So much for Kentucky's running back-by-committee

Kentucky football has had exceptional running back talent for the last several years, often showcasing a feature back who took the bulk of the carries. Everyone knew Chris Rodriguez, Benny Snell, and Boom Williams, were going to get the lion’s share of the rush attempts and that was just fine.

This season, that feature-back mentality was going to change. Mark Stoops strongly hinted that Kentucky would embrace a more running back-by-committee approach to provide change-of-pace versatility to the offense. Ray Davis entered the game as the starter, but the Wildcats’ deep running back room would surely be on full display in an attempt to depart from the bell cow running back philosophy.

Down 7-3 in the first quarter against Ball State, that plan went out the window.

It was the Ray Davis show in the backfield

Ray Davis started the game, ended the game, and played almost every snap in between. Davis finished his Kentucky debut with 14 carries for 112 yards and tacked on three catches for 10 yards in the passing game. Davis’s 17 touches accounted for 75 percent of Kentucky’s total running back touches in the game.

JuTahn McClain was the only other running back to receive any carries, toting the rock four times for nine yards. He also caught a pass for nine yards. Newcomer from NC State, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, showcased his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well but had just two receptions for 18 yards.

Even when the game was out of reach, it was clear the Wildcats were intent on working through the glitches of their first-team offense. Those of us who had Kentucky -26.5 appreciate that, as Ray Davis made bettors extremely happy by scurrying into the endzone on what was likely to be Kentucky’s final offensive play of the game. However betting line aside, it was a little surprising McClain, DSK, or even Ramon Jefferson wasn’t in the game in the final few minutes with the Wildcats up 23.

Will this be Kentucky’s plan throughout the season?

Devin Leary, Dane Key, and even Mark Stoops admitted after the game that everyone had some underlying anxiousness and jitteriness going into the first game, and while they were likely referencing players, coaches were not immune to opening day excitement.

With the offense looking a little out of sync, the coaching staff appeared to revert to a “play the best players” mentality, keeping the backup tailbacks on the sideline for the most part.

Earlier this week, Ray Davis said one of his goals for this game was to see Ramon Jefferson score a touchdown. Instead, Jefferson never sniffed the field.

Will Davis consume 75 percent of all of Kentucky’s running back touches throughout this season, barring injury? The next two games will likely be a good indicator. It is very possible Stoops maximized his first stringers’ playing time to iron out the wrinkles. If the offense stays wrinkle-free and smooth against Eastern Kentucky next week and Akron the following week, McClain and DSK could see a much more balanced touch share.

If not, don’t expect the running back-by-committee to suddenly emerge once SEC play begins in Week 4.

The good thing is that if Ray Davis remains the featured back all season, he is a good one to have. Davis says he feels blessed to be at Kentucky, and after his first outing as a Wildcat, Big Blue Nation reciprocates that feeling.