other 2 are producing while being used as tools within the offense. That makes the production graphic pop out even more.

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Michology 101

November 13th, 2016 at 10:42 PM ^

It's not just because Smith's a senior with so called seniority. Harbaugh really likes his personality and how hard he runs. I mean, no one can question the effort Smith gives with his running style. Harbaugh admires his toughness and wants Smith to succeed. Our OL isn't very good at times. Like others have stated, Smith is also probably the best RB at helping pass protect. These are the main reasons why Smith is getting so many carries, because stats show that other RBs should probably be getting more.

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carolina blue

November 13th, 2016 at 10:00 PM ^

Smith is the best pass protector and a bruiser. Running tosses to him is stupid. He has straight line skills and maybe is good for one cut, but mostly bulldozer.

We have more/less situational backs.



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CR7

November 13th, 2016 at 10:16 PM ^

Have thought for weeks now that Higdon was the best of the bunch. Evans maybe a little small in pass pro, Ty not a home run threat. Same for De'Veon.



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getsome

November 13th, 2016 at 10:59 PM ^

yeah, tough play call there, especially considering kalis' history and jaleel johnsons ability.  smith cant run / read that the same on his own 1 as he would on the 30 or whatever.  even barry sanders prob shouldnt hesitate and attempt to set up a block or stutter to find a crease with his feet still in the end zone - gotta hit it hard and keep the ball out of the end zone.  questionable play call and poor / missed block aside, responsibility falls on the RB (provided hes not met hurst-style at the mesh point) to avoid the safety

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BleedsBlue

November 13th, 2016 at 10:22 PM ^

Personally, I think as long Evans is a capable enough pass protector and can hold on to the ball, he's the guy. He has the burst and isn't gun shy regarding conact. I would have Isaac as my #2 change of pace guy\ thumper between the tackles. Higon had a lane or two last night and didn't quite hump it up in there, instead he tried dance. He'll get some opportunities. I love Deveon Smith. He runs angry and gets the most out of the talent he was blessed with. That being said, he's slow, he regularly misses the whole, and doesn't seem to be the most sure handed fella. To me he is a situational goal line type guy. I just really would like them to stick with a guy and allow him to get in a rhythm. Subbing guys out constantly does not allow any such rhythm. I guess I'm a pound the run type of guy.(manball?) That is all.

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Gucci Mane

November 13th, 2016 at 10:59 PM ^

At this point Evans in not a capable pass protector. There was one play last night where Evans helpless dove at a linebackers legs and barely slowed him down at all. I like him with the ball in his hands, but he is a year away from being a complete back.

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DairyQueen

November 14th, 2016 at 12:14 AM ^

Agreed.

Also Isaac, despite the fact that I think he should have been handed the ball much more last night, is absolutely not a bruiser. In any sense of the word.

Evans seeks more contact in two plays than Isaac does in an entire year.

And I love Isaac, really, he's just not a bruiser despite his incredible size.

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WorldwideTJRob

November 14th, 2016 at 8:42 AM ^

He sure carried a guy in the end zone with him on his only carry Saturday. You're making excuses now. Most of his carries this year he's broken some arm tackles and has more burst than Smith. Last year you may have been right, but this season he usually gets about 5+ yards every time he gets the ball.



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Brandon_L

November 13th, 2016 at 10:25 PM ^

Simple, smith is the best at pass pro. The other guys not so much. Having a back that can block is a big deal. Michigan also does not have the luxury of just trotting out a horse and running at teams even when they know it's coming and going 5 to 7 like Bama. Michigan has to use a lot of deception and that's what makes the offense so creative. This is why Michigan passes on 1st down at a high rate to set up runs on second down, or 3rd and short. Iowa was able to get Michigan in a lot of 2nd and 10 obvious pass situations, or when we ran it was for a short gain making it 3rd and long. This is the exact way Ohio State played us last year.



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BleedsBlue

November 13th, 2016 at 10:46 PM ^

I agree with some of that. I wouldn't suggest we just run in to a brick wall over and over. But when we have successful runs it seems we never stay with it. Also, considering our offensive line is quite mediocre, let those guys fire out and hit someone. The cliche remedy that run blocking is the best way to help an offensive line is not all poppycock. All lineman prefer to run block. I would just like to see them committ to running and see if they can mesh and get momentum.

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turtleboy

November 13th, 2016 at 10:33 PM ^

Apples to oranges, Smith is our best back on an average down. Looking at just yards per carry isnt an accurate measure of their value. "Khalid hill only 1.6 ypc! Do not want!"

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