Ohio State Football: 5 Reasons J.K. Dobbins should start for the Buckeyes

No. 4 Wally Pip

You have heard the story of Wally Pip right? Probably not, so I will explain. The Wally Pip story is the sports equivalent of the boogey man told by college and pro coaches in every sport. The boogey man comes out if kids don’t go to sleep. In sports, players must play and practice hurt or they run the risk of becoming Wally Pip.

As the story goes, Pip was the first baseman for the Yankees. He took a couple of days off because he had a headache and Lou Gehrig got a shot to play. Pip never got his job back. Now you know who Lou Gehrig is, but don’t remember Pip.

Ohio State true freshman J.K. Dobbins got the start because last years’ starter Mike Weber was recovering from injury. Dobbins showed up and showed out. In theory, a 1,000 yard shouldn’t lose his spot to a true freshman after one game. However, when the freshman carries the ball 29 times for 181 yards the coaches have to legitimately consider the move.

Dobbins was fast, physical and tough to tackle against Indiana. In fact, he looked like he has big time NFL potential. Coaches want to give their upperclassmen opportunities to play, but at the end of the day, the player who gives your team the best opportunity to win must start.