[OutsiderFan]

It sure seems to me some people need to re-consider their opinions on Sanders.  He had what, 6 carries for 68 yards tonight?  Also was outstanding on blitz pickups, and caught a pass or two.

I've been hoping for weeks to see the RB rotation culled, and finally it happened tonight.  Kelsey Young didn't get a single carry as a RB IIRC, and Seale never saw the field.  McCaffrey was mixed in a bit but was not nearly as good as Sanders or Wright as a runner.

It was a bit baffling why we never saw Sanders running off tackle after he did so well at it in the first quarter. He clearly has the best vision of the RBs and Wright can break the most tackles.

Conclusion:  Kelsey Young and Ricky Seale have finally been pruned from the rotation as they should have been several games ago.  It's all bout Sanders, Wright, and McCaffrey, and Skov in short yardage.  I'd even give the fly sweep role Young has had, to McCaffrey.

[OutsiderFan]

It sure seems to me some people need to re-consider their opinions on Sanders.  He had what, 6 carries for 68 yards tonight?  Also was outstanding on blitz pickups, and caught a pass or two.

I've been hoping for weeks to see the RB rotation culled, and finally it happened tonight.  Kelsey Young didn't get a single carry as a RB IIRC, and Seale never saw the field.  McCaffrey was mixed in a bit but was not nearly as good as Sanders or Wright as a runner.

It was a bit baffling why we never saw Sanders running off tackle after he did so well at it in the first quarter. He clearly has the best vision of the RBs and Wright can break the most tackles.

Conclusion:  Kelsey Young and Ricky Seale have finally been pruned from the rotation as they should have been several games ago.  It's all bout Sanders, Wright, and McCaffrey, and Skov in short yardage.  I'd even give the fly sweep role Young has had, to McCaffrey.

[martyup]

I'm even more impressed with McCaffrey after this game.  We need to get him and Ty more touches.

[martyup]

I'm even more impressed with McCaffrey after this game.  We need to get him and Ty more touches.

[BostonCard]

Kelsey Young had 1 carry for 3 yards.

Wright had 14 carries for 98 yards, a very nice 7 ypc.  Sanders had 7 carries for 68 yards; 9.7 ypc.  McCaffrey had 3 carries for 24 yards; good for 9.3 ypc.

Receiving, McCaffrey had 2 catches for 25 yards; Sanders, Wright, and Young each had one catch (for 5, 3, and 3 yards).

Washington State's rush defense is not as bad as I thought they were; they are, roughly, a median rush defense team (4.09 ypc), but they looked really bad today.  I'm hoping that was it was our line and running backs that made them look bad.

BC

[BostonCard]

Kelsey Young had 1 carry for 3 yards.

Wright had 14 carries for 98 yards, a very nice 7 ypc.  Sanders had 7 carries for 68 yards; 9.7 ypc.  McCaffrey had 3 carries for 24 yards; good for 9.3 ypc.

Receiving, McCaffrey had 2 catches for 25 yards; Sanders, Wright, and Young each had one catch (for 5, 3, and 3 yards).

Washington State's rush defense is not as bad as I thought they were; they are, roughly, a median rush defense team (4.09 ypc), but they looked really bad today.  I'm hoping that was it was our line and running backs that made them look bad.

BC

[fullmetal]

I'm even more impressed with McCaffrey after this game.  We need to get himand Ty more touches.

Anyway, it would be superlative news to hear that our OL has turned the corner.  I had not expected such a severe regression this season.

[fullmetal]

I'm even more impressed with McCaffrey after this game.  We need to get himand Ty more touches.

Anyway, it would be superlative news to hear that our OL has turned the corner.  I had not expected such a severe regression this season.

[BostonCard]

They gave up another 2 sacks, and had several holding calls (and at least one false start).  So, they are still making mistakes.

BC

[BostonCard]

They gave up another 2 sacks, and had several holding calls (and at least one false start).  So, they are still making mistakes.

BC

[scorecard]

In the first half, we finally looked like a real FBS-caliber offense that finally Freed Barry Sanders, but in the second half, we reverted to a sluggish FCS-caliber offense, more like we were Full of Colonel Sanders'. 

Actually, the real culprit that killed our offense was the FBS (F***ing BS) refs never calling pass interference in our favor, because that killed at least 4 drives that I can remember.  The thing I hated most is that the WSU cornerback would then spend all this time preening afterwards, as if he had made this amazing play.  Just once I would have liked to have seen a flag just to shut that guy up.

[scorecard]

In the first half, we finally looked like a real FBS-caliber offense that finally Freed Barry Sanders, but in the second half, we reverted to a sluggish FCS-caliber offense, more like we were Full of Colonel Sanders'. 

Actually, the real culprit that killed our offense was the FBS (F***ing BS) refs never calling pass interference in our favor, because that killed at least 4 drives that I can remember.  The thing I hated most is that the WSU cornerback would then spend all this time preening afterwards, as if he had made this amazing play.  Just once I would have liked to have seen a flag just to shut that guy up.

