Ray Davis’s Numbers Compared to Barry Sanders’ (1988 Heisman Year).

[The-Hack]

I watched a twenty year old documentary about Sanders’ record setting 1988 Heisman campaign.

A Coach mentioned that by mid-season, Sanders was averaging a touchdown “about once every nine touches.”

He returned kickoffs, was running back, and caught passes out of the backfield.

For the Hell of it, I decided to compare Ray Davis’s numbers rushing and receiving, and compare them to Sander’s best season.

I excluded kickoffs, as Davis might have done it once or twice, but is not our stalwart returner.

In 1988, Sander’s total touches rushing and receiving totaled 363. He scored 37 touchdowns rushing or receiving, or a touchdown every 9.81 touches from offensive plays.

To date, Ray Davis has 13 touchdowns on 126 rushes and receptions, or one every 9.69 touches from offensive plays.

I found the similarity interesting, especially considering their similarity in size and running style.

 

[The-Hack]

For more comparison, C-Rod’s most productive season, his Junior year, 2021, he had 12 touchdowns on 238 rushes and receptions, a touchdown for every 19.8 touches.

Benny Snell had 3 fairly even seasons, with 48 touchdowns on 766 runs and receptions, a touchdown for every 15.95 touches.

Lynn Bowden saved our season in 2019, playing a running style at QB for the latter half of the season, and receiver the first half. He accumulated 14 touchdowns on 215 combined rushes and receptions on the season, a touchdown for every 15.35 touches.

Ranking these players, I came up with:

1. Ray Davis, 2023 UK, a TD every 9.69 touches;
2. Barry Sanders, 1988 OSU, a TD every 9.81 touches;
3. Lynn Bowden, 2019 UK, a TD every 15.35 touches;
4. Benny Snell, Jr., 3 Years, UK, a TD every 15.95 touches;
5. Chris Rodriguez, 2021 UK, a TD every 19.80 touches.

Yes, Ray’s total numbers are fewer, given they are from only half a season, but the numbers don’t lie.

Consider his “competItion,” in these comparisons: a Heisman Winner (Sanders); a Hornung Award Winner (Bowden); first team All-American (Snell); and first team All SEC (C-Rod).

The fact that Ray Davis’s numbers barely edge what most consider the greatest single season by a back in collegiate history is telling.

The football staff needs a sign on the wall of the practice facility:

RUN RAY DAVIS, STUPID!!

 

[crestcat]

With a back like Davis it should make the passing a simple matter.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Ray Davis is the top back in the SEC this season, but you need to do a little checking on the schedules before comparing, OU played 12 what would be P5 schools in 88 when teams were built to stop the run. Doesn't take away from RD's dominating the SEC this year, but different times. Leary's passing numbers would be impressive for 1988 too. Just different era's and not fair to compare. Like basketball defenses before the shot clock.

 

[Juan4UK]

Ray Davis is the top back in the SEC this season, but you need to do a little checking on the schedules before comparing, OU played 12 what would be P5 schools in 88 when teams were built to stop the run. Doesn't take away from RD's dominating the SEC this year, but different times. Leary's passing numbers would be impressive for 1988 too. Just different era's and not fair to compare. Like basketball defenses before the shot clock.

training today is probably so much better these things may kinda balance out. as you say, different era

 

[IFerg1969]

With a back like Davis it should make the passing a simple matter.

For good coaches that actually care about having a solid passing attack, it probably would.

 

[jgraf_1]

this was the most frustrating part to me sitting in the stands saturday night. davis had 14 runs in the first. only 6 in the second half.

2 of the 6 came on the drive uk scored on the third quarter to lead 21-20.

4 possessions after that and davis had 1 run. i know the game got away late. but missouri no longer expected uk to run starting with the middle of the third quarter and uk played into their hands. they came after leary and the line couldn't hold up.

yenser deserves some heat as well.

