Something puzzling

[cruzer]

I'm wondering what the heck Ollison must have done to deserve zero carries against OSU. Conner looked gassed at times and Hall continues to look like a fairly run-of-the-mill college RB. Ollison was pretty darned good last year and looked to be in even better shape this year. What gives?

Cruzer

 

[docden]

My guess is that they just look at Conner and Ollison as the same type of back.. And when they put Hall in, it's a slightly different change of pace.. I don't really know - good question.

 

[PittMan 72]

I'm wondering what the heck Ollison must have done to deserve zero carries against OSU. Conner looked gassed at times and Hall continues to look like a fairly run-of-the-mill college RB. Ollison was pretty darned good last year and looked to be in even better shape this year. What gives?

Cruzer

Does seem unusual. From Vuk's site, here's a breakdown of the # of snaps that each Pitt RB was on the field from last Sat.

Running Back Snaps: James Conner (55), George Aston (38), Qadree Ollison (20), Chawntez Moss (11), Darrin Hall (9), Jaymar Parrish (19)

So even though Ollison was on the field for 20 snaps per that breakdown, he never carried the ball. He caught 1 pass in the game for 8 yds per the final game stats, and I did see him targeted for another pass late in the game. But he never turned around when the pass was coming so it fell incomplete.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Ollison's often on the field simultaneously with Conner but never but doesn't often get a carry. It's almost as if he's being used as a decoy in some ways even though Conner's obviously the RB the opponent expects to get the ball. It's very strange.

 

[thebadby2]

There's only so many carries to go around. Which makes the Moss situation puzzling as well.

The way they're being utilized so far I'm Not sure we will be able to keep them all after the season.

 

[MajorMajors]

My guess is that they just look at Conner and Ollison as the same type of back.. And when they put Hall in, it's a slightly different change of pace.. I don't really know - good question.

I don't see Hall as a change of pace at all. None of our backs are elusive. They are straight-line power guys. Hall did one spin move - which is nice once in a while, but can't be your bread and butter.

I don't understand why it is so difficult to plant the foot and change direction - like Dion, Ray, and Shady did - or Curtis Martin did, or TD did -- but it seems to be a dying art...

I think the reason may be that these guys don't need to be truly "elusive" to be big star running backs in high school. The just run past or through potential tacklers because they are so much bigger or so much faster than 90% of the tacklers are. It's a shame that someone doesn't teach these kids the "art" of being elusive.

Go Pitt.

 

[vegasgreed]

Ollison needs some carries, for sure. More than Hall or Moss. One curious thing, in the last offensive drive last week, when we needs points and little time on the clock, so we're in a hurry, coaches have him in the game. Hmmm. His strength is running the ball. Not blocking or catching the football.

 

[steel_curtain]

I'm wondering what the heck Ollison must have done to deserve zero carries against OSU. Conner looked gassed at times and Hall continues to look like a fairly run-of-the-mill college RB. Ollison was pretty darned good last year and looked to be in even better shape this year. What gives?

Cruzer

-Bigger question is why isnt Quadree Henderson getting more carries and getting the ball thrown to him more, even shorter passes.

-Narduzzi said in the press conference this isnt the Henderson show. The hell it isnt Coach. Henderson is 3rd in the country in All Purpose yards and is averaging 14 yards per carry. You read that correctly, 14 yards per carry. He's also our most reliable WR by a landslide so far, and doesnt drop passes.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I don't see Hall as a change of pace at all. None of our backs are elusive. They are straight-line power guys. Hall did one spin move - which is nice once in a while, but can't be your bread and butter.

I don't understand why it is so difficult to plant the foot and change direction - like Dion, Ray, and Shady did - or Curtis Martin did, or TD did -- but it seems to be a dying art...

I think the reason may be that these guys don't need to be truly "elusive" to be big star running backs in high school. The just run past or through potential tacklers because they are so much bigger or so much faster than 90% of the tacklers are. It's a shame that someone doesn't teach these kids the "art" of being elusive.

Go Pitt.

