Film study and video analysis of feature UK running back Benny Snell
I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Physicality is the great equalizer in this game we all love, college football.
Whereas some teams may achieve results by stacking the deck with talent, and others may scheme you to death, there's no substitute for an attack that forces you to man-up or it will lay your butt on the grass like fertilizer.
Bottom line: This game of thrones will always be contested along the line of scrimmage, and there's no getting around that.
For the steadily rising University of Kentucky, its decision to start authentically competing along the LOS, whether it be forced or not, considerably leveled the playing field on the way to a 7-5 finish to the regular season with wins over note-worthy foes like Louisville and South Carolina (thrice!).
And, if it would've zigged right when it needed to zag left, it would've added a win over Georgia to its very promising season.
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Offensive coordinator Eddie Gran, who's well-respected in many circles, did a great job of adjusting on the fly and unearthing what may turn out to be the Southeastern Conference's next superstar, then-true freshman running back Benny Snell Jr.
Operating out of what I like to refer to as a "Power Spread," with frequent use of Cheetah personnel, Gran managed to blend quite a few concepts -- most of which aimed at bloodying noses.
Behind an underrated, physical offensive line, Gran ran various quick-hitting, mash-you-on-the-second-level plays: Power O, Counter OH, Inside Zone, Stretch and Split Zone. If you wanted the ideal back to carry out this type of attack, you'd choose one with vision, patience, power and body-lean.
You'd choose one like Snell.
At 5-foot-11, 223 pounds, Snell has the makeup you covet in a franchise back. He has a great understanding of what's necessary to achieve the max on every run, and he's downright fun to watch, too.
As much as Kentucky fans might not want to hear it, he reminds me of former South Carolina superstar RB Marcus Lattimore with his ability to be physical and finesse and, virtually, always finish off runs by gaining an extra couple of yards due to that aforementioned body-lean.
When I studied him in high school, I wondered about his long speed as he seemed to motor down on explosive plays. But kudos to the Cats' strength and conditioning program, as he seems to have picked up a gear and looks a lot leaner and smoother.
Some people may look at the loss of Stanley "Boom" Williams as one that may set UK's offense back a step, and rightfully so, but the fact that this monster, Snell, is about to be unleashed even more to gain a rhythm has to be fright night for those who oppose.
Let's get into some analysis in the form of video.
Murf Baldwin (@MurfBaldwin) is a guest contributor for CatsIllustrated.com. He's the founder of T.E.A.M. (Training, Exposure and Marketing) and is a Rivals.com Playbook/Recruiting Analyst for sites around the network. Visit his YouTube page here for more of his work.