Absolutely agree. As we saw in 2010, it doesn't matter if we can run for 5+ yards/carry if we can't inflict our will in short yardage situations and against strong D-Lines. Thanks for the conversation, all.
Yea, that was one of my pet peeves in 2010, how Roy/Taylor were able to fly for 60+ yards at will it seemed like at times, but let us have to gain 1-2 and we looked to be "out of our league" on the field. I think that was addressed this season and in the recruiting from last season to this season. We also seen packages this year that enables a "big back" to be able to step in and grind for those short yardage situations. Thing is we didn't have a big back capable of doing so this season as our biggest back was Rex (210) followed by AG (190), BH & AA (180). Now we bring in Cross (225 will likely get bigger before he takes a snap) and Marrow (250 will likely play FB).
Our recruiting class last year was one of the better ones for the O-Line and now we have guys to fill in with depth. I think the sting of our loss of A. Peat will settle a little easy than one would think with the talent that we will field in 2012.