Hidden somewhere in BYU’s 3-0 start is an unanswered question: What’s up with running back Aidan Robbins?
Robbins, who BYU brought in from UNLV and Louisville this offseason, was the Cougars’ Week 1 starter, but didn’t get a carry against Arkansas on Saturday. He only has 10 carries this season for 29 yards.
On the depth chart, he’s now been supplanted by freshman LJ Martin. So what is the issue with the fifth-year senior?
Here was Kalani Sitake’s answer:
“Well I’ll say this about a lot of the players,” Sitake said. “A lot of them are going through some injury issues, which is making it hard for them to compete every week and be the starter.
“Whether you are banged up or not, we have to do the right thing — and that is play the guys that give us the best chance to succeed. We have a number of players who are not hurt enough to where they can’t participate and contribute. But they are also not at 100%. So someone less than 100% might not be as good as somebody who is 100%. I think that is where Aidan falls into that picture.”
Robbins has been dealing with a back injury the last few weeks, a source close to the situation said. He re-aggravated the injury on Tuesday during a weight lifting session and was limited in practice in the lead up to Arkansas, the source said.
But Robbins’ lack of playing time has not been solely attributed to this recent injury.
In Week 1, BYU admitted Robbins was not used much in the second half because Martin gave BYU a “spark.” There was no talk of an injury.
In Week 2, Robbins didn’t get a carry after the first quarter in favor of Martin, and BYU again said Martin broke tackles and that’s why he was elevated.
Now, Sitake is publicly saying Robbins may not be 100%.
Robbins is averaging under 3 yards per touch on 10 carries. Martin is averaging 4.3 yards on 45 carries.
“It is a matter of getting [Robbins], and others, enough practice time, too,” Sitake continued. “We put out the depth chart [Monday], but a lot happens in Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday practices where guys can get banged up. ... When we get to the game, we don’t do another depth chart right before the game.”
Quick Hits
• Southern Utah’s words calling out BYU rang hallow over the weekend.
• Former BYU WR Puka Nacua made history this weekend for the Rams.
Around the Big 12
Baylor — Barely got past Long Island. Are the Bears the worst team in the Big 12?
UCF — No quarterback? No problem for the Knights before Big 12 begins.
Cincinnati — Losses to Miami (OH), spelling doubts about the Bearcats’ new regime.
Houston — Holgorsen calls offense “embarrassing” after TCU loss.
Iowa State — Did the field goal that could’ve tied the game actually go in for the Cyclones?
Kansas — Why the Jayhawks think an underwhelming win over Nevada isn’t a bad thing before BYU comes to town.
Kansas State — Should have time to figure it out against UCF.
Oklahoma — Is the Sooners’ hot start indicative of a bump in recruiting?
Oklahoma State — After loss to South Alabama, the offensive issues continue to spiral.
TCU — Sonny Dykes gets back to basics, and running the ball, as the Horned Frogs win Big 12 opener.
Texas — Didn’t cruise against Wyoming, but avoid a letdown after Alabama win.
Texas Tech — Is avoiding a QB controversy ahead of conference play.
West Virginia — Just when things go right, there is a QB injury to monitor.
