Where’s Waldo….err Steve Slaton?
By Couchburner on Oct 10, 2007 in Football
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Is it me, or is Steve Slaton having a less than stellar season so far? You be the Judge. Here are his stats through six games:
- 112 carries for 625 yards, 9 TDs
- 12 catches for 179 yards, 1 TD.
- Avg. 19 carries per game
- Avg. 104 rushing per game
- 5.4 yds per carry
- Ranked 27th in the country in total rushing yards.
Against Syracuse, he had 15 carries for 69 yards. Plus, he’s been kept out of the end zone for two consecutive games. Hardly Heisman candidate numbers at the half way point of the season. Another game with those numbers and his heisman hopes will be completely dashed.
In 2006 he averaged 134 yds per game and 7.0 yds per carry.
So why the drop in numbers? Is it the offensive line? Coaching? Is he looking over his shoulder worried about Devine taking some touches away? Has he lost a step? I think its All of the Above. The loss of Mozes et. al. on the O-line is apparent. Their not hitting their assignments…the big holes that Slaton ran through last year aren’t materializing this year. WVU also had some changes to the coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball…maybe their not on the same page. Slaton shouldn’t be worried about Devine…Yet.
As we get into the heart of the Big East schedule, we’re going to need the old Super Steve Slaton to take over and dominate, especially with Pat White getting banged up every week.
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MountaineerBob | Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
well it seems, according to this article, that he isn’t upset about his lack of productivity. I think he should be pissed about how he was shut down in the USF game, i know i am.
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russdigga | Oct 10, 2007 | Reply
While it can be argued that Slaton hasnt been getting as many touches as he should be, I think a better argument is that Pat White on the option has been making a few bad reads and keeping the ball when he should hand off and vice versa, putting slaton in some tough situations… I know that this is an inevitability of the spread option offense, however it seems to be happening much more this year.. maybe because the o-line isnt as productive in the zone blocking scheme as it was last year…
i think that finally adding schmitt to the mix as seen in the syracuse game will open up the defense more and allow slaton to get some big runs in in the next few games… lets hope so at least
Black Beatty | Oct 11, 2007 | Reply
Slaton’s fro is holding him back this year.
Black Beatty’s Top 10 will arrive next week! Stay tuned! I know ya’ll can’t wait.