Have to imagine some of that is Freeman influenced. He’s been vocal his whole tenure including the presser tonight he wants to have a team that can run the ball well. Shouldn’t be surprising they’re using games like tonight that are still in doubt but have an advantage to get rushing reps.
It felt to me a bit like watching OSU vs Michigan some of the last few years where Day felt the need to get dragged into the mud and prove they’re physical rather than just cook with athletes in space. Can’t help but wonder if playing his old mentor subconsciously led Freeman down a similar path.