re: Passing game opening up running game

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With LF getting big runs and not being contacted until the 2nd level. Was this due to the o-line playing better or the passing game preventing the defense from putting 8-9 in the box. Or a combination of both?

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Honestly, the 3 long TD runs all came with 8 guys in the box. 2 of the 3 were out of the I-formation and the other was with double TEs and a single-back look. The reason they were busted for long runs is because the defense was all around the LOS and beating one guy basically gets you into the open field. In other words, those runs likely happen regardless of the passing game and scheme. They were actually very Miles-like. Ole Miss was 100% playing the run there and just got whipped by a better individual effort from Fournette and a decent job by the OL.

However, a few of his other runs came from different looks and he still had great success outside of the big 3 plays. The passing game helped there.