Michigan Football: Wolverines still searching for big-time running back
While most Michigan football fans focus on the quarterback play as the downfall of the Wolverines, average running backs have been an issue too.
It’s true that Michigan football has been hurt by the below average play its gotten at the quarterback position the last two seasons. Jake Rudock was pretty solid in 2015, but beyond that, it’s been an inconsistent mess.
Obviously, that’s been a problem in big games for the Wolverines. John O’Korn’s performances against teams like Michigan State and Ohio State are a reminder of that. Yet, another thing that’s been an issue for the Wolverines, is the back of a big-time running back.
The Wolverines have had some decent runners during the Jim Harbaugh era. There was De’Veon Smith, Ty Isaac, Chris Evans, Karan Higdon and Drake Johnson. All got chances to carry the football, but none have established themselves as a bell-cow type of runner.
There was hope that Evans would become that guy before the 2017 season. However, it never came to fruition. Evans still ran for 661 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry, but he still didn’t have the breakout season many were expecting.
Karan Higdon also had a stellar season, carrying the ball 147 times for 929 yards and 11 touchdowns. But most of his biggest games came against the likes of Rutgers, Minnesota and Indiana.
Higdon probably would have become the first Michigan running back in years to eclipse 1,000 yards had he not been hurt, but still, the Wolverines need better production from the position, especially against elite teams.
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The backs played well against Ohio State, especially Evans. But for a team that averaged more than 200 yards a game on the ground, the yardage gained in four losses simply wasn’t enough.
The offensive line wasn’t always perfect. And having a quarterback like O’Korn also didn’t help. But as much as the Wolverines need a quarterback, if they want to win championships, they need a great running game too.
There’s nothing wrong with doing it by committee. And as far as tandems go, Evans and Higdon are pretty good. Higdon is more about pushing ahead for tough yards, while Evans if a big-play guy.
But at some point, Michigan football needs a back to establish himself as the guy. Someone who can carry the ball 20 times a game and when needed, carry the entire offense.
We have seen the Buckeyes have plenty of those guys over the years. Carlos Hyde and Zeke Elliott are just two that come to mind.
It’s been about a decade since Mike Hart toted the rock for Michigan, but that’s the kind of back the Wolverines need. Finding that kind of guy though, isn’t quite as important as getting an elite quarterback, but it’s close.
Next: Top 15 Michigan quarterbacks of all time
Running the football is essential to winning in college football and until the Wolverines can do it consistently against great teams, it probably won’t matter what kind of player they have under center.