Zach Line 227 Yards from Eric Dickerson's SMU Rushing Record

[ponyboy]

I don't believe anyone is saying that Zach is anywhere near the same league as one of the top five (maybe three) running backs of all time.

[The PonyGrad]

I believe that Army has had a pretty strong run defense all year

Army gives up 4.25 ypc (incidently .6 ypc worse than SMU)

Their total D and rushing D rank benefits from facing over 18% fewer plays per game (71 defensive plays for SMU vs. 58 for Army.)

[sacklunch]

Obviously Zach Line is no Eric Dickerson...Just neat that he might get SMU's single season rushing record.

[Beanman]

Please, even though none of us were arround, don't forget that guy named Doak!

[rich59]

Hold on, I saw Doak play in Ownby Stadium in the last game played on campus, before moving to the Cotton Bowl. Also saw him playing in the Cotton Bowl. Although he did not have the characteristics that Dickerson had running with the ball, I think he is one of the few players of that era that would still make it today in the NFL. He could do it all, as a runner, passer, kicker, pass receiver and he played defense some in the NFL.

[ozfan]

Hold on, I saw Doak play in Ownby Stadium in the last game played on campus, before moving to the Cotton Bowl. Also saw him playing in the Cotton Bowl. Although he did not have the characteristics that Dickerson had running with the ball, I think he is one of the few players of that era that would still make it today in the NFL. He could do it all, as a runner, passer, kicker, pass receiver and he played defense some in the NFL.

Like you I was at the last game Doak played on the old field and yes he could score on you in many ways. He was the best all round player I have watched or played with (did not play with Doak) even by todays standards.

[rich59]

That last game was in October, 1948 and it was against Texas Tech. SMU won handily and my father later that same year took me to the Cotton Bowl to see SMU and A&M.

[ozfan]

That last game was in October, 1948 and it was against Texas Tech. SMU won handily and my father later that same year took me to the Cotton Bowl to see SMU and A&M.

You are right, TT was in the boarder conference. The first SMU game I can remember seeing was about 1943 or 44 against some Navy team. But SMU has had some good backs since then.

[Hoss]

I believe that Army has had a pretty strong run defense all year

Yeah, it's OK, but how good would it be if every opponent had a 235-pound rusher who averages 6.1 yards per carry and 107 per game?

For a single season.
227 yards is not likely, but certainly possible. How amazing would that be?

That would be amazing. For a guy recruited ... lightly ... as a linebacker to challenge a standard set by the greatest player in SMU history in a pass-first offense is nothing short of startling. Nobody is saying they are equals, but what Zach Line has accomplished this year is extraordinary, and he should be receiving a hell of a lot more attention than he is. I don't suppose he'll get Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, but he should.

[ThadFilms]

BTW, what does anyone think ED would have been capable of rushing for in a single season if CJ wasn't in the same backfield?

take his avg yards per carry and multiply it by the # of carries he and CJ had and there you go..good place to start anyway. Anywhere from 85-100% of that number

I'm inclined to disagree. Eric would have gotten a ton more yards if it was just him. But CJ was a great back... and they kept each other fresh and healthy.

Meyer once said in SI, (something like) "I've got the greatest running back ever, averages 30 carries a game and never gets tired."

[Stallion]

Bottom line on Dickersom-for the 5 years starting with his Senior Year-we were watching the greatest RB of all time in Football History.

[rich59]

Besides SMU getting screwed out of the National Championship in 1982, ED should have won the Heisman.