Pretty Ugly Running Game Stat

[CJ Vogel]

Doing some digging on how putrid the Texas running game has been this season and came across this statistic dating back to 2024.

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The last rush attempt by a Texas running back to reach 20 yards or more was Jerrick Gibson's 21-yard rush against Clemson in the 4th quarter of the 2024 College Football Playoff round one game.

Texas has had 142 rush attempts by running backs since their last 20 yard rush.

20 yards is obviously a big play. So what about 15 yards? Well, in their last 142 rush attempts, the Texas Longhorns have ONE rush attempt eclipsing 15 yards on the ground. That was an 18-yard run by CJ Baxter against San Jose State. 

[CJ Vogel]

Those 142 rushing attempts have gone for an average of 3.75 yards per rush.

In 2025, that rushing average specifically from running backs sits at 4.29 yards per rush.

[LonghornFan4Ever]

Doubt that will change this season unless Wisner, Simon, or Clark break a big one in conference play.  Sark has to hit the portal hard and find a guy at RB, even with Derrek Cooper coming in.  Not sure if the run blocking is something that can be fixed and it is what it is at this point.

[Thisrowyellssorry]

I want to say James Simon had two runs in the 13-14 range last game. Yes that is an awful stat, I want to say brighter days are ahead at least with Wisner and Simon in rotation. Was really, REALLY impressed with that game 1 out of Simon.

[Breezey A LH4LIFE]

@CJ Vogelwho do you want to see at RB next game? I want to see more Simon. 

[drag worm]

Remember the great debates of the Dark Decade where we questioned whether it was coaching or players? And that you shouldn’t have to sign a five star RB to get better run game production against UTEP? I’m having those feelings again. We shouldn’t need Derick Cooper to run for more chunk yards against UTEPs defense, and yet I find myself saying I’m not surprised because all we have are decent but not elite running backs on campus. 

Edited 2 hours ago by drag worm

[CJ Vogel]

22 minutes ago, Breezey A LH4LIFE said:

@CJ Vogelwho do you want to see at RB next game? I want to see more Simon. 

Simon certainly looked impressive. 

[harveycmd]

Is CJ a closet criminal sooner? Guy doesn't know what to say when, but he's a twenty something telling us some weird stat. Great job goober. Remind me of Switzer.

[AusMOJO]

Is this not on Coach Choice and Coach Sark for lacking of elite recruiting at RB? Poor evaluations/development? I mean, don't get me wrong Wisner is good but he isn't elite. We have no speed at RB, no elite game changer there. That is a problem and it should not be. Plus the run blocking is okay but leaves a lot to be desired. For several years we've had a lack of push up front. Too much finesse/thinking and not enough beat your ass and get you to the dirt, so to speak. 

When was the last time we really saw an OL at Texas maul somebody up front? '23 Bama game, maybe?

[f1revo]

2022 OL class ended up underwhelming in a major way, and that's with a top 10 pick.