Who will lead the Irish in rushing in '08?

[Svoboda]

Sound Off! Who do you think will lead the Fighting Irish in rushing in '08? Armando? Huuuuuuuuuughes? Aldridge? Someone else? It's your chance to cast your vote and tell us what you think! For the sake of discussion, be sure to back up your selection with your thoughts, opinions or some sort of evidence on why you picked the player you did.

[daytonirish]

I'm going with Robert Hughes. I see him in the backfield playing both TB and FB. I think he is going to get used alot like the BUS.

[domehead1]

JA baby....it's time to shine.

[IrishKnight1023]

Hughes......because he breaks tackles, pass blocks and cuts better than the others.

[BDirish4ever]

I have to believe it will be Robert Hughes. He played very well behind a poor offensive line in a very difficult year for him personally.

[JDubbs]

The poor play of the offensive line hurt many offensive players. I think it really hurt the game of Armando Allen. A player with great speed can't do much when he is given no lane. I think Allen will gain more yards with less carries than Hughes, and Aldridge.

[Svoboda]

The poor play of the offensive line hurt many offensive players. I think it really hurt the game of Armando Allen. A player with great speed can't do much when he is given no lane. I think Allen will gain more yards with less carries than Hughes, and Aldridge.
Agreed.

You also need to consider Armando was a freshman and also coming off a serious injury in high school so he probably was never 100% to begin with. Having a year under his belt will help him immensely. One thing I hope he is better on is waiting for his blockers. We all know how fast he is, but he often outran his blocking which led to quick tackles... he needs his blockers out front fo take on bodys and then give him space to make the remaining moves.

[CULion17]

I'd be more confident in picking Hughes if this was a TD poll.
I think it is quite obvious that while experiencing a football coaches version of writers block, CW noticed the GH thread where I mentioned that on my NCAA 08 dynasty to help w/ utilizing 3 awesome RB's I'd put two in the backfield at the same time.
In all seriousness putting Hughes in the backfield will be awesome. CW has mentioned in numerous pressers that Hughes has the best hands. The answer to this poll could easily be either of the three TB's, and I truly wish they could get 1,000 yds each. I vote for Hughes because despite his outstanding performance being vs. Duke and Stanford, he has shown in every appearance that it takes more then one person or hit to bring him down and arm tackles that have tripped up Allen and Aldridge do not have the same effect on Huuuuuuuuuughes.
One thing that is %100 for certain, this RB problem is one I hope ND has every year!

[benneboy]

As much as I'm hoping its Armando, I have to go with Hughes. He is just too big and has better balance than the other two.

[Flyin_Irish]

For the reason JDubbs mentioned, I do not think AA will get many yards. The O line is not going to be night/day better than last year, which means tough times for AA.
Aldridge can break tackles, I think he's got a higher top speed than Hughes, and I generally just really like the guy. Time to show why he was a 5* recruit.

[xfactor9600]

For the reason JDubbs mentioned, I do not think AA will get many yards. The O line is not going to be night/day better than last year, which means tough times for AA.
Aldridge can break tackles, I think he's got a higher top speed than Hughes, and I generally just really like the guy. Time to show why he was a 5* recruit.

Let's be honest... how much better does the O-Line have to play to be improved? They were turnstiles last year on some plays. A consistent blocking scheme even by poor offensive linemen is better than a poor offensive linemen who haphazardly blocks.

[rontdtarchala]

thats the most important part flyin it is tiiiiiime he show he is a 5 star...because we haven't seen it yet....but if the line doesn't play any better than last year....we're screwed any way....

[Flyin_Irish]

We haven't seen Aldridge play like a 5* because his freshman year he was hurt and last year...well...you know the story.
As for the O line, I didn't say they'll get worse. I do think they'll improve, but I don't think it will be dramatic. Let's face it, they were so bad last year...how much improvement can you really expect? I imagine they'll be average to slightly below average. I doubt they'll be dominate.
So, considering the O line won't be amazing, I think Aldridge is the best combination of strength & speed to maximize production behind a less than stellar line.

[bayirish]

I voted for Aldridge myself. He's the "elder statesman" of the group, and it's put up or shut up time for him. Every account I've read so far this spring says James is running like a madman.

That's not to say that will translate onto the field this fall, because I believe Robert will push him hard for everydown duties. Robert had that tremendous run in the practice video and if he keeps running like that it will be hard to keep him off the field.

I really don't see Armando leading the team in rushing because he is more of a situational back instead of a workhorse James/Robert type back.

I'm just excited to see James and Robert in the backfield together, that would definitely give ND some favorable matchups.

