Coaches play Switzer's game: multiple runners

Barry Switzer need not be sold on the positives of featuring multiple running backs.

He perfected it.

"When you look back at my era, think about it, I had first-round draft picks in the backfield at the same time,” said Switzer, whose Oklahoma teams ran roughshod over foes across the decades of the '70s and '80s. "I had to play 'em.

"You recruit that kind of talent, they have to be on the field.”

More and more in college football, they are getting on the field, as the "running back by committee” approach gains popularity.

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State plan to operate time-share situations with their running backs this season. Same at Texas A&M and Clemson and Georgia and Michigan. And, of course, Southern Cal, where the Trojans sort through a stable of one-time touted tailback recruits stretching nine deep.

Even at Arkansas, where Heisman favorite Darren McFadden resides, they make room for Felix Jones. McFadden and Jones each ran for more than 1,000 yards a year ago.

It was easier spreading the wealth in Switzer's old wishbone world, where there were three slots for running backs. The majority of current schemes feature but one premium position.

Still, college coaches are grasping Switzer's earlier wisdom.

No need to waste top talent. And there are other benefits as well, like a reduction of wear and tear and the ability to mix and match a given back's skill set to the offense — or the defense.

"I don't think it's a choice now; I think it's a necessity,” said OSU offensive coordinator Larry Fedora.

"Obviously, you can have one guy who's the guy. But you have to have someone to spell him throughout the game. It's nice if you have two different type styles that can complement your entire package.”

Fedora has just that with Dantrell Savage and Keith Toston, who combined for 1,451 of the Cowboys' Big 12-best 2,704 rushing yards last fall. Savage is a darting speedster, while Toston combines more power running to go with breakaway speed.

It's a similar story in Norman, where Allen Patrick, Chris Brown and DeMarco Murray all offer contrasting, yet effective styles.

At both state schools, the running backs involved seem content with their roles — for now.

Still, running backs like to run — often. And while Cowboys and Sooners coaches downplay any potential negatives, the possibility exists.

The crowded backfield at USC became a problem last week, when Emmanuel Moody decided to exit L.A. for less competition. OSU, where Savage is a senior, is one of his potential destinations.

Before he left last weekend, Moody perhaps hinted at his unhappiness while speaking with reporters.

"When it comes game time, I know there's only going to be one person there on the field,” Moody said. "Just one guy, with just one football. And the other guys aren't going to be there.

"And that's where it's going to be chaos for the ones on the sidelines. If it's me there, then it's me.”

Still, it hasn't been an issue at Arkansas, where McFadden ran for 1,647 yards last year and Jones went for 1,168.

"McFadden to me is the best running back in the country,” Switzer said. "I thought he was last year. He has the ability to truly make you miss in the blink of an eye and run right by you; that electrical running back.

"But at the same time, when I watch Felix Jones, I know this guy can win for you, too. Even though they're two types of backs, both have winning ability. So you want to make sure both of them get on the field and have an opportunity to play, because both can win for you.”