Lost in the disappointment of Syracuse’s start has been the production of sophomore running back Tylik Hill.
The second-year back took advantage of injuries in camp to get more carries against New Hampshire and despite his own injury, Hill’s production has kept him as the lead back. In four games, Hill has carried the ball a nice 69 times for 405 yards and one touchdown.
Hill is one of two ACC running backs averaging over 100 yards per game with 101 yards per game, trailing only Louisville’s Isaac
Brown (148.6 per game). He has been the one Syracuse back who has shown the ability to make explosive runs against opposing defenses with 12 carries over 10 yards.
Syracuse’s offense missed him greatly during the California and Pitt games as he’s been the most consistent running back at staying patient and setting up blocks on the interior. Last week, Hill played only 24 snaps and the Orange handed him the ball on 23 of those plays on his way to a 118 yard night.
The one drawback for Hill this season is that the injury suffered against Cal has hampered his home run ability. In each of the last two games, he’s given himself up on a long run where he had a chance at a touchdown. Against Virginia, the Orange were unable to convert his long run into crucial points early in the second half.
The dilemma that Syracuse faces now is trying to find a way to maximize Hill’s production without minimizing his health. Getting some of the other backs back to where they can help shoulder the load will help, but what Hill has accomplished in this season has put him with some pretty lofty company.
With the current state of the quarterback room, Syracuse will likely lean on the running game again this Saturday night. Will Hill and the Orange be able to control the ball and keep Brown watching on the sidelines?
If there is any hope of an upset, it’ll likely come from Hill being able to continue finding the gaps in the defense.