[JDubbs]

One thing we can all agree on is this: I hope these position battles between highly talented kids with great skill sets becomes the norm at every position at ND. I really see that developing slowly but surely. Because then in a battle between highly talented individuals the winners rise to the top of the heap and that's what all this is suppossed to be about.


I can't wait til kick off. What is wrong with me. I brush and I brush and I can't get the 3-9 taste out of mouth!

[NotreDameNate]

Jdubbs, I've tried drinking everyday to get the taste out of my mouth, even THAT doesn't work. :alcoholic: I guess its time to try something else. :pray:

[IrishKnight1023]

At least we finally have a f'ing position battle with elite players.

[sonomairishfan]

i think hughes is going to be the man this year. he hits the holes hard and with authority. his cuts are nice and he seems to have reckless abandon. and his head is in the right place it seems from afar.

i was much more impressed with his output last season than anybody else. he did more with what he was given.

i do like allen, but he needs to show that he can break some tackles.

[IrishR#1]

Hughes will be the starter and get the most carries. Aldridge and Allen were inconsistent last year, and Hughes was great at the end of the year. Hughes is the obvious choice.

[mlcspinner]

James Aldridge, I just feel he will be a work horse this year. As far as I know he is 100% healthy which he hasn't been since he got here.

[marv81s]

I'm going with JA for the exact same reason that Spinner stated. He's finally healthy and we'll hopefully get to see why he was so highly rated coming out of high school.

[Coyote King]

I will go with Hughes, I just think he is the most explosive. If the question was most total yards, I would pick AA because I think he can play big in screens and short passes from the backfield.

[Flyin_Irish]

It's kind of funny to hear that JA was inconsistent last year. Who could have been consistent behind that O line? And Hughes' big games, as has been pointed out many times, were against the only 2 teams on the schedule who were actually worse than ND last year.
I think Hughes is awesome. I started the Huuuuuuughes chant! I think he'll have the 2nd most rushing yards. But I think it's JA's time to really shine.

[BigIrish]

i watched hughes in person last year at the MSU game - a big game for him even if his overall numbers didn't reflect it. and the fact of the matter is that when he was handed the ball, he ran the way i've been hoping to see aldridge run it - reckless, and hard to tackle.

that's not to say aldridge won't have a break out year this year...he's well-positioned to do so. the difference is that hughes isn't coming off an injury. and he raised a lot of eyebrows at different times last year with glimpses of what appear to be a very tough, gutsy running back. the fact of the matter is that aldridge BETTER have a break out year, because if there's any question about his ability/toughness, hughes will overtake him in a heartbeat.

[IrishGrizz]

I agree w spin and Flyin- I think JA will get the chance to show he can do something w a crease from the O line, who has to be better as a whole than last year. I think he has the better developed patience over AA and has more quicks than RH.

[IrishR#1]

Man, I hope the young players progress. This team could be frickin' insane if Hughes, Clausen, and Kamara all become what I expect them to be (All-Americans).

[NDgrandson]

Aldridge - 5* finally healthy with an improved line.
Hughes - Versatile as a FB, pass protector and can catch. That should get him on the field quite a bit. Showed what he can do vs weak teams. My personal favorite on offense.
Allen - Fastest back, game breaking speed, 2 years removed from knee surgery, should get a good bit of screens.
Gray - Welcome to ND. Here's your competetion

I think all 3 have reasons why they will be the leading rusher on the team. Aldridge should have the opportunity to prove himself as the starter but might not be as gifted as a receiver as the other 2. I vote Allen because I think he could break off yards in large chunks with his speed. Total yards, as CU said, is another thing. I think JA is in 3rd there. Snaps is another thing. Allen might be 3rd there. This will be fun to see it play out... I hope.

Join the fun Cierre Wood!

[IrishKnight1023]

Wasn't Aldridge 100% going into spring ball last year? He was already squating and lifting and was perfectly fine. He got hurt during the year, but just cause it's a year later and we want him to do good I don't think we should convince ourselves that he wasn't healthy going into last season. Another year away from his knee injury is always a positive, but I doubt that it's going to be like night and day.

[rontdtarchala]

what would be extremely nice is JA and RH beat the crap out of the d for 2 or 3 quarters and then AA run them ragged for big chunks of land

[domehead1]

Not sure about you fellers...but when I watch AA run, he seems to get tripped up way to easy...like shoestring tackles bring him down. Dont get me wrong...I love zoom zoom....and I think that he is going to be a big time big play threat....just seems like he needs to keep his legs chugging when he first makes contact. JMO. What say you?

[Flyin_Irish]

Not sure about you fellers...but when I watch AA run, he seems to get tripped up way to easy...like shoestring tackles bring him down. Dont get me wrong...I love zoom zoom....and I think that he is going to be a big time big play threat....just seems like he needs to keep his legs chugging when he first makes contact. JMO. What say you?

