Here's a bold statement: The Minnesota Gophers' running back situation is more intriguing than you might think. But here's where it gets controversial... Was Darius Taylor's limited role against Ohio State a strategic move to protect their star player, or a sign of something more concerning? Let's dive in.
Darius Taylor, the Gophers' standout running back, made his return against Ohio State after sitting out two games due to injury. However, his performance was unusually subdued, with only eight carries for 12 yards. Interestingly, redshirt freshman Fame Ibejoi saw more playing time, out-snapping Taylor 22 to 15. And this is the part most people miss... Could this shift in playing time be a calculated decision by the coaching staff to safeguard Taylor's health in a game that quickly turned lopsided?
When asked about this strategy, Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck hinted at load management, stating, 'Managing that load and the number of plays during a game depends on how the game unfolds.' Fleck expressed confidence in the medical team's approach, emphasizing the importance of caution given Taylor's history of injuries. As a true freshman in 2023, Taylor missed seven games, and he sat out one game last season, making Minnesota's cautious approach understandable.
Fleck praised the medical staff's handling of Taylor's return, noting that the player felt good after the game, which is a positive sign. Meanwhile, Ibejoi's performance against one of the nation's top defenses was impressive, with 13 carries for 52 yards and a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 63.8, the fifth-highest on the Gophers' offense. Fleck believes Ibejoi has immense potential, citing his rapid improvement despite limited playing time due to past injuries.
The Gophers' running back depth has been tested early this season, especially with A.J. Turner, a transfer from Marshall, sidelined for the rest of the year with a knee injury. However, the team seems confident in Taylor and Ibejoi as their top options. With seven Big Ten games remaining, having a fully healthy Taylor could be a game-changer for Minnesota's success in the second half of the season.
Here's a thought-provoking question for you: Is Minnesota's cautious approach with Taylor a smart long-term strategy, or are they risking stunting his development by limiting his playing time? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your take on this intriguing situation!