 

[The-Hack]

but you need to do a little checking on the schedules before comparing, OU played 12 what would be P5 schools in 88 when teams were built to stop the run. . . . Just different era's and not fair to compare.

Grumpy, you are my favorite UGA fan, but this was a serious swing-and-a-miss.

Sanders played for OSU, not OU (I’m guessing you knew that.)

OSU played WAC Wyoming in 1988, along with a MAC, Miami of Ohio, and (then) independent TU, (Tulsa).

In addition, OSU played moribund programs Kansas and K-State, who went a combined 1-22 that season.

I don’t think the relatively light schedule minimizes what Sanders did. He rushed for over 200 at Nebraska when his team was blown out 63-45. He earned standing ovations from the Husker crowd.

Given the strange similarity in the numbers for Snell, C-Rod and Lynn Bowden, all from 15 to 20 touches for each touchdown in All-American seasons, I think the comparison is fair.

Can you point to several recent players who have averaged a TD every 9.61 touches?

Is that a common occurrence, today?

Let’s look at Nick Chubb.

His most prolific seasons were his frosh and senior years. His first season, he had 16 touchdowns on 237 touches, or a TD for every 14.81 touches. His senior season, he had 15 touchdowns on 227 combined carries and receptions, or a touchdown every 15.13 touches.

Notice the close similarity between Chubb’s numbers and those of UK greats, Snell, Bowden and C-Rod?

Again, Davis’s and Sanders’ stats blow them all out of the water, apparently irrespective of era.

How about Derrick Henry, the last Bama tailback to win the Heisman?

His most prolific season was his Heisman year, 2015, with 28 touchdowns on 406 runs/receptions, or a touchdown every 14.5 touches.

Again, an outstanding number, but in the same range with Nick Chubb and the UK greats.

Pick any player from any era that stats are available. I suspect that Sanders’ 1988 season and Davis’ 2023 season, to date, will still be unicorns when the numbers are run!

 

[K_TIME]

this was the most frustrating part to me sitting in the stands saturday night. davis had 14 runs in the first. only 6 in the second half.

2 of the 6 came on the drive uk scored on the third quarter to lead 21-20.

4 possessions after that and davis had 1 run. i know the game got away late. but missouri no longer expected uk to run starting with the middle of the third quarter and uk played into their hands. they came after leary and the line couldn't hold up.

yenser deserves some heat as well.

Great point..Coen/Stoops have gotten away from Davis way too much in Mizz and UGA games.

 

[crestcat]

Great point..Coen/Stoops have gotten away from Davis way too much in Mizz and UGA games.

Yep, dance with who brought you.

 

[Hjack]

All of this positive talk about Davis makes me want to scream at the coaches about our 'so-called' passing game. I worry that if we don't start getting some significant action from Leary (and the coaches), other teams are going to just ignore the possibility of our quarterback and passing, and completely load the defense for Davis on every play. Which will eventually take care of any possible records he may set.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Pretty amazing stat and even more infuriating that we see his touches go to wrs who drop the ball and absurdly high percentage of times..

Coen's first stint here my only complaint was his refusal to stick with the run. I hoped that one weakness would be different this time but it is maybe worse.

To him, the only value in running the ball is to set up play action. That's it. Plus I'm sure after the Florida game, the staff fielded all kinds of complaints about the touch counts certain guys were promised, because vs Georgia we abandoned the run despite success then vs Mizzou we abandoned the run despite another potentially historic day unfolding.

It's ridiculous

 

[K_TIME]

A

Pretty amazing stat and even more infuriating that we see his touches go to wrs who drop the ball and absurdly high percentage of times..

Coen's first stint here my only complaint was his refusal to stick with the run. I hoped that one weakness would be different this time but it is maybe worse.

To him, the only value in running the ball is to set up play action. That's it. Plus I'm sure after the Florida game, the staff fielded all kinds of complaints about the touch counts certain guys were promised, because vs Georgia we abandoned the run despite success then vs Mizzou we abandoned the run despite another potentially historic day unfolding.

