Armando Allen: The New Reggie Bush

As the excitement builds for the coming season in South Bend, Irish fans are excited, once again, for football. Much of the focus is on the offensive line, as it should be. After having ups and downs the last two years, the line finally appears to be in place.

Of course that immediately makes the Irish think of Jimmy Clausen having time to throw to Golden Tate and Michael Floyd. Of course that will be a huge factor. But the other factor will be the running game, which for some reason seems to have gone overlooked this off-season.

An improved line should help the running game as much as it does the passing game. Notre Dame's backfield should consist primarily of Armando Allen and Robert Hughes. James Aldridge figures to get carries as well.

Looking at the dynamics of this backfield, it kind of reminds me of a similar one by our arch rival. A few years ago, USC had a couple of runners in Reggie Bush and Lendale White. Of course Reggie Bush was the guy with all the accolades, but White really was the main runner.

Bush was listed as the starter at tailback, but we all know that his game was much more than taking handoffs. He was a threat as a receiver and as a return man as well. He really gave new meaning to the term "all purpose."

Having said that, Bush really wasn't the featured back, even though he was the starter. White was clearly the better pure runner and got the carries in key situations. It is White who has the record for rushing touchdowns at USC. These two really complimented each other well.

Now getting back to Notre Dame, Allen has the capabilities to be that kind of guy. He can return well and is great receiving out of the backfield. I also like the way he hits the hole. He is another guy who can be great at "all purpose."

Allen should be used much the same way as Bush. The reason is that you are cheating the team if he isn't. If they try to make him a pure runner, then we won't get all he has to offer, and it will hurt his performance. The Saints have tried to make Bush a featured back, and it really hasn't worked.

My suggestion is to list Allen as the starter, but use him in multiple areas. As capable as he is of making big plays, I am not sure he can pick up tough yards like Hughes and Aldridge can. Therefore, let those guys be the key runners, and let Allen be the wild card.

Allen looks to be ready to break out and have a monster year. Just remember to evaluate his performance differently each week than you would other running backs. Most of the time you look at a runner and look at rushing yards first. Anything else they do is a bonus. That is fine if you are evaluating a featured back.

Guys like Allen and Bush are not featured backs. They never will be. They are too versatile. Therefore, look at all-purpose yards when evaluating performance.

In closing, while all eyes are on Jimmy Clausen, it is Allen who really may be the difference maker in South Bend.