What We Learned: Mississippi State Versus Auburn

Sep 26, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (1) avoids the tackle of Auburn Tigers linebacker Justin Garrett (26) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Bulldogs Need to Make a Change at Running Back

Ashton Shumpert isn’t getting the job done. And it doesn’t appear it will get any better soon.

Brandon Holloway has had limited opportunities to run the football, but it is time he gets his chance as the primary running back. This will be a huge adjustment for Dan Mullen and his style of offense, but the Bulldogs need to make the running game at least a valid threat. Right now, it simply isn’t.

For whatever reason, Shumpert will not attack the line of scrimmage the way he needs to. The blocking has not helped, but Holloway has the same offensive line in front of him and he has been the far more effective back.

Shumpert has 32 carries compared to Holloway’s 18. But despite that, Shumpert only has 8 more yards. It hit a new low on Saturday against Auburn.

Shumpert ran the ball five times for five yards. Holloway ran the ball four five times for 42 yards. I don’t know if inserting Holloway as the primary running back would be a long term solution, but the Bulldogs need to try something different, and Holloway has earned the right to be given an opportunity.

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