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Woelk: Plenty of room for two backs in Buff attack
While Colorado football fans breathlessly await any and all news concerning freshman running back Darrell Scott, a little history lesson might be in order.
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The general consensus seems to be that Scott will step in and become CU's feature back from Day One. Given Scott's hype -- he was generally regarded as one of the nation's top two running backs during the last recruiting cycle -- the expectations are understandable.
This much is certain: Dan Hawkins didn't recruit Scott to watch from the sidelines.
But if history is any guide, Scott may not be the only Buff back to make an impact this year.
Rather, there could be plenty of touches to go around, with another newcomer, Ray Polk, as well as returnees Demetrius Sumler and Brian Lockridge vying for some meaningful time on the field.
Fact is, it's hard for any one back to shoulder the load of an entire season, particularly a freshman. While a few first-year players have managed the feat (Herschel Walker comes to mind, and more recently Adrian Peterson), such a season is far from the norm.
But CU football annals are peppered with years in which two -- or even three -- backs combined to give the Buffs a terrific one-two punch. The guess here is that the upcoming season could provide another entry in that category.
Some of those years came when CU employed a conventional tailback-fullback attack. For instance, in 1971, when Eddie Crowder's Buffs finished third in the nation,tailback Charlie Davis racked up 1,481 yards while fullback John Tarver added 677. There have also been seasons in which Buff quarterbacks have contributed greatly to the rushing totals.
But there are also instances in which the Buffs found enough carries for two tailbacks, with good results. For example:
In 1988, Eric Bieniemy ran for 1,290 yards and J.J. Flannigan added 539. A year later, Flannigan ran for 1,217 and Bieniemy pitched in 575 (that's also the season Buff QB Darian Hagan rushed for 1,132).
In 1993, Lamont Warren ran for 939 yards and Rashaan Salaam added 885. A year later, Salaam carried the load and the Heisman Trophy with 2,074 yards at season's end -- and even then, Buff QB Kordell Stewart ran for 818 yards.
But maybe the best example of spreading the wealth among tailbacks came in 2001, CU's last conference title season. That's the year that Chris Brown ran for 956 yards, Bobby Purify added 953 and Cortlen Johnson chipped in 583. All were tailbacks, and then-coach Gary Barnett did an outstanding job of going with the hot hand as the season progressed.
Example: In Game 10 that season, Johnson ran for 172 yards in a win over Iowa State while Brown didn't get a single carry. In Game 11, Brown reeled off 198 yards and six touchdowns in CU's 62-36 win over Nebraska. Purify, meanwhile, ran for 64 against Iowa State and 154 against the Huskers.
That's balance.
Speaking of Purify, it's also worth remembering that he came to CU in the huge shadow of another highly regarded recruit. But while Marcus Houston's stay at CU was derailed by injuries, Purify proved to be a consistent performer throughout his career.
This is by no means to suggest that the highly touted Scott will be anything but the player his reputation suggests he will be. He has the size, speed and ability to become the latest in a long line of great CU running backs. The guess here is that he will live up to the already sizable expectations that will accompany him the first time he sets foot on the field in a CU uniform.
But if history has taught us anything, it's that you can't have enough good running backs. Good coaches and good systems produce enough opportunities for more than one standout back.
The fact that CU appears to be loading up in that category bodes well not only for this season, but for years down the line.
Posted by flabuff227 on July 20, 2008 at 12:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great Point! I Love the comparisons!
Posted by Black_Rob on July 20, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1-2-3 punch! Spread em out and run right up the gut!!
Stellar line, and the backfield to make it happen...
The next 3 years are going to be awesome!!!!
Posted by BuffMan6236 on July 20, 2008 at 1:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, two or three fresh backs can just kill a defense, particularly at altitude. Imagine getting a snoot full of Scott for three downs and then a couple of hard runs by a fresh Polk.
This is going to really help Cody and the pass attack. We're on the road to balanced yardage (which Hawk ALWAYS had at Boise State) and that usually overwhelms a defense.
Go BUFFS!
Posted by flabuff227 on July 20, 2008 at 2:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and then u have the third back... hagan said he will be a fan favorite!
Posted by extrapoint on July 20, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! after watching Scott's high;ights, Walker is the guy he resembles!
Posted by JohnCronin on July 20, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope Cody got a little bigger. Nothing wrong with mixing in these other backs, and with Geoff Barrett walking on, thats another big body.
Posted by mewag28 on July 20, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
what ever happened to P.T. Gates? Is he coming next year?
I only wish Cody was a little better runner and could throw farther, but he is a year older now (at a time when the body is still growing) and maybe he can.
