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Buckeye Tailbacks - 2004 (official thread)

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ninjabuck said:
The only problem I have with Lydell playing fullback is that no matter who touches him, he will go down. I don't want to see ANY of our tailbacks get stopped because the fullback can't stay on his feet.
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Agree, the role of blown-up-FB-flat-on-his-back and yelling "look out" has already been filled by Brandon Schnittker.
 
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CNNSI article on Pittman and Joe....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/ncaa/09/30/bc.fbc.buckeyesbacks.ap/index.html

Time for some action

Pittman, Joe ready for expanded roles in Buckeyes offense

Posted: Thursday September 30, 2004 4:21PM; Updated: Thursday September 30, 2004 5:02PM
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Just like when he takes a pitch-out, Tony Pittman doesn't hesitate and sprints straight ahead.

"Clinton Portis. Enough said," Pittman said quickly when asked to describe his style of running. "That's my favorite back. He's just so shifty. I have to move my number up one next year, trying to be like Clinton Portis."

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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!--endclickprintexclude-->Before Pittman can switch his current jersey number to the Washington Redskins star's 26, Pittman will try to rejuvenate No. 7 Ohio State's running attack. Both he and Branden Joe, one of the heroes of the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl win in January, are healthy and ready to lend some help to beleaguered starter Lydell Ross.

"I change the game because I'm a shifty runner," Pittman said. "When I get in, the tempo changes and they've got to look for cutbacks. When Lydell gets in, he's more of a power back."

Joe, a senior who has spent most of his time at fullback, could be the guy to energize an offense that ranks ninth in the Big Ten in yards on the ground per game.

"Nothing against Lydell but I'm more of an inside type of guy and Tony's more of a speed guy," Joe said. "I definitely think it will help us get this running game where we want it."

The Buckeyes take on Northwestern in their Big Ten opener Saturday night. It could be exquisite timing, since Ohio State would like nothing better than regaining its balance on offense against a team that is giving up 440 yards a game.

Ross has taken the heat while the Buckeyes (3-0) have lost their way but haven't lost any games. Ohio State ran for just 64 yards in a 22-14 win at North Carolina State two weeks ago (the Buckeyes had a bye week on Saturday) after netting just 79 yards on the ground the week before in a 24-21 victory against Marshall.

"I'm my toughest critic," said Ross, a senior who ran for a team-best 826 yards in 2003. "I don't listen to all the propaganda out there and all the fans out there. I decide what I'm doing wrong and what I'm doing right."

Ross said the offensive line is getting better, and the continuing maturation of quarterback Justin Zwick and improvement in the passing game will make the running game even better.

"I'm not frustrated at all. I feel like I can be doing a lot better," said Ross, a senior. "I feel like you haven't seen Lydell Ross at his best this season yet."

Coach Jim Tressel confirmed after Wednesday's practice that with Pittman and Joe both healthy after shaking off nagging injuries, they will likely see more action.

Pittman is a 5-foot-11, 190-pounder from Akron's Buchtel High School who graduated a semester early so he could enroll at Ohio State and play spring ball. He impressed the coaching staff almost immediately with his talent, but has only recently shown that he understands the nuances of a complicated playbook.

"Only time will tell how much carries I get," Pittman said. "But whenever I get in, I'm going to make the best of the situation."

Joe, a 6-0, 235-pounder from South High School in the Columbus suburb of Westerville, is uncomfortable with Ross taking the brunt of the criticism for the offense's recent sluggish play.

"I hate when guys get fingers pointed at them because it's more than just one guy's fault," Joe said. "If something isn't going right, there's 11 of us on the field and we all ought to take the blame. He's our starting tailback and a senior captain and they're going to praise him when he does good and criticize him when things aren't going right."

At the same time, Joe acknowledges that the offense hasn't met expectations.

"I'll be flat honest: the numbers don't lie," he said. "We definitely haven't put up the numbers that other teams in the nation are putting up."

Finally healthy after missing the first three games, Joe said he can't wait to contribute.

"I look forward to getting the ball rolling and getting the ball a little more. And maybe being a major part of this offense," he said. "I'm really biting at the bit to let my hard work in the summer show on the field."
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I hope he gets some carries against NW to show what he can do and it should help getting Joe back to 100%.......
 
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It's good to have the "pair and a spare" that we need heading into the Big Ten schedule. I look for a solid running game Saturday night--maybe all three backs going over 80 yards. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the "pair" and who becomes the "spare."
 
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Hell yeah ... I'm pretty confidant that we'll blast NW ... and hopefully in the process get Joe and Pittman comfortable enough so that they perform against Wisconsin in a couple weeks ... we need to have our offense running like a well oiled machine against them.
 
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I'm certainly excited to see this running game finally get going, however, I will have my fingers crossed every time Joe gets the ball. I don't want to see him limping off the field ever again. We need him this year. Until the Fiesta Bowl last year, I didn't realize what kind of impact he could make carrying the ball. He's claiming he's at 85%-90% IIRC. I hope they're not putting him in too soon. Go get 'em Joe.
 
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We OSU fans have alot to look forwards to in the Running game IMO in the future. I know the team is struggling on offense so far, but the year is still young and if you look at all the new recruits at the O-line and then you look at the kids we are recruiting for RB, and then WOW you look at Pittman, and Haw ... Two great Runningbacks!!! I saw Eric Haw in high school and WOW if he is anything like he was in high school everyones going to be asking where did this diamond in the rough come from ??
He is so strong and fast its unreal and yes he has GREAT vision too boot. Then to top it off you possibly have Wells, Ringer, and Stewart in the future (any 1,2 or god 3 would be amazing) ... I am pumped even thinking of this years future as well as years to come.

:osu2: Isn't it great to be a Buckeye :osu2:
 
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I could see Pittman getting 100 yards tomorrow if Joe doesn't take up some of his carries. I would also see Lydell getting around 80. Pretty optimistic about us reaching 200 rushing tomorrow night.
 
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Good. Now I won't have nightmares of our fullback on his back.

Bestbuck36 said:
I could see Pittman getting 100 yards tomorrow if Joe doesn't take up some of his carries. I would also see Lydell getting around 80. Pretty optimistic about us reaching 200 rushing tomorrow night.
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20 yards a carry is pretty optimistic for Pittman. Not to mention 80 overall for Lydell :lol:
 
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Pittman VS. Ross

Im not exactly sure of the stats but i dont think im the only one who sees something ins Pittman. I think ross tries to make to many moves. That isnt fair to say though beacuse if he had some blocking he could do somethin. HE HAD A LINE LAST YEAR. he did nothing thena nad nothing now. Bounce it 2 the outside and give pittman some room.
 
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In a perfect world we could maintain loyalty in a Senior tailback praying for a breakout year. I think with how the season has gone we need to worry about the future. Pittman should start because he is the future. Neither back has exactly "won" the job, but Pittman shows agile that Ross can't compete with.
 
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