Any discussion about the state of Pitt’s running game is almost forced to acknowledge the existence of Rushel Shell. His departure in the spring subtly changed the tenor of things. I’m not talking the preview magazine style of “who will run the football?” and citing the spot as a position of weakness.
It went from Pitt having a workhorse back with other backs behind him just being the change-0f-pace; to much more of a tandem or rotation of backs with Isaac Bennett leading the way but not relying on one player. But even after Shell departed there was and still is a strange confidence in Pitt fans that Pitt will get offense on the ground.
Part of it is an earned confidence. Over the last fifteen plus years it seems Pitt always has at worst a serviceable running game. Whether it was the individual talent of LeSean McCoy, the undersized but surprisingly effective Dion Lewis or LaRod Stephens-Howling. Even with Walt Harris and a pass-heavyt offense there were bursts with Brandon Miree and Kevan Barlow. Even Ray Kirkley could grind out some yards.
Then it is the system in place and the coach. Paul Chryst’s history as an offensive coordinator at Wisconsin is heavy on emphasizing a run, and adapting to the situation. Whether a workhorse, tandem or committee. So maybe Pitt won’t have a single player go for 1000 yards or more, but it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see two or three players total 1200-1500 yards.
