[Goose]

On another note, too soon to say we have a running game? Ford and Davis show potential for a great tandem

IMO it is unfortunately way too early to say we have a running game. We couldn't run the ball against CPSLO. We could against Syracuse, at least to some extent. What changed? While Stanford's OL started different tackles it isn't as if those guys didn't play against CPSLO. The biggest change was the opponent, not us. Before the Stanford game Syracuse ranked 97th in Opponent's Rushing Yards. Stanford ranked 32nd. After the Stanford game Syracuse actually moved UP to 94th :-). It was pretty obvious from the beginning that Stanford thought they could run the ball against Syracuse. They were right.

It also must be noted that Stanford's OL got called for holding several times against Syracuse. It is generally true that lots more holding happens than is actually called. A strategic grab or two that nobody saw can really help the yards rushing stats :-).

All that said, 173 yards rushing is nothing to sneeze at. It significantly affected the time of possession, allowing Stanford to keep Syracuse's offense off the field. Winning the TOP battle definitely helped Stanford win the game. OTOH, Syracuse was giving up an average of 183.5 ypg. Stanford was short of that. Clemson ranks 84th in Opponent's Rushing Yards, giving up 159 ypg. IMO it was clear that Syracuse underestimated Stanford. They got dominated in the first half. Presumably Clemson isn't going to do that. Clemson OTOH isn't statistically all that good at stopping the run. If Stanford manages 159 yards rushing against them, we will have an "average" running offense. I think TT would take that in a heartbeat. Being even "average" would be a massive improvement over last year. It also takes a lot of pressure off Daniels. The opposing defense can't just sell out on the pass rush.  After a few more weeks we will have enough data to evaluate where we really are in the rushing game.

[Goose]

On another note, too soon to say we have a running game? Ford and Davis show potential for a great tandem

IMO it is unfortunately way too early to say we have a running game. We couldn't run the ball against CPSLO. We could against Syracuse, at least to some extent. What changed? While Stanford's OL started different tackles it isn't as if those guys didn't play against CPSLO. The biggest change was the opponent, not us. Before the Stanford game Syracuse ranked 97th in Opponent's Rushing Yards. Stanford ranked 32nd. After the Stanford game Syracuse actually moved UP to 94th :-). It was pretty obvious from the beginning that Stanford thought they could run the ball against Syracuse. They were right.

It also must be noted that Stanford's OL got called for holding several times against Syracuse. It is generally true that lots more holding happens than is actually called. A strategic grab or two that nobody saw can really help the yards rushing stats :-).

All that said, 173 yards rushing is nothing to sneeze at. It significantly affected the time of possession, allowing Stanford to keep Syracuse's offense off the field. Winning the TOP battle definitely helped Stanford win the game. OTOH, Syracuse was giving up an average of 183.5 ypg. Stanford was short of that. Clemson ranks 84th in Opponent's Rushing Yards, giving up 159 ypg. IMO it was clear that Syracuse underestimated Stanford. They got dominated in the first half. Presumably Clemson isn't going to do that. Clemson OTOH isn't statistically all that good at stopping the run. If Stanford manages 159 yards rushing against them, we will have an "average" running offense. I think TT would take that in a heartbeat. Being even "average" would be a massive improvement over last year. It also takes a lot of pressure off Daniels. The opposing defense can't just sell out on the pass rush.  After a few more weeks we will have enough data to evaluate where we really are in the rushing game.