Troy was a two time Heisman top 5, including #2. If Breece wins this Heisman this year I'll change my vote.
Poll: All-Time RB
- Thread starter TheSammo
- Start date
Nothing against Hall. But he will never play in an offense where the defense knows he is getting the ball every play. Troy did special things when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball, truly an all time talent. I would go as far to say that Troy probably wins the vote for best Cyclone football player, Hall isn't in that class.
Blaise Bryant would not win this competition but he belongs in the conversation. So does Dexter Green.
It is REALLY hard to say as they each excelled at different things. I think Hall may be the most complete back. The best? Man, this is gonna bug me all day.
EDIT: I think I'd have to go with Troy. As some others have pointed out, he was ALL we had and everyone knew it. They still couldn't stop him. There was also this knock on him that he got a lot of yardage against the other teams' scrubs. This was a myth. I read that 80% of his yards came in the first 2.5 quarters. Yeah, it's gotta be Troy.
It is REALLY hard to say as they each excelled at different things. I think Hall may be the most complete back. The best? Man, this is gonna bug me all day.
EDIT: I think I'd have to go with Troy. As some others have pointed out, he was ALL we had and everyone knew it. They still couldn't stop him. There was also this knock on him that he got a lot of yardage against the other teams' scrubs. This was a myth. I read that 80% of his yards came in the first 2.5 quarters. Yeah, it's gotta be Troy.
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I just won't vote. All in different eras, different schemes, different supporting cast, different schedules, different athletic environments, different coaches, different opposition, .... Just way to many differences to judge one player on the field.
Yeah...if a person watched Troy Davis play...there isn't even a doubt as to whether or not to vote for him! Now...Breece could have a monster year this season and make this a tougher decision but at the moment it isn't even close! This is in no way a slight to Breece or David...Troy was that incredible!
Another vote for Dexter Green. Dexter Green had 3,453 in 3 years (3,585 total in 4 yrs) and 33 TD's (35 in 4 yrs) in 34 games (45 games in 4 years). Need to mention Dwayne Crutchfield. Crutchfield had 2,501 rushing yards and 28 TD's in 22 games in 2 years. Dexter played on the good Earle Bruce teams in 1976, 1977 and 1978. Crutchfield played for the average Donnie Duncan teams in 1980-81
Obviously, it's TD. But I would hate to understate the importance David Montgomery had in the development of the football culture in a winning ISU program. A lot of the things the player leaders on this team do, they learned from him.
Just think the #'s Troy might have put up if he got to play 12-14 games vs 11.
Pete's voice coming through the chintzy radio on our International tractor made Blaise Bryant sound like the greatest back that had ever lived.
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Davis had the best career here and that will never be touched but Breece Hall is a prototype back. Most talented hands down.
I'm throwing Ennis Haywood out there as most underrated RB. A bruiser with versatility, was a very good receiver out of the backfield.
I'm throwing Ennis Haywood out there as most underrated RB. A bruiser with versatility, was a very good receiver out of the backfield.
Duane Crutchfield was amazing. We hadn't seen a RB like him before or since. He was the size of the linemen in those days and could run like a deer. If he had not had such a big head and other problems, I don't think there would be any discussion, although Davis was spectacular too.
I think Hall has a similar enough talent to Davis to where if he was the only relevant player on our offense, he would be putting up Davis numbers, but I do agree that Davis is probably the better RB.
They are all good, or even great. From Crutchfield to Green, from Davis to Hall. Out of all the accomplishments, even back to back 2k seasons.......until someone comes along and tops the Mizzou game where Davis had 378 rushing yards....378........my vote will be Troy.
I've been lucky I've seen all these names mentioned. TD is mine for now everybody knew he was getting the ball and still put up the numbers. I would love for Hall to have the kind of year to change my mind while leading us to the national championship (OK cyclone dreaming 
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The Crutch was fun to watch though. I think he knocked himself out once when he was playing for the Jets. Hurdled the line and ended up on his head if I remember right.
) The Crutch was fun to watch though. I think he knocked himself out once when he was playing for the Jets. Hurdled the line and ended up on his head if I remember right.
I mean, we're talking just a handful of games into his SOPH season in this Heisman promo (link if video isn't working). Maybe the toughest player ISU has ever had...
Davis.
2000 Yds - Twice
Played behind crappy offensive lines/teams
Everyone keyed on him
Heisman finalist.
2000 Yds - Twice
Played behind crappy offensive lines/teams
Everyone keyed on him
Heisman finalist.
I've always equated Breece to Emmitt Smith an extremely gifted back in an ideal situation. Montgomery is more Walter Payton, super human skills with the deck stacked against him. Troy's the tougher one, keep coming back to Eric Dickerson, this is what I'm going to do. How are you going to stop me?