1,000 Yard Rusher Watch/Countdown

#1
Rifleman

Rifleman

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#1
Closest Rusher to 1,000 - Neal
Rushing Yards Needed to get to 1,000 - 307
Rajion Neal Rushing FBS Rank - 19th
Rajion Neal All Purpose Yards - 756

Not since Tauren Poole's 2010 season have we had a 1,000 yard rusher, but we have a great chance of changing that this year.

First a little history (bests in green):

Year - Top Rusher - Yards - Per Carry - Per Game

2008 - Foster - 570 - 4.4 - 51.8
2009 - Hardesty - 1345 - 4.8 - 103.5
2010 - Poole - 1034 - 5.1 - 79.5
2011 - Poole - 736 - 3.7 - 57.8
2012 - Neal - 741 - 4.5 - 70.8
2013 - Neal - 693 - 5.2 - 99.0

Year - Team Rushing per Game vs Opponent Rushing per Game

2008 - 122.9 vs 103.1
2009 - 157.2 vs 149.5
2010 - 109.2 vs 152.5
2011 - 90.1 vs 162.7
2012 - 160.3 vs 188.9
2013 - 201.7 vs 181.7

Year - Team Yards per Carry vs Opponent Yards per Carry

2008 - 3.6 vs 2.8
2009 - 4.3 vs 4.2
2010 - 3.5 vs 4.2
2011 - 2.8 vs 4.4
2012 - 4.7 vs 4.8
2013 - 5.1 vs 4.8

So far, we are having the most successful season in recent years running the ball, but some pretty stout run defenses remain on the schedule.

What will Neal need in the remaining regular-season games to get to 1,000 yards?

62 yards per game

VFLs who Neal may be about to pass on the all time rushing leaderboard?

18. Andy Kozar, 1950-52 1,837
19. Tony Thompson, 1986-90 1,759
20. Rajion Neal, 2010-2013 1,732
21. Haskel Stanback, 1971-73 1,730
22. James Berry, 1978-81 1,721
23. William Howard, 1984-87 1,711
24. Keith Davis, 1985-88 1,704

What are the run defenses we will face currently allowing per game - FBS Rank?

Alabama - 98.3 - 8th
Missouri - 116.6 - 19th
Auburn - 144.4 - 47th
Vanderbilt - 159.7 - 64th
Kentucky - 213.3 - 107th

What are the run defenses we have already faced currently allowing per game - FBS Rank?


Austin Peay - 248.9 - NA | Vols rushed for 315
Western Kentucky - 179.9 - 82nd | Vols rushed for 240
Oregon - 118.2 - 22nd | Vols rushed for 178
Florida - 100.7 - 12th | Vols rushed for 66
South Alabama - 163 - 67th | Vols rushed for 278
Georgia - 136.7 - 36th | Vols rushed for 189
South Carolina - 143.3 - 42nd | Vols rushed for 146

I will update the countdown after each week's totals.

Overall, I am pleased with the focus on the run game and I think we have the potential to improve in that aspect. Certainly a positive from early in the Butch Jones era.

Update 9/30: Coach Jones pointed out in 9/30 press conference that 3 200+ yard run games so far this year is equal to the total 200+ yard games 2010 - 2012. Also noted that Neal's USA game was the most yardage by a single Vol since 2009.
 
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#2
#2
Great info . . . it puts our running game into perspective, of course some nega-vols will say that the numbers are padded due to three "cupcakes" that we've played. But another factor with Neal is that he is not a "natural" running back, he was a wide receiver if I'm not mistaken that was converted to RB. He has developed into a nice back, not GREAT but very adequate . . .

Lastly, Neal's numbers could climb a bit higher if the passing game can grow into an average performance of 250 plus yards per game; forcing defenses to respect the pass and not load the line of scrimmage.

GO VOLS!
 
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#3
#3
Neal can pull it off, except it wouldn't hurt to have a few more different run formations to get him there.
 
#4
#4
The last time we were really dominant running the ball was in 2004, when both Riggs and Houston crossed 1,000 yards and we ended at 186 yards per game as a team.

We have not even remotely approached that level since.

