Rivals had an interesting analysis of Cal's running game (I won't link, since it is premium content):
Keep in mind of course that this is based on 1 game against an inferior opponent, but some of the trends are interesting:
Based on this game, it would appear that the left side of our line (Schwartz and Schwenke) are the biggest problem. Cal had most of its success running right (despite Cheadle's periodic whiffs)--5.9 ypc v. 4.8 ypc.
Overall, we do better going wide (5.9 ypc in the C gap, v. 4.9 in the A gap). Our worst is B gap runs (avg. 4.1 ypc) suggesting, perhaps that the tackles aren't doing their job.
Interestingly, although wide runs are generally better, Isi Sofele has gotten his longest gains on runs up the A gap that he then cuts to the outside. I think we can all agree that he doesn't have the power to move the pile on runs between the tackles. He is most effective when given enough of a hole to get to the 2nd level, where he can use his cutting ability to bounce outside; he can then usually get by the LB and into the secondary. Unfortunately, we don't have consistent blocking from guards and center, and he gets stuffed too often. Sofele was stuffed for 2 or fewer yards 6 times in 17 carries, although 2 of those were 1 yd TD's, so 4 times in 15 carries is a better statistic. By contrast, Anderson was stopped twice in 7 carries--essentially the same percentage, although the sample size is small.
As I said, the sample size is small, and the opponent was weak, but the data are nonetheless interesting.
Keep in mind of course that this is based on 1 game against an inferior opponent, but some of the trends are interesting:
Based on this game, it would appear that the left side of our line (Schwartz and Schwenke) are the biggest problem. Cal had most of its success running right (despite Cheadle's periodic whiffs)--5.9 ypc v. 4.8 ypc.
Overall, we do better going wide (5.9 ypc in the C gap, v. 4.9 in the A gap). Our worst is B gap runs (avg. 4.1 ypc) suggesting, perhaps that the tackles aren't doing their job.
Interestingly, although wide runs are generally better, Isi Sofele has gotten his longest gains on runs up the A gap that he then cuts to the outside. I think we can all agree that he doesn't have the power to move the pile on runs between the tackles. He is most effective when given enough of a hole to get to the 2nd level, where he can use his cutting ability to bounce outside; he can then usually get by the LB and into the secondary. Unfortunately, we don't have consistent blocking from guards and center, and he gets stuffed too often. Sofele was stuffed for 2 or fewer yards 6 times in 17 carries, although 2 of those were 1 yd TD's, so 4 times in 15 carries is a better statistic. By contrast, Anderson was stopped twice in 7 carries--essentially the same percentage, although the sample size is small.
As I said, the sample size is small, and the opponent was weak, but the data are nonetheless interesting.