I think this is the reason Munir Prince didn't quite develop at RB. In AA's case, he hasn't really had any room to do anything. He's a guy that's not going to run over a LB so he's going to need a seam, which is going to require some blocking. If the OL can clear a path he should be able to outrun and out maneuver the secondary. But with poor blocking up front, expect a lot of runs for 0 to 2 yards.

[IrishKnight1023]

Majority wins.......HUUGGHHESS

[fighting doug]

Bus Jr. is the best

[so44]

I think Hughes finishes the season as the #1 back. But he needs to improve his pass blocking to be effective. If he can't block, then the defense will know why he is in the back field and crowd the line. I wish the best for JA. I like him a lot. He reminds me of Mark Green - tough yards and unceasing effort! He could be the between the 20's guy, while Hughes is the red zone guy.

AA needs the wisdom to know when to be patient and when to go full tilt. He also needs to run to the outside more. Even in the Spring game he tended to run to the tacklers.

[rontdtarchala]

I voted for JA cause I really wanted to see him succeed...if he doesn't get it on early rh will leave him in the dust

[TrueBlue42]

It's gotta be Hughes...that's who I voted for. The Quarterback should never be the leading rusher...

[IrishCalves]

Though it seems like I've dragged it everywhere, I'll say it again: Hughes is the bell cow; AA is the firecracker that gives us a pick me up; if JA has a role, IMO its as the late game guy, but I still feel like Hughes can wear you down better than JA. Seen too many run into pile and fall downs and not enough I'm going to make you look like a rag dolls from Aldridge. But it may just be injuries that have hampered him throughout. Just callin' it like I see it. Hughes for about 900 yards, AA for about 700, Aldridge 250, and Jonas Gray 150? Just guessin so far.

[mlcspinner]

I voted for JA awhile back but with him only getting a couple of carries in the Blue Gold game I think it's going to be Robert Hughes. He doesn't seem to go down on first contact

[NDGirlzRock]

Hughes is my favorite guy on the team this year!!! But that's not why I'm picking him. Man I get flashbacks watching him.....if he isn't the second coming of Bettis.....!!! Well, I'm not going to eat my bra.....tried that one and it didn't work!!! Anyway, Hugggggggghhhhheeeessss get's my vote!!! :clover:

[mlcspinner]

Hughes is my favorite guy on the team this year!!! But that's not why I'm picking him. Man I get flashbacks watching him.....if he isn't the second coming of Bettis.....!!! Well, I'm not going to eat my bra.....tried that one and it didn't work!!! Anyway, Hugggggggghhhhheeeessss get's my vote!!! :clover:

we are waiting for the video :rofl:

[Granger Irish]

I am going to say Hughes. But, Aldridge and Allen sure have the ability to put up some good numbers.

[NDGirlzRock]

we are waiting for the video :rofl:

PM me with your address!!!! LOL!!! :nanana::nanana::rofl::nanana:

[daytonirish]

Is that just for spinner NDGirlz or does everyone get a copy. :bigsmile:

[littlerick77]

I was gonna start a new thread but I figured this would be the appropriate place to post here.

After reading articles (on Irish Eyes I think) on the post season predictions of Robert Hughes and James Aldridge.......I got this sense of "deja vu".

Is this the running back version of our QB situation last year? What I mean is, 3-candidates for the starting job with no clear front runner (at least not public from the coaching staff). Does anyone get the feeling that Weis is hesitant to call any of the 3 backs the STARTER??? For whatever reason, I don't know? I'm just wondering if anyone else thinks the same. Just like last year, we have no clear leader (although most fans assume it's Hughes) for a KEY position. I get this feeling the staff is just letting them battle it out and will name a starter like a week before the opener and that pressure at the last minute might be too much for the kid (i.e. D. Jones).

Maybe I'm way off here, tell me I'm an idiot, maybe I'm just bored, but I'm certainly not badmouthing Weis. I just feel a little uncomfortable about the RB situation at this point. I would prefer they name Hughes the starter now so he has all summer to prepare.

What say You? :headbang:

[SpanishElite]

I dont think you have to "Name a Starter" at running back. At QB yes. At OL yes. But at RB there are so many guys rotating in and out it doesnt really matter. We are in a good situation where each 3 of the RB have their own unquie skill set. Hughes the power, Allen the speed, Alridge a combo of the 2. And its not like you have to name a starter June 28th. You still have all of camp and the first week against SD State to name your starter.

[THegraNDscheme]

Agreed.

You also need to consider Armando was a freshman and also coming off a serious injury in high school so he probably was never 100% to begin with. Having a year under his belt will help him immensely. One thing I hope he is better on is waiting for his blockers. We all know how fast he is, but he often outran his blocking which led to quick tackles... he needs his blockers out front fo take on bodys and then give him space to make the remaining moves.