Last year was our best mark as a team since, but we had amazing weapons in the pass game.

We can surpass last year by running for 121 yards per game from here out. I actually think that is likely.

165 yards per game to the end will top 2004. If we do that, my optimism for the future will go through the roof.
 
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#5
#5
Without Neal getting hurt, he will likely see at least 3 more 100 yard games. Likely to get more than 20 carries this week with Lane hurt.

Funny how people are dislpleased with the Oline so far. Bama and USCe will be the hardest on the run, but don't see them better than UF.

Watching the game USA packed 8 men in the box almost the entire game and we still had close to 300 yards rushing. They blitzed almost every down...
 
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#6
#6
An informative thread not about our fans. Bravo OP. Like given on principle.
 
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#8
#8
TennesseeOrange said:
Good thread. Just FYI. Rajion hit 1,500 (1,507) for his career last game. Marlin is at 1,218 I believe.
Click to expand...

There is a possibility that Rajion could finish in the top 10 Vols rushers. # 10, Charlie Garner, is sitting at 2089. Of course Garner did that in only two seasons.
 
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#9
#9
Tre Mason rushed for over 1000 last yr but his team sucked. looks like thats where this neal thing may go. 1000 yard rusher but a 4 win team. who cares.
 
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#11
#11
RiseToTheTop said:
Tre Mason rushed for over 1000 last yr but his team sucked. looks like thats where this neal thing may go. 1000 yard rusher but a 4 win team. who cares.
Click to expand...

I care. I think it is very unlikely that we only win 4 games if Neal rushes for more than 1,000 yards. I think we will win 4 more games if we can keep running the ball and avoid more injuries.
 
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#13
#13
I'm pulling for him, but any halfway competent DC can see running the ball is the only option we have of moving it. He's going to have to pull out a couple more 150 yards games in the final 4 to have a chance.
 
#14
#14
I think if we let him start pounding it up the middle it would be for the best. It doesn't seem like the "read option"? (I think is what it's called) is very effective. JMO
 
#15
#15
livefaith said:
Who Posted?:thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Just saying a 1k rusher from this offense doesn't mean much if other aspects of the offense doesn't progress. Wasn't trying to be negative. I'm glad Neal is running better. We will need it with marlin out with an ankle injury.
 
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#16
#16
Rifleman said:
Closest Rusher to 1,000 - Neal
Needed to get to 1,000 - 532

Not since Tauren Poole's 2010 season have we had a 1,000 yard rusher, but we have a great chance of changing that this year.

First a little history (bests in green:

Year - Top Rusher - Yards - Per Carry - Per Game

2008 - Foster - 570 - 4.4 - 51.8
2009 - Hardesty - 1345 - 4.8 - 103.5
2010 - Poole - 1034 - 5.1 - 79.5
2011 - Poole - 736 - 3.7 - 57.8
2012 - Neal - 741 - 4.5 - 70.8
2013 - Neal - 468 - 5.8 - 93.6

Year - Team Rushing per Game vs Opponent Rushing per Game

2008 - 122.9 vs 103.1
2009 - 157.2 vs 149.5
2010 - 109.2 vs 152.5
2011 - 90.1 vs 162.7
2012 - 160.3 vs 188.9
2013 - 215.4 vs 163.2

Year - Team Yards per Carry - Opponent Yards per Carry

2008 - 3.6 vs 2.8
2009 - 4.3 vs 4.2
2010 - 3.5 vs 4.2
2011 - 2.8 vs 4.4
2012 - 4.7 vs 4.8
2013 - 5.5 vs 4.4

So far, we are having the most successful season in recent years running the ball, but some pretty stout run defenses remain on the schedule.

If Rajion Neal stays healthy, what will he need to do in the remaining regular-season games to get to 1,000 yards?

76 yards per game

What are the run defenses we will face currently allowing per game?

Georgia - 126.8
South Carolina - 129
Alabama - 103.5
Missouri - 115.8
Auburn - 172
Vanderbilt - 153.2
Kentucky - 200.8

What are the run defenses have already faced currently allowing per game?

