Running Backs

MSU

The Spartan running backs were once a crowded group. However, with Edwin Baker leaving last year for the NFL, the main man is now Le'Veon Bell.  Last year, Bell had a solid season, as mentioned in a previous post, he came on more towards the end of the year, when the bulk of the carries were now his. Bell averaged 5.2 ypc which is very solid.  You are going to win a lot of games if you do that every game. Bell actually had the 5th most rushing touch downs in the B1G inspite of rushing for a team with the second to worst rushing stats.  Bell is with out a doubt a punishing running back.  However, he can juke and spin out of tackles.  With his punishing style, he also packs a mean stiff arm.  Being the feature back should allow Bell to reach 1200 yards.  Up from the 948 last year.  I expect Bell to average about 100 yards per game.  With such a new passing attack, it seems that the pressure is on the running game and Bell has what it takes to support that pressure. 

Behind Bell are Nick Hill and Larry Caper.  Both are listed as co-backups.  Michigan fans may remember Larry Caper from such games as 2009 OT win over Michigan where he literally carried a Wolverine defender for the score.  Larry is a perfect third down back, entering his senior season, Larry figures to see plenty of game time.  His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and turn upfield will be a big asset this year. He is definitely another power runner and has seen it all in his Spartan career.  Nick Hill is the new face in the backfield.  Last year Hill was on special teams.  Hill racked up 999 return yards which is second most in MSU single season history. Hill is a compact speedster.  He has a quick first step and will be able to hide behind lineman and pop out to gain quick yards.  Hill is a sophomore and depending on what he does with his time this year, could be a prominent feature next year.  I expect Hill to get a fair amount of game time where his speed will be his biggest asset. If he is able to catch the ball out of the back field screen passes and quick tosses seem like a lock for Hill. Hill is listed at 5-8 and should be about a foot shorter than most of the lineman.  When running between the tackles, expect Hill to wait for the gaps to be established where he will dart out.  I like the potential in Hill but am not sure he will be used all that frequently this year. 

Finally we have the bruiser.  True fact, his nickname is high school was meatball (the counter to him at DCC was known as Spaghetti).  Niko Palazeti. Out of High school Niko lead the Shamrocks to a perfect 14-0 record.  His freshman year at MSU Niko red-shirted and then last year earned his first letter.  I expect there to be a lot of full back sets for this Spartan team.  Imagine Niko lead blocking for Bell on a sweep.  That's a lot of bruise.  I don't have a lot of stat information on Niko due to his limited game time.  What has been written about him though is that he is already looking to be a future leader of this team. From here, there is also Jeremy Langford who is known for his speed and has been getting reps at both wide receiver and running back. 

This is a solid group that isn't going to finesse any one.  You know what this team wants to do and it is up to opposing defenses to stop it.  Pound Green Pound.

UM

Fitzgerald Toussaint came into his own last season and seized the starting job while rushing for 1041 despite not playing against Notre Dame and having an inexplicable 2 carries against MSU.  He averaged 5.6 ypc.  He's very shifty, can make that first guy miss in a phone booth and should only improve in his junior season.  Of course he also got in trouble for a DUI this offseason and his status for the opener is unknown.  Fitz will be one of the best backs in the Big Ten whether he sits out the Bama game or not. 

Backing up Toussaint is Thomas Rawls.  Rawls is a sophomore who got some carries as a freshman last year.  Rawls is a much different runner than Toussaint and is more likely to run through a man than make him miss.  He's been receiving high praise throughout the offseason and should be the clear #2 guy throughout the season and will fill in if Fitz gets nicked.
 

Third downs bring in Vincent Smith.  Now a senior, Smith is a 5'6 quick twitch guy who is a great blocker, a decent runner and very dangerous in the screen game.  He played the same role last season and gives Michigan a very reliable option on third down or as a replacement if they need him.

At fullback Michigan returns Stephen Hopkins.  Hopkins was a guy who was plunging in for touchdowns in his true freshman season and now has made the full transition to fullback.  He's more of a weapon than traditional fullbacks and can carry the ball reliably.

  

This unit for Michigan is very good at the top, has very good depth and should be extremely productive throughout the season.  Toussaint is probably Michigan's second best offensive playmaker.

The Edge

Both teams are well stocked in the backfield.  Bell is getting hype as a possible first round draft pick while Toussaint was the more productive runner in 2011.  Caper and Smith are both very good third down backs and both teams have promising backups.  Expect Bell and Toussaint to battle with Rex Burkhead for the 2nd All-Big Ten spot at RB behind Montee Ball. 

PUSH