The Lions' Pride

I'm going to miss Zordich on the field. For a big back, he had some nice moves. Also had a few key receptions, if I remember correctly.

Zwinak is a decent back, but I think Lynch will be contributing quite a bit overall this year. Really hope Belton can do well this year without any off-field distractions.

Any run-ons with a look at RB? if there is a non-scholly guy available, he might be counted upon this season. 3 RB's is not going to be enough (no way Anderson is taking any carries at his weight) in the B10 with injuries and trying to keep players fresh. Plus, the backs might be counted upon a bit more this season to take pressure off a green qb...

I think because the run-pass split will likely be the same as last year, guys like Belton and Lynch are going to need to break some long runs to get over 2000 rushing yards. Certainly possible, but I don't think they get there due to a heavier commitment to the run.

Agree. I think even if the QBs struggle, O'Brien is going to throw it. There are too many weapons in this offense not to, and the last thing he wants to do is become one-dimensional.

What I'm curious about will be how much the running backs are involved in the passing game. The screen game came a long way last year after a shaky start, but I think Belton and Lynch (and even Zwinak) could do some damage as receivers if they were one-on-one with a linebacker.

Yea, I love the RB screen game in general and it's a great way to protect your young signal caller from pressure.

Agreed, I think the 2000 is definitely reachable. Last year the team had 475 carries at an uncharacteristic 3.7 ypc, mainly due to the slow start and lower ypc of Zordich, Day, and Dukes.

If we assume:
- 80 plays per game (78 last year)
- 50/50 split (51% last year),
- Yielding 480 carries per year (475 last year),

We just have to jump from 3.7 to 4.2 ypc to reach 2000. (ZZ had 4.9, BB had 4.3). Lynch should be able to carry 4+ as well. We don't even need long runs... just fewer short ones!

1700 in the article seems too low.

Edit: Little late to the party, ah well.. can't let all that fancy figgerin go to waste.

I'm really anxious to see how Bill Belton plays into this. If he stays at RB, I honestly see Lynch surpassing him on the depth chart. Lynch's size and speed combo gets me all giddy. Can't wait to see him in the spring game. I'm really surprised we didn't see Bill Belton in more of a Wes Welker/slot type role last year when he started to tail off as a RB when Zwinak took the reigns. Will be interesting for sure.

Agreed 100%.... Zwinak is vastly underrated

I'm with you. watching him roll reminded me of watching PSU as a kid. He just lined up and ran over the other guys play after play. I'm really looking forward to more of that and I think we could have a very good run blocking line this year.

I'm also anxious to get a look at Lynch. I was a big fan when PSU started recruiting him and I followed his senior season a little. Granted he was playing in Mass so the competition is spectacular, but he was dominating. averaged close to 10 yards per on 225 attempts and scored 25 TDs in a 10 game season. He's now 15lbs heavier, possibly a little faster, and we haven't seen him run since his senior highlights. should be interesting.

I think everyone here is underselling Zwinak.
He's like Tony Hunt, only faster. Always falls forward and gains an extra 1-2 yds. Breaks tackles.

And he's deceptively fast. I believe his 40 times are better than Belton or Lynch.

IMO Zwinak is bar none the best back we have... relatively fast for his size, tough, physical.. hits holes hard and puts some pop onto any lbs or saft In his way.. once he swallows his pride and starts wearing gloves we are golden

More carries he gets, better he gets... I hope to see him get 20-25+ touches a game behind a more experienced oline...

High hopes for Lynch, but until he does anything but practice well can't comment past potential.

Belton = slot / situational back

True. People sometimes forget that McGloin played insanely well last year (not only relative to expectations but he actually set multiple passing records). If the starter doesn't play well, ZZ or any other back won't automatically have the same success running the ball as last year. Production could be down across the board unless we get solid QB play. I trust BOB to make that happen, but you never know, and it's important to keep in mind.

Also, I think Lynch will develop into a Silas Redd-like presence, minus the bolting to USC. He has similar physical talents, in my opinion, and has been hailed for his leadership skills and attitude. Hopefully he pans out into a stud starter by 2014.