I'll second this comment.  It's hard to watch a talented back get fewer snaps b/c they aren't the best at reading blitzes and blocking.  However, I'm sure Tony Romo could tell you why the team depends on it... 

I'm not questioning the coaches here... they see these kids every day in practice, so they know what they're doing.  But.... for the life of me I can't figure out why Boykin isn't getting more time.  I really really don't see what I'm missing.  

I understand he's not got the pass blocking, but how much does he need to pass block when he's being handed the ball?  

The argument of being worried about giving keys to the Defense about it being a run or a pass because he's in there doesn't work either... We've got two QBs... if Boo is in it's a pass... if Phil is in, it's usually a run... 
Whatever happened to ... "here's what we're going to do... line up and try to stop us"...

We've been begging for a power running game ever since Kalvin left... and I can't figure out why that can't be Boykin...

Not to dismiss the coaching staff--though the play-calling during the 1-3 stretch raised questions.  And EVERY back MUST be a good blocker.  No excuse not to be one.

And the thought that Boykin has gained his yards against defenses that were tired is credible.

But how can you conclude that he can't do it in prime time on that basis?  The only proof is giving him a shot.  ('Every one who is one now once was not one.  No one would ever get a job which they'd never held if you hold to that type of thinking.)

And if you think that we cannot use a true power running game in prime time, then I have no answer as that is so obviously a thought that makes no sense.

As those that sit around me at Peden will attest, I have a man-crush on Boykin. I may have referred to him as a modern-day O.J. Simpson.

But I undestand what's going on here.
- He was injured during the Wofford game and missed the next three games.
- Since coming back, the starter/s at RB have done the job. Unlike last year, Ohio has been able to run the ball for scores. In the red zone, they're at a pretty nice ratio of 75% TD's scored on red zone chances (Ohio's opponents are at 55%).

All in all, Ohio is in a pretty nice spot. You have a guy that can come in and close the door on folks. Plus, you're REALLY going to need him next year when he and Dallas Brown are the only returning RB's with experience. So you can pick your spots with him this year, not have to overuse him, with hopes that he can be a workhorse the next three years. 

More on this situation from The Post's blog: http://thepostonline.net/sportswordpress/?p=1077

Oops, and Harden.

My son and his friend (who's a Wisconsin fan) attended the game last night.  They said that they were a little disappointed on how people weren't getting fired up over Boykin's runs...albeit short ones.

They couldn't believe how he bounced off of people and they kept callin him Bowling Ball Boykin.