[AthleticsDynasty]

IMO Young > Sanders

[AthleticsDynasty]

IMO Young > Sanders

[OutsiderFan]

IMO Young > Sanders

In what context?  I'm sure Young is better than Sanders at some things, but football is not one of them. 

[OutsiderFan]

IMO Young > Sanders

In what context?  I'm sure Young is better than Sanders at some things, but football is not one of them. 

[oman]

It was Washington State (Pirate) defense.  We need to be careful about taking too much from this.  That being said, I have to agree that McCaffrey and Sanders looked like a tandem.  Still kind of feel that McCaffrey and Wright wouldn't be that much different.

Frustrated with that screen we used on a couple of first downs. 

[oman]

It was Washington State (Pirate) defense.  We need to be careful about taking too much from this.  That being said, I have to agree that McCaffrey and Sanders looked like a tandem.  Still kind of feel that McCaffrey and Wright wouldn't be that much different.

Frustrated with that screen we used on a couple of first downs. 

[Bruce Wang]

IMO Young > Sanders

I agree.  I'd rather have Steve Young than Barry Sanders.  It's a QB league.

[Bruce Wang]

IMO Young > Sanders

I agree.  I'd rather have Steve Young than Barry Sanders.  It's a QB league.

[StanFan88]

I predicted Sanders would be the starting RB by the end of this season and it looks like it's heading in that direction.

McCaffrey will continue to get in the rotation, but not always at RB.  He was lined up in the slot some, and I hope they use him on jet sweeps even as a face/decoy.  Shaw made it clear in his post-game presser that McCaffrey has played his way into the rotation.  Looks like Young and Seale have played their way out of it.

[StanFan88]

I predicted Sanders would be the starting RB by the end of this season and it looks like it's heading in that direction.

McCaffrey will continue to get in the rotation, but not always at RB.  He was lined up in the slot some, and I hope they use him on jet sweeps even as a face/decoy.  Shaw made it clear in his post-game presser that McCaffrey has played his way into the rotation.  Looks like Young and Seale have played their way out of it.

[needle]

I'm so glad C-Mac got time in the backfield and got the ball. I loved seeing the wheel route (his diving attempt didn't lead to a TD, but a better thrown ball would have), the lateral that was a big gainer, and even the straight hand-off (necessary to keep the defense honest, and I want to see if he has the RB instincts to hit the hole hard).

I believe he (and Sanders) also had a play or two lined up in the slot. Mac made one reception that way and looked good doing it, so I say keep that play sprinkled in.

I thought the coaches utilized him very, very well in this game.

[needle]

I'm so glad C-Mac got time in the backfield and got the ball. I loved seeing the wheel route (his diving attempt didn't lead to a TD, but a better thrown ball would have), the lateral that was a big gainer, and even the straight hand-off (necessary to keep the defense honest, and I want to see if he has the RB instincts to hit the hole hard).

I believe he (and Sanders) also had a play or two lined up in the slot. Mac made one reception that way and looked good doing it, so I say keep that play sprinkled in.

I thought the coaches utilized him very, very well in this game.

[scorecard]

I may be biased because as I've posted before Barry Sanders the Elder was my favorite running back ever to watch.  He would give you the most dazzling runs for 4 yard losses, but then pop one even more amazing run for 20+ yards.  You have to take the bad with the good for that style of runner.  I think if Barry Sanders the Elder played for Shaw, he'd probably spend a lot of time on the bench too for not hitting the hole hard enough.  BJS does not appear to be his dad, but if he doesn't get enough consistent snaps, we will never know.

[scorecard]

I may be biased because as I've posted before Barry Sanders the Elder was my favorite running back ever to watch.  He would give you the most dazzling runs for 4 yard losses, but then pop one even more amazing run for 20+ yards.  You have to take the bad with the good for that style of runner.  I think if Barry Sanders the Elder played for Shaw, he'd probably spend a lot of time on the bench too for not hitting the hole hard enough.  BJS does not appear to be his dad, but if he doesn't get enough consistent snaps, we will never know.

[Redrum]

Still not completely sold on Sanders.  At least they are running him more to the outside.  The broadcast crew pointed out that on his early inside run, he missed a (easy)cut through an opening upfield and sort of plowed into his own blocker trying to cut outside.  One play, but one of several over the games so far.  Not sure this is a critique of Sanders, or just an observation that none of our RBs plays enough with the unit to develop timing and instincts.

So why be inconsistent?  McCaffrey looked great, but most of his running was outside in semi-open space.  So, maybe I'm just afflicted w atavistic longing for a big, tough feature back.  Maybe those outside runs are a positive sign:  a coach who is adapting his play calls  to his personnel.

I don't think I'd want to put a win in jeopardy to find out at this point, but I wonder if Sanders could maintain his average from this game if he had double the carries. 