Very interesting perspective. One of the marks against Ollison early last season was his inability to maintain patience while the running lanes developed. By the end of the season he was being applauded by most for his patience as a runner, often gaining solid yardage by simply allowing the OL to push the DL 3+ yards down the field.

From what I've seen of Conner so far this year, he seems to lack the patience needed to when running power. The left side of the OL can provide 3+ yards every single play if he allows Biz and Johnson to do their jobs.

I'd like to see some of that patience Ollison showed last year more in the running game.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Regarding Henderson, he seemed to be cramping up last game. Likely why he wasn't used even more...

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

-Bigger question is why isnt Quadree Henderson getting more carries and getting the ball thrown to him more, even shorter passes.

-Narduzzi said in the press conference this isnt the Henderson show. The hell it isnt Coach. Henderson is 3rd in the country in All Purpose yards and is averaging 14 yards per carry. You read that correctly, 14 yards per carry. He's also our most reliable WR by a landslide so far, and doesnt drop passes.

Too funny. I was thinking the same thing.

I get how he wants to focus on "team," but let the stars shine coach. No one had problems with the Tyler Boyd show... for good reason.

Let's get Whitehead some more carries while we're at it. Now that's a dynamic duo of a show I want to see.

 

[President Stache]

Well... another DUH moment for Pitt fans. At the beginning of the year, everyone said there isnt enough carries to go around to 5 backs. That is true, and that will be true. You have to hope the other 4 guys not names James Conner are OK with this. Then... added to that... everyone says 'how can we not get the ball to Henderson or Whitehead more'. Well, we are running lots of jet sweeps, and they are super effective at over 10 yards per attempt. I would say why not run Moss in for some jet sweeps and cure 2 problems. As for Ollison, I certainly hope he wouldnt be upset, he has 2 more years of being the starting back if he wants it and wins the job. Looking at next year with Ollison and Moss as a one-two punch sounds good to me.

 

[wbrpanther]

I don't see Hall as a change of pace at all. None of our backs are elusive. They are straight-line power guys. Hall did one spin move - which is nice once in a while, but can't be your bread and butter.

I don't understand why it is so difficult to plant the foot and change direction - like Dion, Ray, and Shady did - or Curtis Martin did, or TD did -- but it seems to be a dying art...

I think the reason may be that these guys don't need to be truly "elusive" to be big star running backs in high school. The just run past or through potential tacklers because they are so much bigger or so much faster than 90% of the tacklers are. It's a shame that someone doesn't teach these kids the "art" of being elusive.

Go Pitt.

If everybody could effectively do that they would all be Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. Planting and cutting is one of the things that put running backs on the next level.

 

[JohnnyGossamer]

Well... another DUH moment for Pitt fans. At the beginning of the year, everyone said there isnt enough carries to go around to 5 backs. That is true, and that will be true. You have to hope the other 4 guys not names James Conner are OK with this. Then... added to that... everyone says 'how can we not get the ball to Henderson or Whitehead more'. Well, we are running lots of jet sweeps, and they are super effective at over 10 yards per attempt. I would say why not run Moss in for some jet sweeps and cure 2 problems. As for Ollison, I certainly hope he wouldnt be upset, he has 2 more years of being the starting back if he wants it and wins the job. Looking at next year with Ollison and Moss as a one-two punch sounds good to me.

There's enough. I'd keep Conner's average carries per game under 20, maybe even closer to 15. Love the dude but it's not like he's averaging 6 YPC. He's averaging about the same as the rest of 'em. Get Ollison around 7+ carries a game. Hall and Moss less than 5. Done and done. Again, if Conner was as fit as he was going into last season, I would NOT do as I just said, But, you know, he's in the 240s weight wise and not under 230 as he was. He had a knee injury. And, he had cancer. AMAZING to see him still doing so well. But, such being, spread it around.

Now, if his YPC starts consistently staying well above 5 and even closer to 6, hell yeah... Feed him all day long.

 

[steel_curtain]

If everybody could effectively do that they would all be Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. Planting and cutting is one of the things that put running backs on the next level.

