How does UConn replace the nation's leading rusher? They don't. At least not with one person. UConn Coach Randy Edsall realizes it will likely take a minimum of two running backs to replace Colts first round pick Donald Brown. And that approach may energize Andre Dixon and Jordan Todman and tire out opposing defenses.
It sure worked in UConn's season opening win at Ohio University. Todman ran 25 times for 157 yards while Dixon carried the ball 19 times for 100 yards. Do the math. That is 44 carries for 257 yards. In Donald Brown's final college game against Buffalo he rushed for 261 yards. Okay, so it only took Donald 29 carries. But if the Huskies keep getting 100 yard games from TWO guys, who cares how many carries it takes. They will carry the offense. UConn Coach Randy Edsall said today, "Jordan and Andre aren't built like Donald was built. They're not going to be able to withstand all of those carries. It helps us, being able to use both those guys."
Whatever it takes, right. After all, we all know UConn must have a running game. The Huskies passing game needs work---check that---STILL needs work. New UConn offensive Coordinator Joe Moorehead and his no huddle, multiple offense is impressive on paper and wlil eventually work . But I hope Husky fans who killed the playcalling of former offensive coordinator Rob Ambrose the last few seasons now finally realize a simple reality of football: it is about Jimmy's and Joe's, not x's and o's. UConn quarterback Zach Frazer needs to stop overthrowing the football. That's why his ball often looked like a wounded duck Saturday night in Athens. Zach doesn't need to throw for 400 yards. He and the offense just can't turn it over 4 times, especially this week against no. 19 North Carolina.
The Tar Heels then young defensive lineman impressed me last season. UConn's running game will be key Saturday at Rentschler Field. But what better way to pound a good d-line than with not one but two backs. Dixon, a 6-1, 201 pound senior, is slithery and deceptively quick. Todman, a sophomore, whose smaller at 5-9, 190, is shifty and more powerful than you might expect. Together they can be what Donald Brown was to the UConn running game. Of course, If they become an exact replica of what Donald Brown was to the UConn offense then that means there is no passing game. And if that's the case, it may not matter if they have a stable of ten good backs. Husky fans can only hope that two running backs and a few more completions can make the offense improve. Call it double vision for a UConn program focused on replacing Donald Brown .
