Scales or Bass?

[nfrine]

What's everyone thinking about who will start this week?

[iowast8fan]

What's everyone thinking about who will start this week?

Nobody really knows what shape Bass is in. I think Scales will get the start. If Bass is healthy, they'll share running time 50/50. I think Bass still has a leg up on Scales, but he better watch out. After Scales' performance against Nebraska (minus the 1 fumble), Bass' starting position is in danger.

[ISUFANATIC1973]

Bass if he is healthy. May see an alternating of backs if both are ready to go. It think it will depend on who is able to gain the yards on the ground this week.

[cybsball20]

Nobody really knows what shape Bass is in. I think Scales will get the start. If Bass is healthy, they'll share running time 50/50. I think Bass still has a leg up on Scales, but he better watch out. After Scales' performance against Nebraska (minus the 1 fumble), Bass' starting position is in danger.

I don't think a healthy Bass has to worry too much about Scales, his starting position certainly isn't in danger. Sure Scales racked up alot of yards but it took him over 30 carries to do so. 3.7 ypc isn't anything to be overly excited about.

[erikbj]

Scales was tough between teh tackles, but struggled in the open field. He does not have the speed or moves that Bass has. Bass has the ability to take one to the house, which I think gives him the advantage.

[Steve]

If Scales is indeed the best between the tackles, he will continue to get significant playing time for a number of reasons....

Our OL does a good job on cut/chop blocking which is effective between the tackles.

Our OL is not the all that fast or athletic which is required for outside running.

When you spread out a defense with 3 or 4 WR sets, the best running option is to pound it inside.

Good defenses with speed can take away an outside running attack more readily than an inside attack.

Chizik clearly wants a physical back who gets YAC - hence the public praise for Scales at NU compared to earlier comments about Bass not geting all the yards that were available.

Given all of this, it probably comes down to how much Bass commits himself to being more physical. He has the most upside with advantages in speed, acceleration, and probably moves. If he doesn't improve YAC, Scales could move ahead by getting the job done by running tough and using good vision to make the right cuts.

[ISUFan22]

Good analysis Steve.

Personally, I don't care who's carrying the ball - as long as they get it done. Part of me is pulling for Scales, because he's a local guy and has gone through a lot. However, I love the attitude Bass has.

Play 'em both, each have their benefits, so use that.

And, teach Robinson how to catch a pitch and hold onto it.

[keepngoal]

Having two different types of backs, that are good, is a true blessing....

And since each can do the others job fairly well, it allows for us to mix up plays.

I am looking forward to the Pro-Set with both behind BM .... *goosebumps.

Things are moving forward...even with four losses, I see lots of improvement. And that is new to me... a losing ISU team that is making progress and getting better. who'da thunk it?

- keep.

[tigershoops31]

And, teach Robinson how to catch a pitch and hold onto it.

I didn't see the game so from what I heard on the radio it was hard to tell exactly what caused them, but didn't Scales fumble on a pitch the play before Robinson did? I just thought it was odd if they both fumbled on similar plays and then Robinson didn't get another shot at all. Obviously Scales played well after that so maybe that is all it was, I just didn't get that since Robinson had played a lot more in prior games and looked pretty good. Can anybody that was there and saw it elaborate?

[ISUFan22]

I know Scales fumbled (and we recovered) on the play before that, but not sure if it was a pitch play or not.

I wonder if the fumble by Robinson wasn't the problem, but his complete inadequacy in getting back on the football is what ****** off the coaches.