-I would think Moss is the best cutter on the team now, as a freshmen. The one gripe I have is, why is there a need for 9 different players to get a run play to them. It isnt necessary. Why are Lopez and Aston running the ball when we have far better talent to run the ball. Its stupid. If we are running the ball, give it to Conner, Henderson, Moss, Whitehead, or Ollison then Hall then Lopez then Aston in blowout situations. The offense has performed fine, especially given the circumstances. Our 3rd down play call leaves some to be desired, however.

-If the defense again wets the bed this week and cant cover junior high teams, its time to mix it up. Start going full blitz and take on more risk to get more stops. We cant allow every team on the schedule to score 40 on us and sit back on defense and depend on our DL front 4 and sit back while QB's pick us apart. Obviously there is a need to teach the younger players the style you want. But we cant lose 6 games this year either as it can kill recruiting.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

Well, we are running lots of jet sweeps, and they are super effective at over 10 yards per attempt. I would say why not run Moss in for some jet sweeps and cure 2 problems. .

Maybe, but the jet sweep seems to be effective only when Henderson and Whitehead are getting the ball. When other slightly slower and less nimble players carry on the JS, the results have not been so great.

 

[President Stache]

Maybe, but the jet sweep seems to be effective only when Henderson and Whitehead are getting the ball. When other slightly slower and less nimble players carry on the JS, the results have not been so great.

That is true, but most likely misleading. First, I wouldnt necessarily say Ford and Tipton are slower. And I would say Moss isnt slow. I think on such a small sample size that it may just be reading blocks better for Henderson and Whitehead... that and they are a bit super-human.

 

[#99HUGHgreen]

That is true, but most likely misleading. First, I wouldnt necessarily say Ford and Tipton are slower. And I would say Moss isnt slow. I think on such a small sample size that it may just be reading blocks better for Henderson and Whitehead... that and they are a bit super-human.

Yes they are. Got to play those super-human as much as possible.

Ford and Tipton are talented but definitely less nimble than Henderson and Whitehead and definitely a bit slower than QH (and possibly even JW).. which brings us back to your comment... "they are a bit super-human."

 

[steel_curtain]

That is true, but most likely misleading. First, I wouldnt necessarily say Ford and Tipton are slower. And I would say Moss isnt slow. I think on such a small sample size that it may just be reading blocks better for Henderson and Whitehead... that and they are a bit super-human.

-100% slower. Henderson broke a 10.8 100M in high school and has sub 4.4 speed along with Whitehead who is around a 4.4. Moss is around a 4.5 reported, but not confirmed, he may not be able to break 4.5. Ford and Tipton dont have those wheels.

 

[TD_istheman]

-Bigger question is why isnt Quadree Henderson getting more carries and getting the ball thrown to him more, even shorter passes.

-Narduzzi said in the press conference this isnt the Henderson show. The hell it isnt Coach. Henderson is 3rd in the country in All Purpose yards and is averaging 14 yards per carry. You read that correctly, 14 yards per carry. He's also our most reliable WR by a landslide so far, and doesnt drop passes.

Duzz is a little hard headed like Wanny, not a bad thing most of the time , but here , if he is serious, then it's a bad thing

 

[pittguy81]

If everybody could effectively do that they would all be Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. Planting and cutting is one of the things that put running backs on the next level.

Yep. Funny to read a post by a guy deriding a RB who can't run like TD, Curtis, Shady, Dion or Ray. 2 guys are in the NFL HOF and one won the Heisman, Shady was on track until the idiots in Philly traded him to Buffalo, Dion was a key cog in the Patriots offense until his injury and Ray had that devastating knee injury that derailed his bright future.

Why can't every RB do those things?

 

[President Stache]

-100% slower. Henderson broke a 10.8 100M in high school and has sub 4.4 speed along with Whitehead who is around a 4.4. Moss is around a 4.5 reported, but not confirmed, he may not be able to break 4.5. Ford and Tipton dont have those wheels.

