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We will have to do the group as a whole because if there ever has been a back by comittee scenario this is it. And not your traditional carry sharing that most teams have. We pull guys from QB and put them at RB. The RB position this year is the definition of why you do not assume things. Winovich blocking for the cat quick Macon was what was on most peoples (mine anyway) minds going into this year. That group has certainly been the minority. Had you told me two other players would have 400+ yards at this point I would have laughed at you. The fact that both are redshirt freshman makes things seem very rosie for the future. A shifty all purpose Freddie Barnes playing basically a WB type position but in a single back set. The Bulky Bullock who I thought would be a nice change of pace to the speedy Macon has become the pace gaining nearly 100 yards in 3 of his 4 starts. Plus we still have Macon, who is quite capable by himself.

A-

I would have to say B+. Bullock has been a beast but i am a little disappointed in Macon.

Macon has not produced as we hoped, but I would say that I don't know if he is healthy.

The thing about Macon is he is supposed to be so incredibly fast, but the one chance where he could have showed us just how fast against OSU he didn't. He had that breakaway run at the end of the game where I figured since he has that speed he was gone, but two of the OSU backs caught up with him and brought him down. I realize they probably have a lot of speed on their side too, but Macon was supposed to be like greased lightening and I didn't see it on that play. I'm not bashing him at all because that was a hell of a 60 yard gain or something like that, I was just expecting to see the afterburners is all.

The Niz wrote:The thing about Macon is he is supposed to be so incredibly fast, but the one chance where he could have showed us just how fast against OSU he didn't. He had that breakaway run at the end of the game where I figured since he has that speed he was gone, but two of the OSU backs caught up with him and brought him down. I realize they probably have a lot of speed on their side too, but Macon was supposed to be like greased lightening and I didn't see it on that play. I'm not bashing him at all because that was a hell of a 60 yard gain or something like that, I was just expecting to see the afterburners is all.

I agree with you 100% on this one. He is supposed to be a speed demon and he hasn't shown it all season. Most people were saying well he's hurt or well he hasn't gotten out in the open yet. That run was the tell all for me, and I mean it was a great run but I think if it was Freddie or Zach they could have taken it all the way or at least further than he did. He looked slow and was easily caught by the 2 defenders.

B+

Barnes & Bullock have been wonderful. Macon is way below expectations.

While I agree that macon may have not shown himself completely. I think we need to remember that he is a speed back so if the line doesn't give him a whole he can not power through, so all the speed in the world wont matter if he doesn't get the blocking and wholes he needs to burst through/

The line is providing plenty of opportunities for Bullock. Are you saying it is the o-line's fault Macon has been underwhelming?

PPavan wrote:While I agree that macon may have not shown himself completely. I think we need to remember that he is a speed back so if the line doesn't give him a whole he can not power through, so all the speed in the world wont matter if he doesn't get the blocking and wholes he needs to burst through/

I believe our line is the best in the MAC. That group was able to open holes against OSU, against Wisconsin, and against every other defense we've played this year. The problem is not that the OL is not blocking for Macon, the problem is that he doesn't see the holes in time to do anything about them.

His first instinct appears to be run as fast as possible towards the sideline, he then looks for a place to turn it up field. If there is a spot to do that he has had some success, with a few long runs this year. For the most part, however, he's contained himself by running out of bounds for 2-3 yards, when there was more to be had by turning up field.

His ypc looks pretty decent at 5.6, but a large % of his yards have come on a few long carries. Bullock, conversely, has a 5.0 average, but he comes closer to achieving that average on a per carry basis. He has a long of only 30 yards, but has been much better at consistently getting the 4-5-6 yards that you want to gain on first down. He sees the hole and hits it knowing that it will be a 4-6 yard carry. Macon seems to always be looking for the 50 yard carry and ends up getting an all or nothing type result. In the end they look similar in their average column, but the consistent guy will help you win a lot more ballgames.

hammb wrote:B+

Barnes & Bullock have been wonderful. Macon is way below expectations.

I totally agree Hammb. I'd still like to see Winny get more touches!

I think we have the best O Line in the MAC as well...NIU's is pretty damn good, too.

GO FALCONS!!! BEAT CMU!!!