Posted by badbuff on July 20, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I still like a featured back.....Scott can break any run at any time so the more carries the better. If he gets the corner on you he is gone....
But if we can keep him fresh for some 4th quarter carries and Sumler ...Polk and Lockridge can come through I can live with Scott getting 15 to 20 touches....
Posted by MinnesotaBuff on July 20, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
P.T. Gates will never be a Buff. He is playing D II at Grand Valley State.
I think our entire offensive situation is solid.
I'm more concerned about fixing our weaknesses from last year. Get a consistent pass rush, and having solid play from our safties.
Has anyone heard how Hudgins, Obi, and the rest of the D Ends are doing?
Also, how are the safties and corners performing in practice?
Posted by nwbuff32 on July 21, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'd say throwing for 3,000 yds is a DECENT passing attack. I'm not saying it was great, but it was definetely decent. Inconsistent as well. Should be better. Give it a rest Mr. Buff Through and Through.
Posted by rodrigo on July 21, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kenny, still wondering who the heck al is...
Posted by MinnesotaBuff on July 21, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This just in...
"Here's how bad things were for the Nebraska defense in 2007. The Huskers were last in the Big 12 in total yards per game (476.8), points allowed per game (37.9), rushing yardage allowed per game (232.2), interceptions (8), sacks (13), recovered fumbles (3), forced turnovers (11), rushing touchdowns allowed (38), red zone defense and they also gave the highest percentage of third down conversions of any defense in the league.
When you read that paragraph there's no other word to describe the play of the Husker defense in 2007 than embarrassing."
This from Rivals.com.
I think it will be the Fuskers defense that will hurt this year...Just as it did last year.
Posted by extrapoint on July 21, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Hawk should come out in the pussker game with an "I" formation and embarrass them with some of their own history.
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
i watched last year's LSU/Arkansas game on CBS College sports yesterday. Bo's D gave up 50 pts.
Posted by Black_Rob on July 21, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Everybody remember this time last year, when tallwhosyourmomdrtom kenneth thought Callahan was a God, and was claiming "we're back baby" at the end of all his posts?
Good times.
Posted by extrapoint on July 21, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Kentucky also beat them with the spread. The WM gane will be veddy veddy intresting.
Will the Lincoln Stars be the hottest ticket in town after this season?
Posted by nwbuff32 on July 21, 2008 at 11:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe Hawk should hire his brother from Nowhere State University like Bo Peep did.
I can't wait to see kNU go through another epic melt down.
Posted by Black_Rob on July 21, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe he'll hire BO after his NU meltdown. Bo's not head coach material anyway.
Posted by rodrigo on July 21, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ken: who the f is al?
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes tal - every single coach from greater youngstown area is great. well, there's stoops and then there is um, um the other stoops - although UA isn't very good. Let's see then there is um, um, um. Well - the two stoops brothers. Really - one stoops brother.
Posted by flabuff227 on July 21, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cu's offense will be top 4 in big 12. They will run the ball more consistently. Defense will be improved eve with the los of dizon and wheatly. Their is a stable of linebackers. Jimmy smith will have a great year an ryan walters will have his best year, barring injury.
Nu will struggle to find their identity offensively and once again they will be horrible defensively. After the season is over,nebraska fan base will question bo's hiring going 5-7 for back to back seasons. I smell more trouble in Lincoln!
Posted by rodrigo on July 21, 2008 at 12:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
bufffan8: you have to toss that guy from Ohio State into the mix. Can't win the big one but does pretty well otherwise.
Yes, flabuff227, you do smell trouble. From Rivals about Nebraska: "There are also still some academic qualification issues surrounding 2008 recruits David Whitmore, David Grant, Justin Rogers and Antonio Bell.
Posted by flabuff227 on July 21, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Btw kenneth- You run the ball to open up the passing game. Not vice versa! Typically, Thats the way most football teams try and do things. With a more experienced line and talent a running back, expect close to 2,000 yards rushing. Which will open up the passing gamean keep defenses guessing, Especially nebraskas.
Hopefully bo can remind cody glenn that he wont be taking handoffs on defense. Sounds like they have a pretty thin linebacking corps. Pray for no injuries
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tressel coached at Youngstown but is from the Cleveland area. Tall seems to think that because Stoops and Bo hail from Youngstown that Bo will win an NC as well. Ironically Tressel was 2-9 in his first year at Youngstown St.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on July 21, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Stoops has got to be the most overrated coach in the game. Obviously has all the talent on the field he would need, but he has never been able to get 100% out of his players.
I guess if you don't have to attend class but get passing grades, don't have to go to your job but still get a fat paycheck, you probably figure you don't have to work hard on the field but the titles will still roll in.
