Theo Riddick or Cierre Wood?

[Crimson streak]

This has been discussed at nauseam.

Better YPC DOES NOT mean you're a better back. By that logic, GAIII > Theo/Cierre. Is that the case? No. And how are you factoring in 25 receptions for Theo compared to Cierre's 2? You're not.

That's fine and dandy but the fact theo has 144 more yards despite getting 63 more carries is hard to ignore. Obviously theo is going to have more receptions he has played a lot more than wood and is in on obvious passing down and works the slot. I have no problem with using theo in these roles but wood should get at least split carries with theo. do you really think it would take wood 63 carries to get 144 yards? Also if you want to take woods 60 yard run out from Oklahoma then take theo's run vs byu out.

 

[ACamp1900]

I know this... we have great backs throughout the depth chart... I have no problem with Riddick as it is the staff's call and Theo can obviously handle it... I do fear that Wood has the potential to be one of the elite backs in the nation (yes, I feel he has that high a ceiling), and he may be getting pushed out the door... which, if true, would say more about his attitude than his ability I suppose.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Cierre Wood is the better runner, no question IMO. Riddick gets more carries because he's a better blocker and receiver so he is in on more plays, but I have no idea how someone could argue Riddick is a better runner. Wood consistently picks up more yards per carry and just runs better. Arguing yards and TDs is stupid when one running back has so many more carries.

 

[koonja]

That's fine and dandy but the fact theo has 144 more yards despite getting 63 more carries is hard to ignore. Obviously theo is going to have more receptions he has played a lot more than wood and is in on obvious passing down and works the slot. I have no problem with using theo in these roles but wood should get at least split carries with theo. do you really think it would take wood 63 carries to get 144 yards? Also if you want to take woods 60 yard run out from Oklahoma then take theo's run vs byu out.

I'm not taking out runs or fudging with any numbers. This is what I know:

1) Theo is a better receiver. It's 25 receptions vs. 2. It's not close. He's a primary receiver on our team.

2) Cierre is a better pass protector. But Theo's pass catching>Cierre's pass blocking. Both options would soak up a defender, but Theo is more of an asset in the passing game for this reason.

3) YPC, sigh, does not tell you much. Backups A) have fresher legs B) are not keyed on by the defense as much as a starter (in most cases). C) get more carries when the game is in-hand/against 2nd string defenses.

*I have said that I think Cierre is a better RUNNER (barely. Theo runs so hard and has gotten a lot of yards after contact). But as you know, there's a lot more to being a great RB than strictly running. RBs who are less effective as RUNNERS have been passed in the draft for RBs who are proven to be a threat in the passing game. You have to look at the whole picture.

 

[DomeLover3]

This argument is stupid. NCAA 13 says Cierre is better than Theo, so it must be true.

 

[Crimson streak]

I'm not taking out runs or fudging with any numbers. This is what I know:

1) Theo is a better receiver. It's 25 receptions vs. 2. It's not close. He's a primary receiver on our team.

2) Cierre is a better pass protector. But Theo's pass catching>Cierre's pass blocking. Both options would soak up a defender, but Theo is more of an asset in the passing game for this reason.

3) YPC, sigh, does not tell you much. Backups A) have fresher legs B) are not keyed on by the defense as much as a starter (in most cases). C) get more carries when the game is in-hand/against 2nd string defenses.

*I have said that I think Cierre is a better RUNNER (barely. Theo runs so hard and has gotten a lot of yards after contact). But as you know, there's a lot more to being a great RB than strictly running. RBs who are less effective as RUNNERS have been passed in the draft for RBs who are proven to be a threat in the passing game. You have to look at the whole picture.

I agree on certain points except that defenses key on theo more. Wood has proven himself the last 2 years when defenses were keying on him. I do love theo as our receiving back but there is still no excuse cierre should be getting 5-10 carries a game. I honestly think giving them split carries would really make our run game better and offense as a whole. I would like to see cierre on some screen passes. I think he really excelled the last 2 years on them.

 

[Cogs]

Both

 

[BeatSC]

Nobody has ever talked about Theo coming out early the way they thought this was Woods last year. I think their production is similar, wood would never get caught from behind like Riddick did. The good news is that based on how the year has worked out for Wood he will not have enough cache to leave a tear early. Good for us, he will be #1 next year by a mile next year. GAIII has not shown me too much so far this year and I expect Mahone to be the power back next year. Wood will get 1400 yards next year and we will wonder why we didn't use him more in 2012.

 

[yankeehater]

Wood needs and deserves more carries then he has been receiving. Yes, Theo has been running hard, but Cierre has been running well and is averaging more yards per carry.

One thing for sure is fighting over who deserves more carries is a good problem to have and a far cry of where this program has been.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Others have already touched on this, but I think Riddick's superior ability as a WR has combined with Kelly's evolving offense to result in a break-out season for him.

Aside from Riddick, our Z WRs virtually never see the field. Prior to the BC game, Toma was the least targeted of our regular WRs, while Riddick was our #3 as a RB. We're in 12-personnel so frequently now that we rarely trot out an obvious Z WR.

Having Riddick in the backfield, however, allows Kelly to motion him into the slot pre-snap; this grants Kelly a lot of flexibility on passing downs, and it's hard for defenses to deal with since they don't have time to shuffle a Nickelback onto the field to cover him.

