Ohio State Football: J.K. Dobbins’ season among the best for a Buckeye RB
In another era one Ohio State football player may have won the Heisman Trophy. J.K. Dobbins’ season is among the best ever for a Buckeye RB.
Two Ohio State football players were invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony but another was left out. He shouldn’t have been because when everything is said and done a case could be made J.K. Dobbins will have had the best season ever for a Buckeye running back.
Let’s compare Dobbins’ season with other great Ohio State backs. First a look at the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice.
In 1974 Archie Griffin rushed for 1,625 yards averaging 6.6 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns. In 1975 Archie rushed for 1,450 yards (5.5 ypc) and 4 scores.
You have to factor in this was during a time when most teams ran the football often and defenses loaded up the box to key on the legendary Ohio State running back.
Next up is a player who deserved to win the Heisman.
In 1984 Keith Byars rushed for 1,764 yards in 12 games and scored 22 touchdowns. Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie had an outstanding season and was an exciting player to watch, but Byars was the best player in college football.
Now for the other Heisman winner on this list.
In 1995 Eddie George rushed for 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 417 yards and one score.
That was a season for the ages.
Who can forget Ezekiel Elliott’s sophomore season in 2014 when he rushed for 1,878 yards and caught passes for 220 more. He rushed for nearly 700 yards in the postseason to lead the Buckeyes to the National Championship.
Zeke followed that up by rushing for 1,821 yards as a junior.
Now a look at J.K. Dobbins’ season.
J.K. has rushed for 1,829 yards, 20 touchdowns and has 17 receptions for 200 yards and 2 more scores. And like Elliot, he began the postseason strong against Wisconsin rushing for 172 yards.
There is a good possibility with a good performance in the CFP, Dobbins may be the first Ohio State running back to rush for 2,000 yards and could possibly set the record for yards from scrimmage.
Next. 5 predictions for Fiesta Bowl. dark
However you rank these seasons by Buckeye greats one thing is certain. When you are discussing Ohio State running backs you will only have to mention J.K. and others will know who you are talking about, just like with Archie, Eddie and Zeke.