COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — It’s an aggravation that Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has learned to accept – and quickly counter.
He encounters the question, he says, as much as 200 times a year from recruits, fans and reporters: Why haven’t you ever had a running back rush for 1,000 yards?
”I’m tired of hearing that, man,” he said earlier this week when asked about it.
It’s a sore spot for the 12th-year head coach, yet is undeniable. Meyer had quarterback Braxton Miller go for 1,271 yards rushing a year ago, but no running back has ever turned the trick – not at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida or Ohio State.
No matter where he goes, someone brings it up – particularly other schools who tell offensive players that they will never flourish in Meyer’s version of the spread offense.
”Oh, all the time. It’s gone everywhere from offensive linemen don’t get developed and then we have all these first-round draft picks. I remember at one point, they were saying that our offense doesn’t develop receivers and then the last seven receivers we coached aren’t only playing but they’re starting in the National Football League,” he said. ”You hear it, but you just have to be armed and ready to go. Then (players) see the yards per carry, they see the opportunities you get.
”It really helps.”
Continue Reading: Meyer loves to run yet no tailback has 1,000 yards