Austin Peay - 251.3
Western Kentucky - 177.8
Oregon - 134.5
Florida - 53.5
South Alabama - 150.5

I will update the countdown after this weeks totals.

If Neal gets hurt, Lane could potentially get to 1,000, but he'd really need to get on a tear. Overall, I am pleased with the focus on the run game and I think we have the potential to improve in that aspect. Certainly a positive from early in the Butch Jones era.
Click to expand...

Now look at the trend in the passing game...
 
#17
#17
Biopsyman said:
Now look at the trend in the passing game...
Click to expand...

I don't think that would be very interesting, but I do hope that we have a 1,000 yard passer by the end of the season. :eek:lol:

If I remember correctly, Bray was beteen 20th and 29th in QBR last two years. Worley is currently 90th out of about 125 ranked QBs. We need him to be 2009 Crompton--mid-50s rank--and we can win some games.
 
#21
#21
SouthKnoxVOL said:
Speaking of Lane, has any info come out on the severity of his injury this past game?
Click to expand...

Coach Jones just said "day to day" in today's press conference.

I heard high ankle ankle sprain. Probably nothing structural, but he likely won't be too spry by Saturday.
 
#22
#22
Rifleman said:
Closest Rusher to 1,000 - Neal
Needed to get to 1,000 - 532

Not since Tauren Poole's 2010 season have we had a 1,000 yard rusher, but we have a great chance of changing that this year.

First a little history (bests in green:

Year - Top Rusher - Yards - Per Carry - Per Game

2008 - Foster - 570 - 4.4 - 51.8
2009 - Hardesty - 1345 - 4.8 - 103.5
2010 - Poole - 1034 - 5.1 - 79.5
2011 - Poole - 736 - 3.7 - 57.8
2012 - Neal - 741 - 4.5 - 70.8
2013 - Neal - 468 - 5.8 - 93.6

Year - Team Rushing per Game vs Opponent Rushing per Game

2008 - 122.9 vs 103.1
2009 - 157.2 vs 149.5
2010 - 109.2 vs 152.5
2011 - 90.1 vs 162.7
2012 - 160.3 vs 188.9
2013 - 215.4 vs 163.2

Year - Team Yards per Carry - Opponent Yards per Carry

2008 - 3.6 vs 2.8
2009 - 4.3 vs 4.2
2010 - 3.5 vs 4.2
2011 - 2.8 vs 4.4
2012 - 4.7 vs 4.8
2013 - 5.5 vs 4.4

So far, we are having the most successful season in recent years running the ball, but some pretty stout run defenses remain on the schedule.

If Rajion Neal stays healthy, what will he need to do in the remaining regular-season games to get to 1,000 yards?

76 yards per game

What are the run defenses we will face currently allowing per game?

Georgia - 126.8
South Carolina - 129
Alabama - 103.5
Missouri - 115.8
Auburn - 172
Vanderbilt - 153.2
Kentucky - 200.8

What are the run defenses have already faced currently allowing per game?

Austin Peay - 251.3
Western Kentucky - 177.8
Oregon - 134.5
Florida - 53.5
South Alabama - 150.5

I will update the countdown after this weeks totals.

If Neal gets hurt, Lane could potentially get to 1,000, but he'd really need to get on a tear. Overall, I am pleased with the focus on the run game and I think we have the potential to improve in that aspect. Certainly a positive from early in the Butch Jones era.
Click to expand...

Good analysis OP, nice to see some thought put into a thread.
 
#23
#23
Another good rushing effort for Neal. The original post is edited with his yardage. We also ran the ball against Georgia much better than LSU. A good sign.

Still averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a team. Still looking good for a banner year running the ball.
 
#24
#24
All stats in original updated. Rajion Neal now 11th in FBS in rushing.
 
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#25
#25
Rifleman said:
All stats in original update. Rajion Neal now 11th in FBS in rushing.
Click to expand...

1,655 for the career. Also he's 11th in carries in FBS.

According to my count, since 1950 UT has had 12 individual rushing efforts against UGA that eclipsed 100 yards. Rajion has 2 of them, and this years was 5th best.
 
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