Posted by extrapoint on July 21, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
anyone in grade trouble in NE is like .......?
dang....tough to think of a metaphor for that one.
I guess Kstate might take em
Posted by rodrigo on July 21, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Never know. Maybe BoP will go the Bill Snyder route, too, once the hounds start howling for his head following a late-season fade.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on July 21, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How come Stoops doesn't have more NC's? Because he's a bum and his players know it, so they all go from rising young stars to bums.
Flip side is CU, where the kids believe that espn's media darling sooners are just a bunch of bums, like their coach, give em a game and they'll fold every time.
Bo is about to find out the same lesson. Kids today don't respect success in the 90's. NU can't expect anyone to roll into Lincoln and roll over. Its gonna be a hoot when NU is looking for its first win with VT and Mizzou heading into Lincoln
Posted by rodrigo on July 21, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Won't throw my money after a sub, but CU fans have to like the first paragraph of the lead story here: http://colorado.rivals.com/
Posted by buffalo_flyer on July 21, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Actaully CU, NU, KSU, TA&M, OU and Texas have all "owned" the Big-12...doesn't change the fact that Stoops is a bum, Bo is in over his head, Barnett saved CU from Neuweasels shenanigans, and Hawk is bringing the championship back to Boulder
Posted by Black_Rob on July 21, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tall, you should read YOUR own posts. Print them out and take them to your shrink.
You're out of your mind, the way you obsess over Dan and Cody.
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tall - Hawks been here for 2 seasons. Please come back in 2011 and then we'll talk. By the way - I think Hawk beat Stoops last year. And come to think of it, an inferior WAC team schooled him in a BCS bowl game as well. If a WAC team and Hawk can beat Stoops then maybe buff_flyer has a great point.
Posted by archalon on July 21, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Simas, Tau and Vaoimonga to be academically ineligible according to someone citing the CU AD website.
Losing Simas would be a blow, but WR is covered. I figured Tau would compete with Solder at OT.
Same website source claims Simas failed a drug test as well - I hope that is wrong.
Why cant DC get to these stories first ? Ringo sleeping on the job or something ?
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just read it on the Big 12 media day notes put out by CU. You are correct about Simas, Tao and Vaoimonga. The good news is Geer is eligable and will play.
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not comparing Hawk to Stoops. You can't. hawk has 2 yrs in the Big 12. You are the one comparing Pelini to Stoops and Bo has yet to coach his first game - Ever. (except is interim game which lead to him not getting the HC job) Come back in '11 and then we can compare.
Posted by extrapoint on July 21, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
did the source say that these 3 were going to stay in school and try harder or are they taking the easy road to Kstate or another juco?
Posted by buff4life on July 21, 2008 at 2:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
aint it a shame in "forgotten" about husker land when their "so-called" faithful constantly spend their days and nites off the john deere to cast judgement and doubt on our program. as stated many, many times taligal--HAVE YOUR OWN PATHETIC PROGRAM WIN A FEW MORE MEANINGFUL GAMES and then talk about us pal...2 sort of good games versus michigan and cu in the last 10 years means go critiq your own coaches- i here that hothead pelini likes to hang out at the lincoln bars to play "daddy" for his team and make sure his boys behave....that idiot gonna be gone in 2 years....your the same nimrod that 3 years ago called cally the clown the next bear bryant--"his NFL experince will put us back on top baby!!!" and sam keller(big crybaby from ASU) will win the heisman and the huskers gonna win several big 12 titles-"WE ARE BACK BABY!!!--THE POWER OF RED!!!"-lol cally best known for 9,000 page playbooks, awesome throat slash jestures and supporting his players headbutting other teams bandmembers. nice. oh yea i forgot 77 to tech and 65 to the buffs. and your so desperate for hothead pelini to "revive" your sad program off life support that you put him on a coin opposite osbourne....hothead on one side and a coward on the other.....barnett RUINED your progam so stop trying to take it on us now...in 2 years on the job coach dan hawkins is ten times the coach and man that ANY nebraska coach ever...including that coward dr tom....now back on that john deere my bitter delusional lil red friend... 62-36
Posted by archalon on July 21, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Verified in media day notes - they are ineligible.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on July 21, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Not delusional but definatley losing your grip,
OU never beat anyone of note last year.
Didnt play anyone in OOC....again
You beat Mizzou twice at home, the Tigers have never sniffed the big time before the flukiest season of college football ever.
