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isconsin running backs coach Thomas
Hammock puts more stock in some statistical categories than others. High on his
list are yards after contact (YAC) and one-on-one efficiency.
What about rushing yards? The Badgers are running for 307.9 per game and lead the nation in average yards per carry (7.01), which would obliterate
the school record (5.52) set 17 years ago.
"To me,'' Hammock said, "that's an offensive team
stat because no back gets yards by himself. Now,
when he gets that one-on-one opportunity and he
wins that matchup, some of that is on him.''
Hammock said the goal is to win "75 percent'' every week. The Badgers had seven runs of 30 or more
yards against Indiana; more than 64 FBS teams have
produced individually for the whole season.
"That's why you've seen us be more explosive as
an offense because we've been able to win those
matchups,'' he said. "To lose Montee Ball and you
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VARSITY November 21, 2013
become a more dynamic offense, why is that?''
One-on-one efficiency ― ballcarrier vs. wouldbe-tackler ― is a big part of the answer, Hammock
suggested. The Badgers have had 35 runs of 20-plus
yards; 13 of 40-plus; and seven of 60-plus.
"That's certainly something we talked about in
the offseason, and we put a bigger emphasis on
that,'' reiterated Hammock who's completing his
third season at Wisconsin. "I have been pleased.''
Hammock had a teaching point during the Indiana
game when Melvin Gordon broke into the clear ―
the second level of the defense ― and was matched
one-on-one with safety Greg Heban.
"Melvin tried to do too many moves before he
closed space,'' Hammock said. "It's something that
we practice for all the time ― for that one moment.''
Heban made the tackle in the open field and "limited'' Gordon to a gain of 15 yards ― limited because
it could have been a bigger play. Gordon already has
nine runs of 30-plus yards and six of 40-plus.
