Running Back Competition Continues in Game 2, But One Stands Above Rest

There wasn’t too much to glean from game 1 on Saturday against SE Louisiana as far as the run game is concerned. The starting offensive line broke about as much of a sweat as Gundy did worrying about what he was having for dinner after the game, so the statistics should be taken for what it’s worth against an FCS opponent.

Jeff Carr lead all rushers with 42 yards, followed by Justice Hill at 30, Rennie Childs at 21 and Chris Carson at 18.

Statistically, there is no leader in the clubhouse or one guy separating themselves from the group in that aspect. But just watching the game, it’s pretty clear OSU’s best option is true freshman Justice Hill. In just seven carries and one reception, he finished with 36 all-purpose yards. But it’s not his production he had Saturday, rather the qualities he flashed Saturday that prove he deserves to be the guy moving forward.

Hill displayed all the qualities that made him so productive in high school and proved it can translate early. Not only does he have great vision and shiftiness, most importantly: He explodes through openings with little hesitation, something OSU lacked last season as they struggled and played timid at times.

Offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich noted after the game that there is still a competition that is raging into game 2 against CMU, and praised the group for their efforts.

“They all ran very hard. They ran tough with the ball and secured the ball,” Yurcich said. “Time is going to tell. We’ll see at practice and take it one day at a time. Surely we’d like have a couple of guys emerge, but this is a good problem to have.”

OSU coaches are playing it slow in naming a leader or starter this early, and all signs suggest it’s likely we will see a more similar rotation on Saturday against Central Michigan, too.

But as the season progresses with more stiff competition and the group behind to skinny down, I’m convinced Hill is far and away the best option at tailback, and the competition moving forward will simply be to determine who plays behind him.