You lost to the two best teams in the Big-12, CU and Tech
You dodged KU who would have cleaned your clock
Mack always rolls over for OU, I think its in his contract somewhere
and lets not even bring up the Mountaineers, that story will be saved for Sept 19 when your implosion is going to look even worse than it did the morning after
Posted by BuffTime on July 21, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Am I reading into the future? What's up with the time stamps on the posts?
Posted by SnowBuff on July 21, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Simas is a huge blow. He was supposed to really put a mark on the team this year. Oh well, I guess it gives celestine a chance to get onto the field.
Posted by buff4life on July 21, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
didnt you know that its been several years, how many taligal?, since the nebs won the big 12 title....remember what a national joke the huskers became after "breezing" thru the big 12 season in 2001 only to get bombed in boulder and then have to face the media who wondered how a team beaten so badly and not even make to their conference championship game could play for a national ring???? and then come to boulder a few years ago and beat a "tired" barnett team 30-3 and act like you won the national championship after the game only to sit at home and watch us the following week in the 12 title game??? i know i know 70-3 huh? and lets not even talk about that 12 title game nebs v Outlaw , yikes. big 12 title games kinda "touchy" topic for the nebs, i do admire your resolve. by the way can the nebs even remember the last time yall beat OUtlaw or the shorthorns??? i remember the buffs doin it but hey thats the past right.....hawk put up 65 with half barnett kids v a team trying to send the coach that recruited them out with a W, not to mention last game for those nu seniors and that "so-called" husker pride-"it's about playing for that N on the helmet".......what hawk gonna do with a "seasoned" smart qb, a heisman trophy calibur backfield, and the rest of hawk kids....it's our turn, again, to run the big 12-north and south.......RTD episode II coming soon.....
Posted by ruffemupbuffaloes on July 21, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bufftime-
Seeing the same here. It's like a time warp and tall kenny is living in the past or else it's a Husker virus.
Tall..if you're a through and through fan of CU stop nitpicking in favor of Nebraska and finding fault with everything CU is doing on this board. You must realize which program is going up and that which is idle or falling, and it obviously perplexes you. You are really just an old geezer poser in Texas who has nothing better to do with his life than to goad on true Buff fans. Take a hike. College football has surpassed your 'hard nosed defense' archaic attitude. You are a relic. A thing of the past.
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree. It is fluky that we played so bad against ASU, FSU, Missouri and Kansas. We palyed horribly against NU. Should have scored 80. At least we didn't have a losing record in Big 12 play.
Posted by bufffan8 on July 21, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
arch - is that the same site that said Wynn tore his ACL? That turned out to be very false.
Posted by archalon on July 21, 2008 at 6:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
no - but the same that scooped the regular media on D Scott's Algreba class
Posted by BuffTime on July 21, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Tall: "Didn't you know that winning the big championship means the team that won it, is the best team??"
No Tall, only in Div. II can that claim be true. No play off in Div.I. But I guess with that schedule you might have thought Nebraska was in Div. II so no worries.
Posted by buffalotom on July 22, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
arch: could you supply a link to the site you mention, please? thanks!
Posted by oz_in_cali on July 22, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope that Scott turns out better than Salaam, but if he can be as good as Chris Brown, Lamont Warren or JJ and if Polk can be as good as say Bieniemy or even Purify (w/o the injuries - I love ya Bobby, but we both remember how long you had to walk around in that stupid boot), and if Sumler/Lockridge can play the part of Cortlen Johnson or Herchel Troutman then I'd say we've got it pretty good.
Gets me all excited just thinking about it. How long 'til the CSU game, again?
Posted by extrapoint on July 23, 2008 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Charlie Davis is still the best back to wear a Buff uniform. I wouldnt demote Sumler immediately.
He was only a freshman last year. Someone said he broke Reggie Bush's high school records. I have no doubt Scott will make a name for himself toting the rock but until we see how he pass blocks, Sumler is still on top of the depth chart.
Posted by buffalotom on July 23, 2008 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
38 days to csu. early line is buffs -12. (vegasinsider.com)
Posted by extrapoint on July 23, 2008 at 8:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
seems like a lot of points for he first game of the season against a big rival. I am still taking the points and Western Michigan.
Posted by SoCoBuff on July 24, 2008 at 12:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate the fuskers just as much as anyone else, maybe more but I have to say this. I think the past decade of mediocre football between the two programs is due to the desire of one program to beat the other. We concentrated so hard on building a team to beat Nebraska we weren't paying attention to what was going on in Norman or Austin. Once we put a couple beat downs on the black skirts, they built their team to beat us. So it went back and forth (series is tied 4-4 since 2000)Like an arms race except we were both going backwards. I'm excited about Hawkins approach and how he wants to win big 12 titles not just beat NU.
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