It's ridiculous

Againt Mizzou we coached like Spurrier used to....could not be content to run the ball and had to throw it around a bit. And lost to Stoops his first loss was due to Spurrier getting antsy....and took a L.

Just run the damn ball and we can work in the pass game bit by bit. (no more home run shots)

 

[Deli owl]

I can't agree with running styles.

 

[Grumpyolddawg]

Grumpy, you are my favorite UGA fan, but this was a serious swing-and-a-miss.

Sanders played for OSU, not OU (I’m guessing you knew that.)

OSU played WAC Wyoming in 1988, along with a MAC, Miami of Ohio, and (then) independent TU, (Tulsa).

In addition, OSU played moribund programs Kansas and K-State, who went a combined 1-22 that season.

I don’t think the relatively light schedule minimizes what Sanders did. He rushed for over 200 at Nebraska when his team was blown out 63-45. He earned standing ovations from the Husker crowd.

Given the strange similarity in the numbers for Snell, C-Rod and Lynn Bowden, all from 15 to 20 touches for each touchdown in All-American seasons, I think the comparison is fair.

Can you point to several recent players who have averaged a TD every 9.61 touches?

Is that a common occurrence, today?

Let’s look at Nick Chubb.

His most prolific seasons were his frosh and senior years. His first season, he had 16 touchdowns on 237 touches, or a TD for every 14.81 touches. His senior season, he had 15 touchdowns on 227 combined carries and receptions, or a touchdown every 15.13 touches.

Notice the close similarity between Chubb’s numbers and those of UK greats, Snell, Bowden and C-Rod?

Again, Davis’s and Sanders’ stats blow them all out of the water, apparently irrespective of era.

How about Derrick Henry, the last Bama tailback to win the Heisman?

His most prolific season was his Heisman year, 2015, with 28 touchdowns on 406 runs/receptions, or a touchdown every 14.5 touches.

Again, an outstanding number, but in the same range with Nick Chubb and the UK greats.

Pick any player from any era that stats are available. I suspect that Sanders’ 1988 season and Davis’ 2023 season, to date, will still be unicorns when the numbers are run!

No, I was in error, OU played 11 P5 schools. IMO, Barry Sanders is the best RB i have ever seen play. Better than Herschel, better than Bo or anyone else who play in my lifetime. Ray Davis is the best back in SEC this season, but imo he isn't on Barry Sanders level. All these guys mentioned would give you a shot to tackle the, you mostly wouldn't, Barry Sanders would break your ankle trying to touch him.

As I said Different era, in 80's teams ran the ball, defenses were built to stop the run, coaches started creating passing offenses to take advantage of LB types playing in the secondary.

Been lots of AA running backs, including all those you named not on the same level as Barry Sanders. At the very least Ray Davis deserves to be first team all SEC,in serious consideration for AA RB, but Barry Sander level he isn't. In this era he has almost no shot at a Heisman because he isn't a QB.

Of course Chubb first and last years were his best, was healthy as a frosh, knee injury as a sophomore and about 90% as a Jr. A healthy Chubb was in top 5 backs I saw play at UGA.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Ray Davis is the best back in SEC this season, but imo he isn't on Barry Sanders level.

I am pretty sure the argument is purely a statistical comparison in terms of touches per TD. I don't think anyone believes ray Davis is anywhere close to Barry Sanders in terms of actual ability

 

[Johnfarrel]

Yep, dance with who brought you.

When you get down a couple of touchdowns the running game goes out the window especially late in the game as against Missouri .

 

[vhcat70]

I just want to win.

 

[crestcat]

When you get down a couple of touchdowns the running game goes out the window especially late in the game as against Missouri .

But we went away from it pretty early and Davis is as apt to break one as our passing game. Statistically he is probably more likely.

 

[The-Hack]

I am pretty sure the argument is purely a statistical comparison in terms of touches per TD. I don't think anyone believes ray Davis is anywhere close to Barry Sanders in terms of actual ability

Hmmmm.

