Russell Shepard is Not a Wide Receiver

Shep is a running back who is often split out wide. I have a want to see him in the backfield more, splitting carries with Ridley. They could run a pro-form or run the I-form with Ridley at FB. In pro-form Shep could go in motion and split out wide or Ridley could go in motion and they could direct snap to Shep with JJ out of the game. Also, the direct snap to Shep with him either handing to Ridley to run up the middle or faking to Ridley and taking it outside would be extremely effective. This would also get Wright and Boone more route running experience.

It is unforgivable to not give Shep the ball in the backfield more and to not let him throw on occassion. If damn Darren McFadden could do it effectively, Shep could do it too, except the throws would be much more of a threat.

I'm somewhat okay with LSU being inept in the passing game as long as we get creative with the run. There has got to be more of a threat that the ball could be run up the middle, run to the side, or thrown on almost every play. If we keep lining Ridley up and trying to pound it, defenses are going to focus their gameplan on shutting down Ridley. Then, we are going to be screwed and all we can hope for is a big play here and there when Shep gets the ball or if we throw deep.

Okay, that was my rambling rant for the day.