Running backs - unpopular opinion
This opinion may be unpopular, but I'm interested to see where the board stands.
I think Tru Wilson should pass Chris Evans on the depth chart.
Tru is much better in pass pro, and to me, looks quicker right now. Has Evans bulked up too much?
As a positive side note, it's great to see Ambry (finally) getting snaps on O. If only he was used at ND...
September 16th, 2018 at 2:44 PM ^
Wilson seems to hit the holes quicker and is a downhill runner. I don’t know about passing Evans on the depth chart, but maybe take some carries away. I really like to see Evans getting the ball in space, but can’t stand all the jump cuts behind the line.
September 16th, 2018 at 2:46 PM ^
Everybody loves a back-up quarterback (or RB in this case).
Tru Wilson is a great story, and it appears his hard work is being rewarded with well-deserved playing time.
Evans is simply better - quicker, shiftier, more instinctive - except for pass pro. Those people saying he can't run through tackles forget last week, when he refused to get cut down by an unblocked guy near the goal line. That was a seriously gutsy, tough TD run. He's not a straight-ahead bulldozer; that's not his style.
JH has an interesting quandary on third down. Evans is great in space, fantastic as a receiver - really, a perfect third-down back...EXCEPT he can't pass block. So, you either utilize a great weapon and limit your playbook/risk your QB getting whacked, or you insert a guy almost solely to pass block.
Michigan has two really good RB's, who offer an exciting change of pace. Wilson is a terrific guy to have in case of injury, or to give some rest.
All that said, IMO inserting Wilson for short yardage makes sense. I also like Mason in those situations.
September 17th, 2018 at 12:54 AM ^
I guess this is my point. I don't think Chris Evans shiftiness warrants playing him above Tru Wilson, when pass blocking is from the running back is so critical to our offenses success at moving the ball. The slight drop off in ability with ball in hand (I think Evans is overrated here, and over a period of time Wilson's one cut and go, would result in as many yards as Evans shiftiness) pales in comparison to Wilson's ability to pass block. And the pass blocking makes us much more of a complete offense.
September 16th, 2018 at 2:50 PM ^
This is what happens when we have a clear #1 starter at QB. Folks have to have something to talk about, so they start a “who should be the starting tackles” discussion. JBB and Runyan went the whole way yesterday so now it’s a RB controversy. Next week, it’ll be “why is McKeon getting more snaps than Eubanks?”
September 17th, 2018 at 12:55 AM ^
No. I just think Evans, in this current role and series of play calls, hinders the offense more than he helps
September 16th, 2018 at 2:57 PM ^
Evans is an excellent player when you get him the ball out in space. As a runner between the tackles, Higdon is better, and Wilson might possibly be too. Evans should play - BUT he does need to pass block better.
September 17th, 2018 at 12:56 AM ^
I don't think he's as great in space as we think
September 16th, 2018 at 3:40 PM ^
I like Tru, O'maury and his 11 yard avg. as well. Higdon sat this week in preparation for a heavy big ten schedule. Karan's tough running style is my cup of tea over Evans east west indecisiveness. In my opinion Let it be a committee thing this year until Charbonet shows up.
September 16th, 2018 at 5:15 PM ^
And just a week ago people were saying Evans needs more carries, Evans needs to be the starter....blah blah blah. Cmon.
September 17th, 2018 at 12:56 AM ^
Who did?
September 16th, 2018 at 5:18 PM ^
Give up the speed for the blocking and 3 yards per carry with Mason.
September 16th, 2018 at 6:38 PM ^
Mr. Evans seems to be a fine young man and is well-liked. However, Wilson has passed him and Samuels has caught him. This is a simple judgement of talent. Here, the best players deserve the playing time.
September 16th, 2018 at 7:58 PM ^
This is 100% accurate. Evans looks timid at the point of attack and his vision isn’t great. He is the 3rd to 4th back imo.
September 16th, 2018 at 8:26 PM ^
At some point in the big ten contest, we’re going to need to put our hand in the dirt and grind out 20 yards “and a cloud of dust” and eat up 2.00 minuets on the clock, i.e. evidence some ball control and brutally obtain one or two first downs to win a ball game. All good teams are able to do this. Harbaugh is setting the table.
September 16th, 2018 at 9:52 PM ^
Tru Wilson can block, but he really shouldn't be getting more than a few rushes to spell the starters (assuming they are healthy). Would rather see Samuels get more touches.
September 17th, 2018 at 2:03 PM ^
Tru absolutely looks better in pass pro than Higdon or Evans.
But big picture, we aren’t going to sniff the B1G championship with either Evans or Wilson as our 1A.
OMaury actually looked promising for the first time