Hounds of Hell Update

[The Fake Lonnie Finch]

Question entering the season: Who will replace Lance Dunbar's production? As of Saturday, it's been replaced.

Lance Dunbar, 2011:

269 rushes - 1,115 yard - 4.1 avg - 10 TD / 29 receptions - 350 yards - 12.1 avg - 2 TDs

298 total touches - 1,465 yards - 4.9 avg - 12 TDs

The Hounds of Hell, 2012:

Antoine Jimmerson:

92 rushes - 487 yards - 5.3 avg - 5 TDs / 8 receptions - 181 yards - 22.6 avg - 2 TDs

100 total touches - 668 yards - 6.6 avg - 7 TDs

Brandin Byrd:

141 rushes - 555 yards - 3.9 avg - 2TDs / 9 receptions - 48 yards - 5.3 avg - 0 TDs

150 total touches - 603 yards - 4.0 avg - 2 TDs

Jeremy Brown:

52 rushes - 285 yards - 5.5 avg - 2 TDs / 5 receptions - 62 yards - 7.8 avg - 0 TDs

57 total touches - 347 yards - 6.1 avg - 2 TDs

Total: 285 rushes - 1,327 yards - 4.6 avg - 9 TDs / 22 receptions - 291 yards - 13.2 avg - 2 TDs

307 total touches - 1,618 yards - 5.3 avg - 11 TDs

Whatever else is happening, the offensive line is doing its job, the runners are doing their job...and, they are doing it better statistically that Lance did it last year.

They are on pace to rush for almost 2,000 yards (1,990) and about a little over 400 receiving (436), and contribute 16 or 17 TDs.

Are we happy with this? I'm happy with it. Give the offensive line coach and running backs coach extensions and raises.

Also, barring injury, criminal activity, or academic problems, Antoine Jimmerson could threaten Lance's rushing record. You figure he splits time with Byrd again next year, then is the main man in 2014 and 2015.

After two seasons, Dunbar had 1,556 yards rushing. If Jimmerson stays on his current pace, he'll get about 730 yards this year. So, he'll need 820 or next year splitting time with Byrd to be where Dunbar was after two seasons.

In 2014, when Jimmerson is the main man, Y'Barbo, Johnson, and Lemon will be seniors. Given the ability of this offensive line coach to get young players to do the job even as freshman, you figure whomever the other two starters are will be getting the job done.

So, 2014 for Jimmerson junior season could be his best just like Lance's was with 1,553 rushing yards.

Whatever happens, it should be exciting to watch Jimmerson and the offensive line that blocks for him over the next three seasons. Kudos all around to this group - players and coaches - leading the run game.

Edited October 29, 2012 by The Fake Lonnie Finch

[NT03]

When all is said and done Jimmerson will Be talked about in the same breath as Cobbs & Dunbar as one of the best ever

Not saying he will be better than either , but with this oLine he could put up some serious #'s

Edited October 29, 2012 by NT03

[casual fan]

With Berglund being a real dual threat qb this could be a very explosive offense.

The future looks brighter. In a few years we might all be wearing McCarney shades.

[Green59]

Thanks TFLF! I attended the MUTS game. It was a great trip to Nashville but of course it has taken too long to get over the game....... after reading your post, I am officially in a better frame of mind! Here's to a great finish to the rest of the season!

[UNTcrazy727]

After looking at those numbers I'm even more confused on why Byrd is still starting and getting way more touches...

[Marty]

Don't forget about Reggie Pegram.

[ntmeangreen11]

What about James Hamilton last year?

[kalebschumann]

After looking at those numbers I'm even more confused on why Byrd is still starting and getting way more touches...

I've been wondering the same thing.

Everything I've seen this year points to JimJim being the better player.

[KRAM1]

Mac mentioned on his radio show tonight that he likes all three backs and that all three will continue to play and get reps.

[THOR]

Wasn't there some talk about Byrd wearing the dline down and that is what is allowing the Jim squared success??? I'm not sure how true that is but I would think that Jim squared would still kick ass if he was starting!

[cl_1_2008]

The Jimmy Show*

[UNTcrazy727]

Mac mentioned on his radio show tonight that he likes all three backs and that all three will continue to play and get reps.

Of course he says stuff like this, but there's no reason to split the workload 3 ways when one has proved to be the undisputed best back.

I'd even say Brown has been better than Byrd lately

[meangreendork]

The O-line has been great all year. There's no doubt about that - there have been almost no sacks on DT and he's generally had time to scan the field. Our RBs have yards coming out of the nose, too. It's just the QB to WR connection that has to be fixed. I think we have the parts in place for a decent offense, but the QB/WR thing has to be fixed to make our offense complete.

[SilverEagle]

They should make Brown more of a slot receiver than a RB. He does his best in the open field and he always is a one-on-one mismatch for LB's and a lot of DB's too.