Well Alston ran a jet sweep for a TD, he isnt fast

 

[UptownPrivileges]

I would like to see Nardozzi really do something different .... Get Stocked at Qb and run the wishbone...I remember when Texas and Oklahoma ran it.. They got acres of yardage until it was figured out... So 30 yrs has gone by so.....

 

[steel_curtain]

Well Alston ran a jet sweep for a TD, he isnt fast

-On a goaline situation, ok, its a power play. On a 3rd and 5 at midfield or on our own side of the field, no.

 

[President Stache]

Im not arguing... just saying, on the plays that didnt work they were blown up. So, I am not sold that it is only speed. Reading blocks is huge. Moss is fast and should know how to read blocks, so I think having him on jet sweeps may be a good idea

 

[thebadby2]

If everybody could effectively do that they would all be Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. Planting and cutting is one of the things that put running backs on the next level.

This is true. It's a born gift, not a learned skill.

 

[thebadby2]

There's enough. I'd keep Conner's average carries per game under 20, maybe even closer to 15. Love the dude but it's not like he's averaging 6 YPC. He's averaging about the same as the rest of 'em. Get Ollison around 7+ carries a game. Hall and Moss less than 5. Done and done. Again, if Conner was as fit as he was going into last season, I would NOT do as I just said, But, you know, he's in the 240s weight wise and not under 230 as he was. He had a knee injury. And, he had cancer. AMAZING to see him still doing so well. But, such being, spread it around.

Now, if his YPC starts consistently staying well above 5 and even closer to 6, hell yeah... Feed him all day long.

It's really not that simple. Most backs need enough reps to get into a rhythm. Once they're in that rhythm with the O line and the offense is moving the chains, it's a bad move to change horses.

I kmow this is sacrilege but I'd like to see Ollison get Conner's load for a game and see what happens. Not gonna happen but it would be interesting.

 

[MajorMajors]

Yep. Funny to read a post by a guy deriding a RB who can't run like TD, Curtis, Shady, Dion or Ray. 2 guys are in the NFL HOF and one won the Heisman, Shady was on track until the idiots in Philly traded him to Buffalo, Dion was a key cog in the Patriots offense until his injury and Ray had that devastating knee injury that derailed his bright future.

Why can't every RB do those things?

I wasn't "deriding" anyone. It's a matter of running style. Pitt's backs are good for power, straight-line running with an occasional little dip move. I'd try to find, like Wanny consistently did, some guys with some juke.

Runners like that are out there. Hell, Wanny, yes Wanny, of all people, brought in THREE of them -- Shady, Dion and Ray. Le'Veon Bell is the same type of runner. They are out there, you have to find them. Too much emphasis is put on bringing in the bigger, power guys, IMHO.

Why is Henderson having so much success. Besides his speed, he can plant the foot and make a guy miss.

Go Pitt.

 

[pittman71]

I never cared for Ollison, he rarely breaks tackles/makes defenders miss. I think the coaching staff sees what I see.

 

[President Stache]

As a freshman ollison ran for over a thousand yards while splitting carries. He is clearly a very good running back.

The discussion is moot... James Conner is our best back and came back from cancer. Nuff said

 

[Swervin27]

the pitch to conner is mind boggling, that play will never work. JC is good but if he is running east-west, if his first few steps are parallel to the Line of scrimmage, the defense won.. Even with fresh legs, it's a bad call, in the 4th quarter, its beyond foolish..

Extremely frustrated with that 3rd and 4 or 5 call in 4th quarter. That play converts that first down 1 out of 20 times, maybe. To not even give yourself a chance is a loser mentality..

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I never cared for Ollison, he rarely breaks tackles/makes defenders miss. I think the coaching staff sees what I see.

Well, Ollision averaged 5.3 yds/play last year, whereas Conner is averaging 5.4 yds/play this year. At this point, I would say the difference is negligible. Neither Conner nor Ollison are going to make players miss on a regular basis, however, saying that Ollison rarely breaks tackles is patently false. Ollison was a beast in several games last year when PITT really needed him to step up. Furthermore, I believe Ollison hits the hole harder and faster than Conner at this point.

