Evaluating Darrell Scott's Performance Saturday

So how did Darrell Scott's first chance at getting a bulk of the carries go? Decent. Scott definitely had his moments especially on the game changing drive to open the third quarter where he handled the bulk of the load including the 37 yard rush down the sideline. You can see from the chart below that Scott mixed in a few 5+ yard runs but we are still seeing a ton of negative rushes and "less than 3 yard" carries. Sometimes it's due to his impatience in the running game but most of the time it has to do with a young and banged up offensive line. Take away the 37 yard run to start the second half and Scott averaged 2.78 ypc. But we did see promise in the third quarter from Scott. I think we will have to wait until next year, though, to really assess Scott for a variety of reasons. First of all, he is a freshman who in high school was the best talent on the field by a long shot. He was faster and stronger than everyone so he could run through people and around everyone. Since that was the case, he has to "re-learn" waiting for holes to open up and patience in the running game. Second, the Buffs still aren't committed to him. You look at the first half, the Buffs only tried to pound Scott from the shotgun set and with little success in the passing game, they forgot about RB Darrell Scott. One thing the Buffs are also doing is hinting run and pass. When Scott is out, it is usually a pass, when he is in, it is usually a run. One of the best things Scott did early in the season was getting involved in the passing game. Where has that gone? I understand Sumler is a better blocker but they need to get Scott the ball on screen plays and out in space. Scott did well in the third quarter is they final got him off tackle. His two longest runs were over the right tackle. Another reason we have to wait to evaluate Scott is his obvious injury problem and the team's injury issues. You could tell that Scott had no burst on the 37 yard run to get around the safety. He looked like he easily had a touchdown but was caught at an angle. Next year, that won't happen. The Buffs get back OT Ryan Miller and OG Max Tuioti-Mariner next year, coupled with incoming recruit Jack Harris, red shirt OG Bryce Givens and a line that has one more year of experience. I think the Buffs will be head and shoulders ahead of where they are now which will give Scott more opportunity to run in space and not get tackled so often behind the line of scrimmage.

The great thing about Scott is he seems very mature and he wants the ball. He will get over this injury spat and the offensive line will get better. Will the play calling? I don't know but if Cody Hawkins or whoever at quarterback can make some plays in the passing game, the Buffs are going to see a lot more 5+ yard runs from Scott next year.