Ohio State's Carlos Hyde is one running back the Buckeyes can count on
Published: Saturday, September 17, 2011
By Doug Lesmerises, The Plain Dealer
Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer
Ohio State's Carlos Hyde breaks into the open against Toledo. He says being patient can lead to more big plays like this.
MIAMI, Fla. ? Maybe Carlos Hyde is best explained by what he is not.
For instance, the sophomore may not be Ohio State's starting running back today, though he has held that position through the first two games of the Buckeyes' season. OSU head coach Luke Fickell (Hyde) and offensive coordinator Jim Bollman (Jordan Hall) offered conflicting viewpoints on the potential starter for tonight's game against the Miami Hurricanes. But Hyde should play.
Hyde has not been suspended this season. That separates him from No. 1 back Dan Herron, preparing to serve the third game of a five-game penalty tonight, and Hall, returning after taking a two-game break mandated by the NCAA.
Hyde has not been injured. That separates him from Jaamal Berry, another running back in the OSU recruiting class that Hyde was originally ticketed to be a part of. Berry has too often been unable to show his skills due to injury, hamstrung by his hamstrings.
Hyde has not fumbled twice in two games. That separates him from freshman running back Rod Smith, probably the more celebrated of the two backs the Buckeyes have used in their wins over Akron and Toledo. Smith has been drawing Eddie George comparisons, in his size and speed, but mostly with his early-career issues with turnovers.
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