I just gave you stats showing you games of run production from the very best teams in the Sec and the country. You take OSUs two longest runs out versus us, and they had 22 carries for 40 yards, obviously some sacks in there. One of those was designed QB run.
You say we have a C-LG problem. If we have that problem. The stats above say everyone may have that same problem. Do you know who was Tennessees best rated run blocker? The answer should make you wonder.
From my seat, our biggest issue in blocking is the TE. That goes back to 2021. There are not many Rob Gronkowskis or George Kittles though so I’m not sure how you marry the pass catching threat with the dominant blocker at that position. I’m literal though so when someone says Oline, I’m think T to T.
Now the Oline cannot account for the S. I don’t care if they’re in the “box” or not. Good S play downhill. Good DL play allows LBs to roam freely. If the DL can stuff some plays, then your run game struggles with all those elements present. You are not whipping Georgia or Ohio State here. At least not if they show up to play.
This board, and I’d assume pretty much all fan boards, is relatively terrible at understanding what is the norm or expected in the football market place. There’s no team out there that’s had a dominant run game each time out. So expecting us to be different is off base. Hoping we’re different is ok in my opinion but don’t shit yourself when it doesn’t happen. The OU, Clemson and A&M games we were quite good against above average to very good defenses.
Sark needs to evaluate himself. The QB run game needs to be incorporated. So when you’re 2nd and goal at the 1 and your opponent is playing hard run to your left, the QB keeps it and is 1 v 1 running right. If that defender takes one hard step to his right, he’s likely toast.
People harp on our long ball, but our problem was the intermediate range. We attacked it too infrequently and were unsuccessful too often when we did. The numbers support this. That area keeps defenses honest. It’ll cause S hesitation. It’ll cause LBs to be more aware and likely less aggressive in the run game. It creates first down and missed tackles mean bigger plays. Last year, this was our best part of our offense. What happened? I have a theory or two, but this board isn’t really interested in ideas that don’t fit their narrative or preconceived notions.