Ranking the 10 best B1G running backs entering the 2019 season
If you love watching talented running backs, tuning into the B1G in 2019 will be a must.
Six of the league’s top 10 rushers from last fall will return to the backfield this year, including NCAA leader Jonathan Taylor. It should be a lot of fun to see some of the top running backs in the country making plays every single weekend.
Here’s a look at the 10 best running backs in the B1G heading into the 2019 season:
10. Journey Brown, Penn State/Wandale Robinson, Nebraska
Listing two running backs at the No. 10 spot is a bit of a copout, but both Brown and Robinson will have significant roles for their respective programs.
Brown might be the backup at Penn State, but he’d be the starter for a lot of other programs around the B1G and will give the Nittany Lions and excellent 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Robinson, on the other hand, could easily be a 1,000-yard rusher in Scott Frost’s offense.
Wandale Robinson. Good at football. #Huskers pic.twitter.com/PMwF4BveDr
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) January 5, 2019
9. Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers
Pacheco was actually Rutgers’ second-leading rusher last season behind Raheem Blackshear, so with both guys returning, it’s fair to question why Pacheco earned a spot on this list over his teammate. He’s got an incredible upside though, and there’s a great chance to make a huge leap in his sophomore season.
Pacheco had a few big outings for the Scarlet Knights last season, but had his best game against Michigan near the end of the year, posting 142 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He should hover around the 100-yard mark on most Saturdays.
…avant que RB Isaih Pacheco égalise immédiatement pour les Scarlet Knights sur une course de 80 yards ! 🔥🔥🔥
Rutgers 7, Michigan 7 pic.twitter.com/hAHCyzTLji— TBP College Football (@thebluepennant) November 10, 2018
8. Isaiah Bowser, Northwestern
Talk about a player taking advantage of an opportunity. Once Jeremy Larkin was forced to retire from the sport, Bowser stepped in and provided a spark for Northwestern’s offense. Despite being the primary ball carrier in just eight games, the freshman totaled 866 yards and six touchdowns.
Bowser has earned the right to be a more integral part of Northwestern’s offense from start to finish in 2019. He’s an under-the-radar talent who has the potential to crank out a big season.
Isaiah 💪 Bowser 💪
The @NUFBFamily RB silences the crowd with the game's first TD. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/kAqVF4wYCQ
— Northwestern On BTN (@NUOnBTN) November 10, 2018
7. Stevie Scott, Indiana
Indiana’s running back room will be a little bit more congested this fall, but in a good way. Carries could be divvied up between Scott, Sampson James and Cole Gest, but Scott will likely still be the leader out of the backfield.
Scott was one of just three B1G freshman to rush for over 1,000 yards last season. He isn’t the fastest running back in the conference, but he’s got excellent vision and finds openings in the defense really well.
Stevie "High-Steppin" Scott!
The @IndianaFootball RB has been a beast this season, and he ties it up in Bloomington: pic.twitter.com/VQAWmAG8s1
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 24, 2018
More Stevie Scott, please!@IndianaFootball still up on Virginia in the second half: pic.twitter.com/cNv5OeJNud
— Indiana On BTN (@IndianaOnBTN) September 9, 2018
6. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
Ibrahim is another young running back talent who will occupy a crowded backfield, with Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks both returning. After he got into a rhythm late in the year, Ibrahim became one of the top backs in the conference.
Great vision, elusiveness and power are all skills Ibrahim brings to the field, and a big reason why he rushed for over 120 yards in three of Minnesota’s final four games last fall, including a 224-yard outing against Georgia Tech. It only helps that Ibrahim will be running behind a solid offensive line.
Gopher Highlights: Mohamed Ibrahim’s Bowl Game Performance pic.twitter.com/CUakaJBOhQ
— Mostly Always (@Mostly_Always) December 27, 2018
5. Ricky Slade, Penn State
We’ve only seen a small sample size from Slade, but there’s a lot to like about his future at Penn State. He’s the No. 1 guy in an extremely talented backfield and should be able to continue the trend of PSU finding success on the ground.
Slade has incredible speed and is almost impossible to catch in space. If he’s capable of breaking 60-, 70- and 80-yard runs on a regular basis. He should pick up right where Miles Sanders left off.
Ricky Slade with a late 61 yard TD run. #devy #DevyWatch pic.twitter.com/nreqw2aJoF
— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) September 22, 2018
4. Anthony McFarland, Maryland
McFarland embarrassed a lot of defenses last season, including Ohio State. His speed is unmatched and he’s able to pick up yards in any capacity. He’s able to find the gaps up the gut or outrun defenders, get to the edge and churn out a big gain.
McFarland may not have the same strength as other backs in the league, but he doesn’t necessarily need it with his explosive speed. You’ll see Mike Locksley giving his sophomore running back plenty of carries in 2019.
We have developments: @TerpsFootball scores first thanks to Anthony McFarland. pic.twitter.com/jXP7kJv9wG
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 17, 2018
Anthony McFarland with his first career touchdown pic.twitter.com/ni9nwEFoEV
— Terps Watch (@TerpsWatch) September 22, 2018
3. Reggie Corbin, Illinois
An up-and-down career for Corbin appears to be headed in a positive direction with Rod Smith running the offense for the Illini. Last year, Corbin eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career and will likely be one of the league’s top rushers in the fall.
Corbin is the complete package. The senior has great speed, excellent vision and is able to make defenders miss. That combination allowed Corbin to rip off several big runs last season for the Illini. Expect more of the same.
Reggie Corbin. Tightrope. #Illini pic.twitter.com/HzdLMJzDpB
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) September 1, 2018
Reggie Corbin just SHREDDED Penn State’s defense. #Illini pic.twitter.com/XVOxNAf5hx
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) September 22, 2018
2. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Dobbins has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in each of his first two seasons at Ohio State. Now, with Mike Weber gone, the Buckeye back has the potential to elevate his game even further as the primary ball carrier in Ryan Day’s offense.
Ohio State didn’t run the ball as well as it had hoped last season, but that doesn’t take away from Dobbins’ ability. Not only does he have elite speed, he’s got excellent feet and brings a lot of power to the backfield. He’s also an excellent pass catcher for a running back, making him one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Turns out J.K. Dobbins is prettty good at this whole football thing. pic.twitter.com/eMWYjsgfqz
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 3, 2018
.@OhioStateFB wastin' NO time to respond.
J.K. Dobbins slips in for another tud 👏 pic.twitter.com/eKGSDt69pU
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 2, 2018
1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Who else would you put at the top of the list? Taylor has led the B1G in rushing each of the last two seasons and was the only running back in the NCAA to hit 2,000 yards in 2018. He’s one of the B1G’s top Heisman contenders, as well.
Taylor possesses everything you need in a quality running back. The rising junior is a home-run threat every single time he touches the football. He can beat defenders with his speed or plow through tacklers with his strength. Anyone who’s on pace to break Ron Dayne’s rushing record deserves to be at the top of the list.
Jonathan Taylor and the Badgers are off and running 💪 pic.twitter.com/s6LjotyUY7
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 1, 2018
3/ In this clip, Jonathan Taylor shows off his strength in triple OT versus Purdue to win the game. When charting Taylor's tape, his run strength is something I regularly added in the + column. He runs strong and displays good pad level at the point of contact. pic.twitter.com/6HTk7GyfD3
— JWack (@JaredWackerlyFF) May 21, 2019