Rich Rodriguez on the spread run game

This got me thinking again about all the receivers he's recruiting. Note how in the run-down, he says the biggest opportunity for a big play is when both safeties are back at the hash marks. However, he qualified that right away to say they (West Virginia) didn't see that very often "because we've had success at the run game." Translation: they never keep their safeties back because they know we want to run, and we are not a threat deep. This was always going to be a problem at WVU. It wasn't just because of his offense. Top-end receivers usually go to top-end programs. They look best with a 5-star QB and 5-star offensive linemen. They benefit from the high profile. Michigan's prestige and exposure gives him the opportunity to recruit downfield threats who force opponents to keep those safeties back. And not just one or two who go downfield every once in awhile, but a neverending cascade of fresh deep threats to sub in and out, and thus always have at least one go route to worry opponents. Just a thought.