Without Bernie in the mix as QB, the Herd is in a tight spot offensively.
I think what 2xbison is trying to say is this:
With Bernie Morris as QB, the defense has to play safe in watching for him to run. Bernie's legs keep Herd drives alive. When their is nothing there and the screen isn't available, BM can take off, not only scramble, but actually make people miss and turn a no gain - 3 yard Skinner sramble into a BM 15 - 19 YARD GAIN. And let's not forget about the option.
Also, just when the opposing defense starts focusing in on BM, here comes the Bradshaw misdirection play. Or here comes Chubb Small running for a big gain.
With Skinner in there, that option was taking away. The defense then keyed in on Bradshaw and the running game, forcing Skinner to beat them.
Now a couple of things happened all together to limit AB to 10 touches.
#1 Bradshaw lets the defensive stops get to him and lets his emotions take him out of his game.
#2 Bradshaw fumbled the ball away.
#3 Offensive game plan abandoned the run too quick.
When Skinner came in for BM in relief, he was a fresh breath of air because he could move the ball on defenses that prepared for BM and AB style of play.
Now with Skinner the starter, defenses can prepare the way ECU did. Take away running game and make QB beat you with his arm.
If BM isn't back for UTEP, we are in serious trouble.
This is BERNIE MORRIS's team and they really missed their leader Saturday.
TURNOVERS is the bottom line. We made too many mistakes and it cost us the game.