Pittman - Wells: duel or duo?

[cincibuck]

Oh, it's still June, I haven't followed the Reds since the second big strike. The Yankees have ruined summer, I'd rather watch paint dry than World Cup, and so I need to say something potentially stupid to get my blood going:

Based on the last half of the 05 season, I consider Pittman a true Buckeye halfback, certainly capable of being in the top three or four running backs in the league. I can certainly see him having a 1.5 to 1.75 K season. I can also see Pittman and Wells becoming something like the double 1K running package Minnesota has been able to throw at teams.

But I'm going on record here as saying that by the end of game four or five, the back getting the most PT and the most touches per game, (not necessarily the starting back), the clock eater who grinds out the yards in the second half, will be Beanie Wells.

Based on what I saw at the Scarlet and Gray game and assuming he's a fast read on blocking and catching the ball, the kid is the next great running back at OSU.

Here's what I thought I saw at the spring game, and I welcome comments, pro or con: He really packs a wallop, pushing linebackers back for a couple of yards after contact, knocking corners into next week and demonstrating more than enough speed to get to the outside, or get a quick burst up the middle.

Tressel has proven himself to be loyal almost to a fault... Bellisari and Zwick come to mind... with starters, and this offense begs to be more pass than run oriented... but I think I saw so much talent in Wells that Tress will have to put the ball in the kid's hands.

So how do I put V-money and rep behind these words and my predictions?

 

[Tlangs]

Pittman will be the starter all year. But all that means is he will get the most carries in the first quarter. I think as the game moves on Wells will get more carries which will leave us with a fresh AP in the 4th quarter. Pittman will get 17-25 carries and wells will get 12-17 carries in a close game when time management is important.

 

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

I can set up a bet if you like, Cinci...

What terms do you want?

ie Who will be the OSU RB

Pittman all year
Wells all year
Wells after game 5

etc.

 

[aesculus glabra]

duel or duo

I hope duo.

I think Pittman will start the entire season, but I believe that Wells will get more carries as the year progresses. I also think Well's playing time during the crucial parts of games will be determined more upon his ability to pass block than his ability to run the ball. But I could be wrong...

 

[jwinslow]

did you see the spring game? Wells was very impressive with the ball, and downright dreadful at times without the ball (letting blitzers run right past him). He will be a special talent, but has a lot of work to do to move ahead of Maurice b

He is a full two years behind pittman, who also came in early before 04 IIRC.

 

[NFBuck]

I agree with Tlangs. I think we'll see the carries "split" more as the season progresses, but I thing JT's loyalty will keep Pitt the starter. Either way, it's a great problem to have!

 

[cincibuck]

did you see the spring game? Wells was very impressive with the ball, and downright dreadful at times without the ball (letting blitzers run right past him). He will be a special talent, but has a lot of work to do to move ahead of Maurice b

He is a full two years behind pittman, who also came in early before 04 IIRC.

Not to quibble, but I did mention blocking and catching the ball as possible reasons why he won't be guy getting the most PT. I still think that given his size, his speed and the way he hits an opening, it will be difficult NOT to give him the ball.

 

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Bet On It Here

 

[HangOnSloopy]

I love how Pittman runs, especially when he throws those killer stiff arms but when he gets about 2 or 3 carries he gets tired easily and thats where Beanie can come in with fresh legs and pound it some more. The more i think about it, the more excited I get because this a going to be one hell of a duo. Is it football season yet?

 

[buckalum01]

Yes- is it football season yet?!? We are all like a bunch of kids in a car on vacation- are we there yet? Are we there yet? The anticipation and expectations are building and building. I don't think August can get here soon enough. Summer is my least favorite season sometimes- I don't watch any of the summer sports, I look forward to the upcoming football season from about Memorial Day weekend forward. I just get so hyped about tOSU and can't wait till the opening kickoff it drives me INSANE:2004: .

GO BUCKS!!

 

[craigblitz]

I am in the Pittman camp.. He is soooo under-rated it is silly. As far as Wells goes, Yes he needs to learn to pick up blitzes etc etc, but you learn that from film. He has the physical tools to block, from the spring game to fall practice there is a whole lot of film being watched :-).

Wells will get his carries this year but I see Pittman getting 17-20 game and Chris getting 10-13 carries a game.

 

[AJHawkfan]

I see Pittman getting 17-20 game and Chris getting 10-13 carries a game.

I would agree with that guess.

 

[aesculus glabra]

... Wells was very impressive with the ball, and downright dreadful at times without the ball (letting blitzers run right past him). ...

He is a full two years behind pittman, who also came in early before 04 IIRC.

Agreed.

I think Pittman's (1) experience of being in the program for a couple of years; (2) knowledge the offense; and (3) excellent performance at crucial times during big games last season will pay huge dividends for the Buckeyes this year. I don't think he's going anywhere save for an injury or other unforeseen problem.

This is not to say that B Well's won't be as advertised, but before he becomes "all that" the pass protection needs to improve--and should with more experience. I just think it will be harder for B Wells to take the top spot than people think.

Gotta love competition...

 

[martinss01]

pittman will be the starter and wells will likely work his way into a duo with pitt as the season wears on. he has a TON of learning to do. but he has far to much talent and ability to keep off the field. as of today pitt is a complete back, wells imo isn't there yet. does that mean pitt will get more touches in every game this season? nope.

 

[BB73]

did you see the spring game?

Did you read his post?

Based on what I saw at the Scarlet and Gray game and assuming he's a fast read on blocking and catching the ball, the kid is the next great running back at OSU.

Here's what I thought I saw at the spring game, and I welcome comments, pro or con: He really packs a wallop, pushing linebackers back for a couple of yards after contact, knocking corners into next week and demonstrating more than enough speed to get to the outside, or get a quick burst up the middle.