[Redrum]

Still not completely sold on Sanders.  At least they are running him more to the outside.  The broadcast crew pointed out that on his early inside run, he missed a (easy)cut through an opening upfield and sort of plowed into his own blocker trying to cut outside.  One play, but one of several over the games so far.  Not sure this is a critique of Sanders, or just an observation that none of our RBs plays enough with the unit to develop timing and instincts.

So why be inconsistent?  McCaffrey looked great, but most of his running was outside in semi-open space.  So, maybe I'm just afflicted w atavistic longing for a big, tough feature back.  Maybe those outside runs are a positive sign:  a coach who is adapting his play calls  to his personnel.

I don't think I'd want to put a win in jeopardy to find out at this point, but I wonder if Sanders could maintain his average from this game if he had double the carries. 

[StanFan88]

Sanders has his dad's moves but not his speed.  Saw that on a few runs last night where he was able to get away from a tackle but then not be able to bust the run wide open.

Shameful that Bloomgren & Shaw didn't keep going to him the second half.  Did he have more than one touch after halftime?

[StanFan88]

Sanders has his dad's moves but not his speed.  Saw that on a few runs last night where he was able to get away from a tackle but then not be able to bust the run wide open.

Shameful that Bloomgren & Shaw didn't keep going to him the second half.  Did he have more than one touch after halftime?

[OutsiderFan]

No way is any RB going to average 10 YPC with 15 carries, on a regular basis, but even one that provides 5+ per touch and presents a big play threat, is going to be effective for an offense.  I really don't understand why they can't give Sanders 10-15 carries per game and Wright 10-15 carries per game.  Maybe we'll see that next week, when the coaches realize Sanders is averaging 7.6 YPC and Wright 5.5 on the season, when thinking about planning for ASU.

All I know is I'm so pleased that Kelsey Young has been sidelined and McCaffrey is getting any leftover carries between Wright and Sanders.

[OutsiderFan]

No way is any RB going to average 10 YPC with 15 carries, on a regular basis, but even one that provides 5+ per touch and presents a big play threat, is going to be effective for an offense.  I really don't understand why they can't give Sanders 10-15 carries per game and Wright 10-15 carries per game.  Maybe we'll see that next week, when the coaches realize Sanders is averaging 7.6 YPC and Wright 5.5 on the season, when thinking about planning for ASU.

All I know is I'm so pleased that Kelsey Young has been sidelined and McCaffrey is getting any leftover carries between Wright and Sanders.

[CowboyIndian]

All I know is I'm so pleased that Kelsey Young has been sidelined

I'm sure lots of folks will find it ironic for me to be saying this but....you really ought to read what you've written before you hit 'Post'.

[CowboyIndian]

All I know is I'm so pleased that Kelsey Young has been sidelined

I'm sure lots of folks will find it ironic for me to be saying this but....you really ought to read what you've written before you hit 'Post'.

[Ratmandoo]

The broadcast crew pointed out that on his early inside run, he missed a (easy)cut through an opening upfield and sort of plowed into his own blocker trying to cut outside.

Are you sure this was Sanders? I remember a discussion of this sort about Wright.

It could have been multiple plays. I think there was a discussion about both Sanders and Wright cutting the wrong way on different runs. I thought the Wright run when he cut to his left when there was a big lane to his right was pretty bad. Whenever Wright runs, he seems to have his head down and that causes him miss backside cuts or other open lanes. He's only effective if the hole he's designed to run through is opened by the o-line.

[Ratmandoo]

The broadcast crew pointed out that on his early inside run, he missed a (easy)cut through an opening upfield and sort of plowed into his own blocker trying to cut outside.

Are you sure this was Sanders? I remember a discussion of this sort about Wright.

It could have been multiple plays. I think there was a discussion about both Sanders and Wright cutting the wrong way on different runs. I thought the Wright run when he cut to his left when there was a big lane to his right was pretty bad. Whenever Wright runs, he seems to have his head down and that causes him miss backside cuts or other open lanes. He's only effective if the hole he's designed to run through is opened by the o-line.

[OutsiderFan]

This isn't Little League where everyone gets a trophy for trying.  Everyone works their tail off to get opportunities to play and for the team to win.  The best players who give the team the best opportunity to win should be playing.  Whenever someone who isn't performing gets supplanted by someone who performs better, that is a good thing for the team, and pleases me on many levels.

[OutsiderFan]

This isn't Little League where everyone gets a trophy for trying.  Everyone works their tail off to get opportunities to play and for the team to win.  The best players who give the team the best opportunity to win should be playing.  Whenever someone who isn't performing gets supplanted by someone who performs better, that is a good thing for the team, and pleases me on many levels.

[stupac2]

I was happy to see the same RBs in for multiple downs, and it certainly did look to me like Sanders performed the best. I'd like to see the same thing against ASU, and if Sanders continues to perform then he should win the bulk of the carries going on.

[stupac2]

I was happy to see the same RBs in for multiple downs, and it certainly did look to me like Sanders performed the best. I'd like to see the same thing against ASU, and if Sanders continues to perform then he should win the bulk of the carries going on.