BINGO!! If AA can learn to be patient, look out. I saw an interview a few years back with Willie Parker (lightning quick Steeler's RB) and Jerome Bettis. They talked about how Bettis was teaching him to wait for his blockers because it will make his speed that much more potent (led to Parker's break out season). Bettis likened it to playing Madden or NCAA on a game system--you've gotta wait for the big hats to get out in front before punching the speed burst button. I propose that CW invites the bus out to some practices to mentor AA and maybe throw a few pointers to Hughes (as he is a Bus-like RB).

[rontdtarchala]

I believe they have rectafied that situation... he looked spectacular last week

[NDgrandson]

Only 7 of 86 voters had Armando Allen!!!

JDubs, jimflutes, morrdave, NDgrandson, notredomer23, oldbuck, robertsgolf

Give these guys some reps!!! Please. :pray:


Overall Individual Statistics


The Automated ScoreBook
Notre Dame Overall Individual Statistics (as of Nov 30, 2008)
All games


RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G
----------------------------------------------------------------
Allen, Armando 12 130 606 30 576 4.4 3 21 48.0
Aldridge, James 11 90 383 26 357 4.0 3 19 32.5
Hughes, Robert 11 95 344 17 327 3.4 3 18 29.7
Gray, Jonas 6 16 82 5 77 4.8 0 19 12.8
Smith, Harrison 12 2 58 0 58 29.0 0 35 4.8
Tate, Golden 12 5 50 13 37 7.4 1 24 3.1
Grimes, David 10 2 15 0 15 7.5 0 10 1.5
Schwapp, Asaph 12 1 2 0 2 2.0 0 2 0.2
Sharpley, Evan 2 2 1 0 1 0.5 0 1 0.5
Maust, Eric 12 1 0 8 -8 -8.0 0 0 -0.7
TEAM 9 6 0 14 -14 -2.3 0 0 -1.6
Clausen, Jimmy 12 52 116 183 -67 -1.3 0 10 -5.6
Total.......... 12 402 1657 296 1361 3.4 10 35 113.4
Opponents...... 12 411 1971 259 1712 4.2 18 63 142.7


http://und.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2008-2009/teamcume.html

Don't bother trying to rep jim flutes or old buck. They have notposted yet. Here's the time fellas!

[NDgrandson]

Really? No responses all day?

[IrishGrizz]

I think I had JA. At least I was better than w the receivers.

[fightenmick2]

Hughes..he cuts back pretty good when the HOLE is there..The O LINE has to get their heads out of their backside and start being Irish football players... forget personal goals...play together for hells sake.

[morrdave9]

I picked right, rep me :theking:

[fightenmick2]

Charlie will never invite Bettis nor any other former Irish player to help his team.. I don't mean to be disrespectful to Charlie, but he is the big cheese at Notre Dame and he will not take any advice from anyone IMHO..

[Specnatz]

Charlie will never invite Bettis nor any other former Irish player to help his team.. I don't mean to be disrespectful to Charlie, but he is the big cheese at Notre Dame and he will not take any advice from anyone IMHO..

I am not sure what you mean by help but you do realize that Ron Powlus is the QB coach. Oh and every year at the banquet former players speak. Not to mention I have seen Joe Montana on the sidelines and I am sure if a student went up to him and asked a question he would be gracious enough to answer it.

Charlie Weis is the Head Coach and he is in charge just like when Lou Holtz was here. It is either his way or your out. Coach Weis tried to delicate more to his coaches so he can concentrate on the team as a whole besides just the offense but you see how that worked out.

Again, I am not sure where you were going with this line of thought but I can take a guess of where it came from.

[JGESS]

Clausen, Jimmy 12 52 116 183 -67 -1.3 0 10 -5.6


Sometimes you look at stats and just say WTF??? I cant believe Clauson had NO rushing TD's and his longest run all season was only 10 yards! You would think with all the deep routes they ran the middle wouldve opened up for a 15-20 yarder a few times.
Lets go O-Line! Latina came in with decent credentials. Hope he gets the lines feet moveing faster in those zone block schemes for '09!!

[NDgrandson]

Charlie will never invite Bettis nor any other former Irish player to help his team.. I don't mean to be disrespectful to Charlie, but he is the big cheese at Notre Dame and he will not take any advice from anyone IMHO..

Wasn't Bettis an honorary Spring Game coach since CW was hired?

[KamaraPolice]

i voted for jimmy clausen.

[notredomer23]

yeah reps please

[IrishCalves]

So far I'm 0 for 2.

[mlcspinner]

I voted for James Aldridge I want him to exploded in 09'