• Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.

Top-5 Running Backs in Ohio State History

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Stark

The Winds of Winter
Joined
Apr 3, 2012
Messages
22,075
Reaction score
23,801
Points
135
Ohio State has some of the best running back talent in the history of college football. Multiple Heisman winners, record setters, and national champions.

How do you rank the top-5?

Mine:
  1. Archie Griffin
  2. Ezekiel Elliott
  3. Eddie George
  4. Hopalong Cassady
  5. Keith Byars
Honorable Mentions: Tim Spencer, Beanie Wells
 
Brandon Joe and his two first names 4 life
 
Honorable mention. Pre injury Carlos snow.
 
Not solely a running back, but 2013 Ohio State had the most dominant rushing attack I've ever seen since following the program in about 2001. Saw the other day that they averaged over 8 yards per carry in The Game that year.
 
What about ranking them just on their NFL careers?

I'd say Robert Smith was the best, no?
 
Ohio State has some of the best running back talent in the history of college football. Multiple Heisman winners, record setters, and national champions.

How do you rank the top-5?

Mine:
  1. Archie Griffin
  2. Ezekiel Elliott
  3. Eddie George
  4. Hopalong Cassady
  5. Keith Byars
Honorable Mentions: Tim Spencer, Beanie Wells


I am going to go unbiased here, as a non OSU guy.

1. Archie Griffin
2. Eddie George
3. Keith Byars
4. Ezekiel Elliot
5. Beanie Wells


Archie won 2 Heisman's, enough said.
Eddie Heisman and almost 2k yards final season
Byars Edges Ezekiel because of his catching abilities, but this was close
I went with Beanie in last as he has 2 1k season with his final season being 1600 yards.
 
Zeke
Clarett
George
Archie
Cassidy


Zeke could run in any era, ran with power and speed. To me he was the most complete back ever at the school.
Clarett was the most TALENTED runner in OSU history, but he only played one season. He could be #1, but not with only one year.
Eddie really defined workhorse. Unmatched work ethic. Power, some speed, vision.
Archie was great in his era and defined it.
Howard Cassidy- ran through an around all defenses, was the best of his era- tough little shit. Plus he was my Fathers fav of all time.

Pete Johnson, Byars, Wells, Robert Smith, Otis, Spencer, Hyde. ...probably more Ive left out.
 
What about ranking them just on their NFL careers?

I'd say Robert Smith was the best, no?

Naw.

Eddie George
Smith
Zeke (moving up FAST)
Pete Johnson
Byars
 

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Video

Episode 3-13: "Backup Bash Brothers"

Rubber Rim Job Podcast Spotify

Episode 3:11: "Clipping Bucks."
Top