I’m a believer in statistics.

Ray might not be near Sanders ability, but it can’t be proved with these numbers!!

 

[Madcat62]

When you get down a couple of touchdowns the running game goes out the window especially late in the game as against Missouri .

they went away from it before getting down.

 

[The-Hack]

they went away from it before getting down.

Yes.

We recaptured the lead in the third, and still went w/o many touches for Ray.

And “touches” for Ray include passes, as he is one of the most efficient receivers we have.

 

[TucsonCat]

I think I'm more impressed that Sanders had 363 touches. In 11 games. They just ran him in to the ground. I think NFL has magic carry total not to exceed at 370, and that's 16 games.

 

[The-Hack]

I can't agree with running styles.

Frankly, without re-watching Sanders for an hour, I would have disagreed, also.

Davis and Sanders are about the same size. Ray’s and Sanders’ greatest strength is lateral quickness to avoid contact.

Ray appears to have a slight edge in top speed. Sanders was not as fast, frequently getting caught from behind, but had Snell-like ability to absorb contact and keep going: he broke more tackles than does Davis.

Regardless of style, the results so far have been freakishly similar!!

 

[UKWildcats1987]

If only Davis had a good team around him to get him the Heisman notice he deserves. Ok state went 10 and 2 n 1988.

Also see Larry Coker was offensive coordinator. Remember when miami fans thought he was the problem n miami lol.

 

[Madcat62]

Yes.

We recaptured the lead in the third, and still went w/o many touches for Ray.

And “touches” for Ray include passes, as he is one of the most efficient receivers we have.

I think that falls on Coen trying to keep some prima donnas happy with targets. the slow pace that's got Stoops name all over it protecting the D

 

[Caveman Catfan]

Grumpy, you are my favorite UGA fan,

LOL that does not tell me much.

 

[CRZ4UK]

Grumpy, you are my favorite UGA fan, but this was a serious swing-and-a-miss.

Sanders played for OSU, not OU (I’m guessing you knew that.)

OSU played WAC Wyoming in 1988, along with a MAC, Miami of Ohio, and (then) independent TU, (Tulsa).

In addition, OSU played moribund programs Kansas and K-State, who went a combined 1-22 that season.

I don’t think the relatively light schedule minimizes what Sanders did. He rushed for over 200 at Nebraska when his team was blown out 63-45. He earned standing ovations from the Husker crowd.

Given the strange similarity in the numbers for Snell, C-Rod and Lynn Bowden, all from 15 to 20 touches for each touchdown in All-American seasons, I think the comparison is fair.

Can you point to several recent players who have averaged a TD every 9.61 touches?

Is that a common occurrence, today?

Let’s look at Nick Chubb.

His most prolific seasons were his frosh and senior years. His first season, he had 16 touchdowns on 237 touches, or a TD for every 14.81 touches. His senior season, he had 15 touchdowns on 227 combined carries and receptions, or a touchdown every 15.13 touches.

Notice the close similarity between Chubb’s numbers and those of UK greats, Snell, Bowden and C-Rod?

Again, Davis’s and Sanders’ stats blow them all out of the water, apparently irrespective of era.

How about Derrick Henry, the last Bama tailback to win the Heisman?

His most prolific season was his Heisman year, 2015, with 28 touchdowns on 406 runs/receptions, or a touchdown every 14.5 touches.

Again, an outstanding number, but in the same range with Nick Chubb and the UK greats.

Pick any player from any era that stats are available. I suspect that Sanders’ 1988 season and Davis’ 2023 season, to date, will still be unicorns when the numbers are run!

Ouch….. burn baby. Facts can turn a discussion quickly. Grumpy is a good guy but since they went on their run. If you’re not going to anoint King Kirby as the greatest human ever. You’re just wasting your breath.

 

[DCFseattle]

I found the similarity interesting, especially considering their similarity in size and running style.

My brother, their styles aren't similar at all. Sanders's moves had moves. Nobody compares stylistically to him.

