Monday, May 28, 2012

Weekly Poll Results

True or False: Carlos Hyde will rush for more yards than Jordan Hall this season.

The Results:
14-2 True

So, Carlos Hyde will have more rushing yards than Jordan Hall this season, huh?

I agree.  Jordan Hall is the senior and seems to fit most logically into Urban Meyer's offense, so why is all of Buckeye Nation saying Carlos Hyde will have more rushing yards?

Hall has solid hands and will be used in the passing game as well as running game.  It shouldn't be a surprise to see Hall lineup beside Braxton Miller, in the I-formation, or as a slot receiver.  There wasn't a ton of motion used in the Spring Game, but I would expect to see Hall to be one of the primary receivers in motion, when it's used.

Carlos Hyde could surprise the B1G
Now, don't think that Carlos Hyde will just have more yards by default.  The Buckeyes have a nice stable in the backfield, and Hyde is deserving of his role.  We got to see how versatile the big 235 lb. back is last year when we saw him truck a few defenders while also having the ability to break big runs like he did at Nebraska.  Hyde has worked on his game this offseason and, like Hall, should have a much higher output in 2012.

Hyde has worked on quickness and vision to become a better all-around back, but one of his key improvement areas is in the passing game.  Hyde has learned what his role is as a receiver out of the backfield and, like Jake Stoneburner, will be a nice safety valve for Miller.  Hyde made a key play in practice this spring when he got behind the defense where Miller found him for a 75 yard TD.  Defenses will have to keep close tabs on Hyde this season at all times, and this aspect of Hyde's game will add another dimension to the Buckeye offense.

Hyde's size and burst will allow the Buckeyes to continue to use a power running game in the B1G while still being a TD threat whether he lines up in the spread or I-formation.  He was recently timed at a 4.49 in the 40 yard dash, so there's a lot of danger in him touching the ball when he can punish defenders and outrun defensive backs on any given play.  He could be a nice surprise for the Buckeyes to have since the B1G thinks they will be strictly a spread offense.

In the end, I think Hyde has more rushing yards than Hall; and I hope he has more yards than Miller as well.  We have just 94 days until we get to see the new 2012 Buckeyes in action.

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Next Week's Poll Question:
Which receiver will lead Ohio State in TD receptions?
Jake Stoneburner
Devin Smith
Philly Brown
Evan Spencer
Mike Thomas