Ohio State running back Carlos Hyde is nicknamed “El Guapo,” but he should be called “El Tanque” for the amount of defenders he plows through every Saturday. With his 114 yards against Indiana last week, Hyde became the first Buckeye back to top 1,000 yards in a season since Chris Wells in 2008.
Granted, Hyde finished with 970 yards last year and most likely would have reached the 1,000 yard plateau if the Buckeyes were bowl eligible. Quarterback Braxton Miller also carried a lot of the load early in 2012 which took away some opportunities for Hyde.
Rightfully, the tilt this year has shifted back to Hyde, and he is taking full advantage.
Running backs are hallowed souls in the Buckeye program. Pounding the ball down the field is etched in its DNA. The Mt. Rushmore includes Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Archie Griffin and Eddie George who all won the Heisman Trophy wearing the beloved Scarlet and Gray. On their heels were Jim Otis, Tim Spencer, Keith Byars and Chris Wells. Does Hyde belong in this group?
Hyde’s statistics already compare favorably. Over his 35 games played, Hyde is averaging 79.31 yards per game, 6.05 yards per carry, and one touchdown per game.
This season he’s averaging 133 yards per game, 7.71 yards per attempt and 1.6 touchdowns per game. For the sake of argument, if you add these averages to his remaining games, Hyde will finish his career with 3,101 yards, 40 touchdowns and 6.05 yards per carry….
Continue Reading: Ohio State Football: Is Carlos Hyde Among the Best to Play for the Buckeyes?
