Travis Green has 810 yards rushing in 7 games...

[zete]

It would be nice to see him zig zag through Rocket defenders for 80 yards to pay dirt.

[mscarn]

Players like Coppet with the speed to change games must get the ball in their hands in some form, be it out of the backfield on traditional runs, screens, reverses, wildcat plays, wheel routes, etc.

Greene is fantastic but his standing as the unquestioned #1 back shouldn't result in others being written out of the game plan entirely.

[Flipper]

I think it depends on what you mean by take over a game. We win when we control the ball and grind it. Greene is a guy who doesn't get you the HR, but he seldom loses much either. He's going to move the chains every couple of carries, eat some clock and get you in a position to put points on the board. Clawson has gone to bigger backs and fresher legs in the red zone, but I don't view that as an indictment of Greene. If I had a 260lb RB like Houston or a squat guys like Hopgood and Givens who can get to the edge and move the pile, I'd do the same thing.

In that sense, I think you can say Greene takes over the game...

[Beaker]

One thing Green hasn't done is fumble and you gotta love that. In fact, the entire offense has done an outstanding job of taking care of the ball. There's no bigger single key to wins and losses than turnovers and given the frequency that we've turned it over in recent years, the change this year has been awesome to see. Let's just hope it continues and talking about it didn't just jinx us.

[FalconMayo]

I had no idea Travis Greene would be as good as he is. If the line can keep making those openings, he will find a way to get through for positive yardage.

Tate does seem to have more trouble from the left hash than from the center of the field or the right hash. He does have a strong leg, and with experience will just get better. It's very encouraging that we have both Greene and Tate for two more years.

[The Niz]

I had no idea Travis Greene would be as good as he is. If the line can keep making those openings, he will find a way to get through for positive yardage.

Tate does seem to have more trouble from the left hash than from the center of the field or the right hash. He does have a strong leg, and with experience will just get better. It's very encouraging that we have both Greene and Tate for two more years.

...and Johnson

[FalconMayo]

Yes, Johnson too, absolutely!

[thewebboy]

Yes, Johnson too, absolutely!

Don't forget Big Willy Houston for 3 more!

[gspointer]

I believe Givens as a better average yards per carry. I really think this is a case that we have good backs but possibly the better "every down" one is not playing enough. Greene is good but at times he gets thrown around like a loaf of bread.

[kdog27]

This coming from the poster that was quite adamant that Johnson was the wrong choice at QB after the Tulsa game. Johnson was also suppose to struggle greatly vs Kent and throw multiple interceptions remember. Nice that you never came back and gave props or admitted you were wrong. Greene has been better than his backups and it really isn't close. Greene probably has 4 times as many carries as Givens and the difference is 6.8 to 6.0. It's not uncommon for the third down/backup running back to have a higher average because they play in different situations that are often more favorable to break off long runs (garbage time, third and long, gassed defense etc.). I'm good with you not picking our starters.

[Flipper]

Greene is hits the hole faster and is a step quicker....I like him better than Givens, and I think Givens is very good.

[factman]

I think Green is less prone to fumbles also.

[gspointer]

This coming from the poster that was quite adamant that Johnson was the wrong choice at QB after the Tulsa game. Johnson was also suppose to struggle greatly vs Kent and throw multiple interceptions remember. Nice that you never came back and gave props or admitted you were wrong. Greene has been better than his backups and it really isn't close. Greene probably has 4 times as many carries as Givens and the difference is 6.8 to 6.0. It's not uncommon for the third down/backup running back to have a higher average because they play in different situations that are often more favorable to break off long runs (garbage time, third and long, gassed defense etc.). I'm good with you not picking our starters.

Still not sold on Johnson but admit he has played well, mostly against teams with losing records. I do like his toughness. Time will tell how good he is. His backup started out well so we shall see. I disagree with your statement about third down backs. Defenses have a better idea usually of what you are going to do in those situations. No football sense with that comment.

[kdog27]

Because you have a ton. Let's play the QB with zero accuracy, terrible decision making and 11th grade footwork. You disagree? I'm relieved to be honest. Disagree with my reasoning all you want but you brought up averages and average per carry isn't the only determing factor which RB should be starting. I could find countless examples of backup RBs in the NFL, college and HS that run for higher yards per carry. Don't get me wrong I think Givens is a pretty damn good backup just see why you're pressing for a change when he has played so consistently well. It ain't broke so...

QB on the other needed fixed badly. Not sure I ever saw Schilz start so well but whatever. Johnson just went 20/34 against MSU. Can't say for certain but all but about 3-5 of those incompletions were uncatchable. Also rushed for several key first downs. What exactly is he not doing to sell you.

Johnson and Greene are arguably our 2 best players on offense and you want them on the bench but I'm the one with no football sense.

[mmisbg]

The total came to 1422. Pretty impressive.