Take a look at the highlight below from last year for several examples where Ollison ran through defenders and changed the outcome of the game:

 

[Swervin27]

Well, Ollision averaged 5.3 yds/play last year, whereas Conner is averaging 5.4 yds/play this year. At this point, I would say the difference is negligible. Neither Conner nor Ollison are going to make players miss on a regular basis, however, saying that Ollison rarely breaks tackles is patently false. Ollison was a beast in several games last year when PITT really needed him to step up. Furthermore, I believe Ollison hits the hole harder and faster than Conner at this point.

Take a look at the highlight below from last year for several examples where Ollison ran through defenders and changed the outcome of the game:

View embedded media

Big Ollison fan but JC is on another level. Ollison needs to do better when he reaches that second level.. JC breaks tackles, a lot. Ollison is good at getting thru LOS but I believe needs to work on getting additional yardage moreso than what is given to him by good blocking.

Again, im on your side, I really like Ollison and think he is by far our 2nd best RB but the difference between him and JC is more than negligible..

 

[vegasgreed]

I never cared for Ollison, he rarely breaks tackles/makes defenders miss. I think the coaching staff sees what I see.

What has Hall done?

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Big Ollison fan but JC is on another level. Ollison needs to do better when he reaches that second level.. JC breaks tackles, a lot. Ollison is good at getting thru LOS but I believe needs to work on getting additional yardage moreso than what is given to him by good blocking.

Again, im on your side, I really like Ollison and think he is by far our 2nd best RB but the difference between him and JC is more than negligible..

I get what your saying, but that is the eye test. The facts are Ollison averaged 5.29 yds/carry last year, while Conner averaged 5.92 yds/carry in 2014. I think we can agree that difference is negligible over the course of 13 games?

I'm not saying that Ollison is better than Conner, but there are a number of posters who are completely trashing Ollison and placing him behind the likes of Hall (who has been disappointing so far). The fact is that Ollison stepped in last year, as a RS FR, and helped this PITT team win 8 games with a couple of really close losses.

Having him sit on the sidelines with a completely worn out Conner trying to run against a stacked line in the 4th quarter is a horrible waste of resources.

 

[Swervin27]

What has Hall done?

I hate to get into the pitt player vs pitt player but I kind of agree. People really love hall and moss and they completely discount Ollison. One has rushed for over 1100 yards, got the rookie ACC offensive player of the year award, faced the most 8 man fronts in all of the ACC last year and the other guys, well the other guys allegedly look good in practice. I say allegedly because no one has seen it, outside of players and coaches of course and there has been a quote, here and there, and that's our real proof..

odd that we discount actual game production for some half-ass quote from a coach about a rep or two in spring ball when the players are wearing shorts..

 

[Swervin27]

I get what your saying, but that is the eye test. The facts are Ollison averaged 5.29 yds/carry last year, while Conner averaged 5.92 yds/carry in 2014. I think we can agree that difference is negligible over the course of 13 games?

I'm not saying that Ollison is better than Conner, but there are a number of posters who are completely trashing Ollison and placing him behind the likes of Hall (who has been disappointing so far). The fact is that Ollison stepped in last year, as a RS FR, and helped this PITT team win 8 games with a couple of really close losses.

Having him sit on the sidelines with a completely worn out Conner trying to run against a stacked line in the 4th quarter is a horrible waste of resources.

im with you VAPITTALUM, you and I are preaching from the same podium.

 

[pittman71]

What has Hall done?

Not much

 

[pittman71]

Big Ollison fan but JC is on another level. Ollison needs to do better when he reaches that second level.. JC breaks tackles, a lot. Ollison is good at getting thru LOS but I believe needs to work on getting additional yardage moreso than what is given to him by good blocking.

.

exactly

 

[VAPITTALUM]

im with you VAPITTALUM, you and I are preaching from the same podium.

Agreed. I really hope to see a combination of Conner and Ollison take the majority of the reps at the running back position this week. Hopefully whatever Ollison has going on, whether its injury-related or being in the doghouse with the coached, has been resolved and he comes out ready to play.