Georgia is unofficially “Running Back U.” From Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and Todd Gurley to Herschel Walker, the Bulldogs always have a running back room full of talented backs. This season, Georgia has four tailbacks that can make an impact during a game. However, it is Elijah Holyfield that continues to impress and shine week in and week out.
At the beginning of spring football, I predicted he would be the cleanup guy that comes in during the second half like he was last year. After the LSU game, Holyfield changed my opinion. Despite having just seven carries, he was one of the only pieces of the offense that had any momentum. When he trucked the Tiger defender, I saw a look of determination that I hadn’t seen before then.
On those seven carries, he ran for 56 yards and one touchdown. Through seven games he averages a whopping 7.5 yards a touch. Granted Holyfield has one of the best offensive lines in the country, but still. He manages to make people miss and seems quicker. Holyfield appears to be finding the holes built by the ‘Georgia Wall’ better and since game one improved by leaps and bounds.
Now I get running by committee is what the Bulldogs try to do, but at the same time when a guy has that much momentum, give him the football. Give him the rock until someone stops him. Of course, I think he should share carries with D’Andre Swift as the team did with Michel and Chubb.
However, Georgia doesn’t have Chubb and Michel anymore, and implementing four backs seems to almost hold back Swift and Holyfield from gaining any rhythm.
Between him and Swift, the two backs should combine for 30-35 carries a game. They both are healthy and keys to Georgia’s success. The Bulldogs take on Florida next, and the Gators have the No. 11 rush defense in the SEC.
This game between the Gators should give Georgia plenty of opportunities to provide Holyfield the rock. Last season, against Florida, he ran for a 39-yard touchdown. Now he has the confidence to do that and more. The LSU loss brought up a lot of questions as to why the Bulldogs turned away from the run. I cannot answer why they stopped, but after two long weeks of practice and self-motivating, these running backs will be fresh and hungry in Jacksonville.
In my opinion, Holyfield needs to carry the momentum he took into the LSU game over into the Florida game. Georgia needs the junior to tote the rock 14 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns against the Gators. He must have a dynamite game to help his team get the win. If Georgia wants to continue the success it’s having right now, then run the ball. Go back to what this team does best, run the ball and make defenses give up and quit.
Holyfield, it’s time for you to shine, tote that rock and don’t stop until you reach the end zone.