Wisconsin Football Aims to Move Away from the Running Back by Committee Strategy.
The University of Wisconsin football team is moving away from its running back by committee strategy that it started the season with.
Head coach Luke Fickell believes that sharing carries among Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli, and freshman Darrion Dupree has prevented any of them from finding a rhythm, which is crucial for a team that considers its rushing game a strength.
“It’s a tough position, and right now we’re navigating some challenges at running back,” Fickell told reporters. “I don’t think we can effectively use four or five running backs. We need to identify who our main guy will be, who the backup is, and who the third option is. This rotation doesn’t allow them to settle into a rhythm.”
Currently, the Badgers’ offense is struggling, ranked No. 103 in total offense (337.2 yards per game) and No. 72 in rushing (155.5 yards per game at 4.07 yards per carry). With Wisconsin having the eighth-best rushing attack in the Big Ten, this isn’t a successful formula.
Mellusi leads the Badgers with 56 carries, accounting for 36% of the team’s total carries and 232 rushing yards. However, the frequent changes among the backs have led to more confusion than clarity. Yacamelli, the second leading rusher with 153 yards, has only received 13% of the touches. Walker and Dupree have had 24% and 10%, respectively, making it difficult for any player to make a significant impact.
Pro Football Focus ranks Dupree (77.9), Yacamelli (77.1), and Walker (73.7) as the top three Wisconsin running backs in offensive grades. It seems likely that Mellusi and Walker will continue as the primary options, while Yacamelli or Dupree may serve as a change-of-pace back, based on snap distribution over the first four games.
“We need to figure out who can find their stride,” Fickell said. “As we work on developing and building winning habits, we must also find the right combination. We’ll have to give certain players more opportunities early in games and stick with them longer.”