In short, Wood is definitely a better RB, but the current iteration of Kelly's offense puts such a premium on versatility that Riddick is a more valuable asset.

 

[BeatSC]

Others have already touched on this, but I think Riddick's superior ability as a WR has combined with Kelly's evolving offense to result in a break-out season for him.

Aside from Riddick, our Z WRs virtually never see the field. Prior to the BC game, Toma was the least targeted of our regular WRs, while Riddick was our #3 as a RB. We're in 12-personnel so frequently now that we rarely trot out an obvious Z WR.

Having Riddick in the backfield, however, allows Kelly to motion him into the slot pre-snap; this grants Kelly a lot of flexibility on passing downs, and it's hard for defenses to deal with since they don't have time to shuffle a Nickelback onto the field to cover him.

In short, Wood is definitely a better RB, but the current iteration of Kelly's offense puts such a premium on versatility that Riddick is a more valuable asset.

How many receptions did awoke have last year? I recall him making a few nice grabs.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

How many receptions did awoke have last year? I recall him making a few nice grabs.

Riddick was our #4 WR last year. He had the best Catch Rate (70.4%) the 2nd best YPC (8.1).

Interesting to note that Wood was much more involved as a WR then.

 

[Emcee77]

Others have already touched on this, but I think Riddick's superior ability as a WR has combined with Kelly's evolving offense to result in a break-out season for him.

Aside from Riddick, our Z WRs virtually never see the field. Prior to the BC game, Toma was the least targeted of our regular WRs, while Riddick was our #3 as a RB. We're in 12-personnel so frequently now that we rarely trot out an obvious Z WR.

Having Riddick in the backfield, however, allows Kelly to motion him into the slot pre-snap; this grants Kelly a lot of flexibility on passing downs, and it's hard for defenses to deal with since they don't have time to shuffle a Nickelback onto the field to cover him.

In short, Wood is definitely a better RB, but the current iteration of Kelly's offense puts such a premium on versatility that Riddick is a more valuable asset.

Exactly. Man, when you put it like that it makes it seem silly that it took us 100 posts+ to get to that simple answer. That all seems quite clear and correct to me.

 

[yankeehater]

I wish they would throw more screen passes to the RB's. We went from Weis who seemed to throw one every play to the complete opposite. Maybe after teams running several successful ones against the ND defense the last two weeks they noticed that it might actually work.

 

[irishpat183]

IT obvious if you look at the stats thaat if Wood had that carries Riddick had he would most likely have more yards then him. If Wood hadn't of fumbled they would have the same amount of touchdowns.

Let me make it clear i like Wood and Riddick but IMO Wood is the better back if you disagree thats fines,

That's a big assumption.

"If" he didn't fumble? How convienent.....


Hey, I'm just looking at the stats and who gets the PT. You guys can all give me your scouting reports and such, and I respect that, but me...and BK...obviously think that Riddick gives us the best chance to win and is the better back for our offense this year.

 

[NYMIKE6]

I guess this whole debate comes down to you how you like you cup of tea. Some folks take one lump others like two.

Wood seems to be the better pure running back, while Riddick seems to be the best utility back. Yes you can compare stats but then you'd have to throw in playing time. I don't think i've seen that brought up yet? (could be wrong)... Also another thing to look at is where the RB's touches came from as far as position on field. I remember coaching at a particular high school we used a 2 back system, one back was used inside our own 30 and inside opponents 30 while the other back was used from the 30 to 30 roughly... similar to the way the 03' Packers used to run the ball.

 

[Irish To The Core]

I think Kelly is using them in a fashion which most helps the team. There is no doubt the running game has been better this year. They are breaking more long runs, they are far better in converting 3rd and 2's. They have run the ball down teams throats in the 4th quarter when everyone in the stadium knows what is coming. It seems to me that both Cierre and Theo are comfortable with situation and supportive of one another.(GA III and McDaniel too)

I take very little notice of which one is in the game b/c they are both dependable and both of them have game breaking potential.

By the way having a running weapon like Golsen at qb makes everybody better.

 

[Koreyirishkelly]

Cierre Wood with out a doubt. He has the best break away speed in the running back position. He deserves so many more reps. than Theo.

 

[irishpat183]

Cierre Wood with out a doubt. He has the best break away speed in the running back position. He deserves so many more reps. than Theo.

So BK doesn't know what he's doing according to IE??


Theo is better. That's why he's playing more.


Love them both...but Theo runs harder and can do more outta the backfield

 

[koonja]

Anyone who says Cierre > Theo and it's not even close should never watch football again.

 

[aaronb]

Nobody has ever talked about Theo coming out early the way they thought this was Woods last year. I think their production is similar, wood would never get caught from behind like Riddick did. The good news is that based on how the year has worked out for Wood he will not have enough cache to leave a tear early. Good for us, he will be #1 next year by a mile next year. GAIII has not shown me too much so far this year and I expect Mahone to be the power back next year. Wood will get 1400 yards next year and we will wonder why we didn't use him more in 2012.

Theo Riddick has played all 4 years. He and most likely Wood are both gone at seasons end.

 

[ryno 24]

They are both very good backs and lets be happy with both of them. We are going to the national championship because of how hard these guys run.