Wisconsin Plans to Phase out Running Back by Committee Approach

The University of Wisconsin football team is going to ditch the running back by committee approach it's leaned on to start the season.

Head coach Luke Fickell feels that dividing carries between Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli, and freshman Darrion Dupree hasn't allowed any of them to get into a rhythm thus far, which is an issue for a team that feels running the football is one of its strengths offensively.

"You know, it's such a tough position, and we got a little bit of a tough ride right now at the running back spot, meaning we've got a bunch of guys," Fickell told reporters ..."I don't know that you can play four or five running backs. We've got to focus on who's going to be the one, who's going to be the next guy, and then who's the spare. It doesn't give them an opportunity to get into a rhythm."

Whether or not this move is the answer, something had to change. Phil Longo's offense is currently ranked No. 103 overall in total offense (337.2 yards per game), and the rushing attack sits at a pedestrian No. 72 with 155.5 yards a game on just 4.07 yards per carry. The Badgers owning the eighth-best rushing attack in the Big Ten isn't a winning formula.

As it stands, Mellusi is leading the way for Wisconsin with 56 carries, accounting for 36% of the backfield's usage and 232 rushing yards. But the constant rotation of backs has created more uncertainty than clarity for the Badgers. Yacamelli, second on the team with 153 rushing yards, has only seen 13% of the touches. Meanwhile, Walker has taken 24% and Dupree 10%, making it hard for anyone to make a major impact.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dupree (77.9), Yacamelli (77.1), and Walker (73.7) have the three best offensive grades among the Wisconsin running backs coach Fickell mentioned. At this point, it seems likely that Mellusi and Walker will remain the top two, with Yacamelli or Dupree vying to be the change-of-pace option behind them, given how snaps in Devon Spalding's room have been distributed through the first four games.

"What we need to find out is who can get hot... So, when we talk about continuing to develop and finding winning habits, we've got to find the winning combination, too... We're going to have to give some guys opportunities early in the game and ride with them a little bit more."

Fickell hasn't tipped his hand on who will get the first chance, but it will be interesting to see if Dupree, who has seen the field in three games, or Dilin Jones will factor into the equation more as the season unfolds. While it may be premature for Wisconsin to sideline its veteran backs, if they continue to struggle, the coaching staff may have to consider giving those carries to players that could factor into the team's future plans.

The Wisconsin Badgers return to the field against Purdue at Camp Randall Stadium and will kick off at noon ET, 11 a.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.

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