 

[Greezy Kreek]

I’m not sure many players can hold or carry Sanders water,……& he’s the most genuine humble all American, & all pro,….since ,… probably since my people are telling me,…..since probably,…. probably since Abraham Lincoln.

He truly was about as opposite of todays pre Madonna type Ocho Sinco & TO , Icky shufflers, and look@ me types that abound in todays league as it gets. In fact if they’re pre Madonnas I’d have to say Barry Sanders is/was a post Madonna. & this was before the borderline #1 and the smash hit Pappa don’t preach. …. the spicy little number where she straight up tells her daddy she’s made up urr mind she’s uhh keepin the baby. Long b4 Dennis Rodman his homo fantasy’s, Kim Jung the Illist & the like a prayer era.

Also I guess UK football didn’t know it was the era of Defense’s being built to stop the run. Had we known that we might had stacked 4 more win’s during said era.

And if I’m ever accused and charged with murder in a southern state,
if my friends cousin Vinny is not for hire or available……. I’d like to retain the Hacks services tonight just in case. The tisticks referenced cannot and will not be refuted.

 

[Chad Rock]

I’m not sure many players can hold or carry Sanders water,……& he’s the most genuine humble all American, & all pro,….since ,… probably since my people are telling me,…..since probably,…. probably since Abraham Lincoln.

He truly was about as opposite of todays pre Madonna type Ocho Sinco & TO , Icky shufflers, and look@ me types that abound in todays league as it gets. In fact if they’re pre Madonnas I’d have to say Barry Sanders is/was a post Madonna. & this was before the borderline #1 and the smash hit Pappa don’t preach. …. the spicy little number where she straight up tells her daddy she’s made up urr mind she’s uhh keepin the baby. Long b4 Dennis Rodman his homo fantasy’s, Kim Jung the Illist & the like a prayer era.

Also I guess UK football didn’t know it was the era of Defense’s being built to stop the run. Had we known that we might had stacked 4 more win’s during said era.

And if I’m ever accused and charged with murder in a southern state,
if my friends cousin Vinny is not for hire or available……. I’d like to retain the Hacks services tonight just in case. The tisticks referenced cannot and will not be refuted.

Pre Madonna…Hack, as Stone Cold would say, can I get a hell yeah!?!?

 

[The-Hack]

And if I’m ever accused and charged with murder in a southern state,
if my friends cousin Vinny is not for hire or available……. I’d like to retain the Hacks services tonight just in case..

Lol!!

Yeah, my sh!t would best be for Southeastern areas.

Buckeyes have a hard time understanding me.

Preach it, my innocent Blue Brother!

Pre-meditated Murder?

Look at my friend, Mr. Creek . . . he ain’t capable of pre-meditating anything, as he’s a pre-Madonna!!

And Madonna wasn’t just showing off or lying in Material Girl . . . they all have a thread of sheer materialism!!

 

[ukdesi]

If only Davis had a good team around him to get him the Heisman notice he deserves. Ok state went 10 and 2 n 1988.

Also see Larry Coker was offensive coordinator. Remember when miami fans thought he was the problem n miami lol.

This is a good point. OSU likely had a much better team than UK this year, which definitely helps with the numbers. Davis is doing this on a mediocre UK team.

 

[Greezy Kreek]

The Hack with cyber gold on these hallowed threads….forever etched ,…..in x’s & o’s in whatever the cloud is.

“ if Madonna was with the Worm , then this indictment must burn” …….. get me the Venmo so I can lock in this wordsmith 🙏

Lol!!

Yeah, my sh!t would best be for Southeastern areas.

Buckeyes have a hard time understanding me.

Preach it, my innocent Blue Brother!

Pre-meditated Murder?

Look at my friend, Mr. Creek . . . he ain’t capable of pre-meditating anything, as he’s a pre-Madonna!!

And Madonna wasn’t just showing off or lying in Material Girl . . . they all have a thread of sheer materialism!!