The Missing 1,000-yard Rushers

[PerunaPunch]

There was some discussion by the Hawaii Bowl commentators about how the Nevada offense wasn't the same without two of their 2 thousand yard rushers.

While I "get it", I don't think that should have the slightest bearing on taking anything away from this win.

I wanted to point this out specifically because over the last few decades, we've had some really good players come to the Hilltop, but we've always suffered from the lack of quality depth.

So when the commentators point out that Nevada was missing two of it's offensive stars, I thought "Well, we're missing our starting QB, and we're also missing one of our major defensive stars (Bell)."

My point is, better teams have good players who can step up when a starter is (inevitably) injured. I'm a big Padron fan, but I'm equally glad to have an experienced QB like BLM and a quality DB like Moore who could come in without missing a beat. I'm particularly impressed with what I see as a solid 2-deep building on the offensive line. For as long as I can remember, I thought the OL was O.K., but we'd be in BIG trouble if any of those guys got hurt. I don't think that's so much the case anymore.

Just thought that should be said.

[RGV Pony]

yeah whatever. We heard all week long how it didnt matter, their QB rushed for 1000 yards, the replacement-Bell-was faster than the other two guys and had PAC 10 and Big XII offers, their o-line was senior laden, and that Doh couldve rushed for a thousand yards behind those guys. Also that they were the best o-line since Marshall, and their d-line compared favorably to TCU.

[jtstang]

The fact that we took them out of their game plan early by scoring quickly suggests to me that they might not have made a difference had they been available.

But you play the hand that is dealt you, everyone has to contend with injuries and the like, and I for one do not think this takes anything away from the win, or that the announcers meant to suggest that it did.

[Wuba]

The fact that we took them out of their game plan early by scoring quickly suggests to me that they might not have made a difference had they been available.

But you play the hand that is dealt you, everyone has to contend with injuries and the like, and I for one do not think this takes anything away from the win, or that the announcers meant to suggest that it did.

They scored 41 points per game, I do not think that being down 14 early would be enough to take them out of their game plan no matter who they had available.

[Dooby]

I think they missed their defensive coordinator more than their running backs.

[ParkyPony]

Hey, the way I see it is that they were all on even ground after the season. If their #1 rusher can't cut it in the class and is ruled academically ineligible...that's their fault not ours. If the #2 running back gets hurt...that's their fault not ours. And if their starting linebacker and another player are stupid enough to shoplift and get caught...that's their fault not ours. Our team came ready and prepared to play...they kicked their a**es and that's all there is to it. No more making excuses for Nevada and what if's PERIOD!

[ponyscott]

I think they missed their defensive coordinator more than their running backs.

Bingo! Those new 5 Receiver sets messed with their minds....

[Big Hoss]

Regarding their D coordinator, how much could they have missed that guy with their crappy defense? They were one of the worst passing defenses in the country.

Also, I might give them the benefit of the doubt had they lost by maybe a TD, even 2. However, they lost by 35 points, and their offense scored their only TD with 1:30 left in the game against our 2nd string defense. We went out on the field and beat them handily. Period.

[SmooBoy]

If we go on that premise, then I want the '89-'91 seasons back, including the 95-21 thrashing, because we had a lack of Senior leadership.

[ParkyPony]

Forget 95-21...that is eeeooonnnnssss ago. This is NOW, and we have a future and it's with June Jone's and his system. YeeeeeFrigggginnnnHaaaaa!!!!!