J-Train slow to leave the station

So far this season, it has been slow going for Jorvorskie Lane. 7 carries for 19 yards against New Mexico is nothing to write home about. After missing the season opener against Arkansas State because of a lingering neck stinger/concussion from two-a-days, Lane did little to distinguish himself against UNM. Some sportswriters think Lane needs to improve his attitude (and his blocking), lest he become another Ja'Mar Toombs.  

Lane isn't the only person struggling, though. As a team, A&M ranks last in the Big 12 in rushing offense, averaging a paltry 112.5 yards per game. Against New Mexico, Mike Goodson gained 9 yards on 6 carries. He has an excuse, though, he went down with an injury. Cyrus Gray had 10 carries for 29 yards, and Bradley Stephens had 7 carries for 25 yds against UNM. Obviously, the running game never got on track against the Lobos. Part of this is due to deficiencies in our offensive line, as an inexperienced line learns to adapat to a new scheme. They were also facing New Mexico's 33 Stack defense, whose multiple fronts causes problems for experienced lines, nevermind the youngsters we're throwing out there. However, I have to wonder how much of the problems we're experiencing running the ball as a team might also be due to issues at FB. I haven't analyzed film enough to know, but 1 person not hitting his block out of 11 is all that is needed to make a running play become a loss.

Here's hoping Lane is just adjusting to his new position, and he will be successful once we incorporate him more into the offense, as a blocker, runner, and receiver. Where he will play in the NFL is irrelevant to me; as a college player, he is a weapon, and we need to get the ball into his hands in as many ways as possible.