Sept. 8, 2022: As the Gophers’ 2022 schedule starts off slow, I thought it would be a great time to discuss how Mo Ibrahim stacks up against the all-time greats.
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Career Projections:
Mo Ibrahim is currently averaging 19.5 carries, 108.1 yards and 1.2 touchdowns per game throughout his Gophers career. If he continues on that pace and Minnesota plays its 11 more scheduled games this season plus one bowl game, his career numbers would look like this.
- 803 carries
- 4,432 yards (86 yards away from Darrell Thompson’s UMN record)
- 49 rushing TDs (1st)
His 49 career touchdowns would be nine more than Darrell Thompson’s 40 in second place and his 4,432 yards would be nipping on the heels of Thompson’s program record, a total that could realistically be reached if the Gophers get an extra game in Indianapolis at the Big Ten Championship. Ibrahim has the numbers to realistically be in the argument to be the greatest running back in program history.
Making the argument:
When making silly arguments about who the GOAT is in any sport, I believe all athletes should be compared at their best, plus how long they did if for. Both elements should play a factor in determining the best career.
Best season:
Darrell Thompson: (1987): 224 carries, 1,229 yards and 13 TDs
- 13 TDs (T5)
Mo Ibrahim: (2020): 201 carries, 1,076 yards and 15 TDs
- 1503.7 yards-per-game (best)
- 7 games of 100 yards (T3rd)
Marion Barber III: (2003): 207 carries, 1,196 yards and 17 TDs/13 catches, 119 yards
- 17 TDs (best)
- 7 games of 100 yards (T3rd)
Laurence Maroney: (2005): 281 carries, 1,464 yards and 10 TDs/17 catches, 170 yards and 1 TD
- 133.1 yards-per-game (2nd)
- 8 games of 100 yards (best)
- 6.92 yards-per-carry (2nd)
- 1,464 yards (2nd)
Bruce Smith: (1941): Only Heisman-winning campaign in UMN history
- 84 carries, 473 yards and 5 TDs
- 13/31 passing, 320 yards and 2 TDs
Career stats:
Darrell Thompson: (1986-89):
- 911 carries, 4,518 yards and 40 TDs/47 catches, 337 yards, 2 TDs
- 44 games
- Most yards in UMN history
- 2nd-most TDs in UMN history
- 2nd-highest-yards-per-game (105.8)
*(Projected) Mo Ibrahim : (2018-22):
- 803 carries, 4,432 yards and 49 TDs/22 catches, 145 yards
- 42 games
- Most TDs
- 2nd-most yards
Marion Barber III: (2001-04):
- 575 carries, 3,276 yards and 35 TDs/21 catches, 190 yards
- 38 games
- 5th-most yards
- 4th-highest yards-per-game (86.2)
- 5th yards-per-carry (5.70)
Laurence Maroney: (2003-05):
- 660 carries, 3,933 yards and 32 TDs/21 catches, 197 yards and 1 TD
- 36 games
- Highest yards-per-game (109.3)
- 4th yards-per-carry (5.96)
Bruce Smith: (1939-41):
- 169 carries, 1,015 yards and 9 TDs
- ~24 games (not official)
- 20/61 passing, 481 yards and 5 TDs
Final Decision:
1. Bruce Smith
Bruce Smith’s numbers do not really compare to the other players on this list, but I was not alive in 1941. He was voted as the most outstanding player in college football, something that nobody else in Gophers football can say. He was also a 2x National Champion, something nobody else on this list can say. In my opinion that puts him atop this list until someone does the same.
2. Darrell Thompson
Thompson’s consistent performance as one of the best running backs in college football for four straight years is too much to ignore. He might’ve not had the same peak as Maroney or Ibrahim, but his consitency is un-matched.
3. Mohamed Ibrahim
Ibrahim’s career arc might be the most unique out of anyone on this list. After being one of the best freshman backs in the country, his role was decreased in 2019 with the return of Rodney Smith. He then had arguably the second-best season in program history in a COVID-shortened 2020 season. After getting injured in the first game of 2021 and missing the rest of the season, he is back to being Mo in 2022, which places him third on my all-time list.
4. Laurence Maroney
Maroney’s three-year stretch can be put up against anyone on this list. As one of the most explosive runners in program history, he holds the fourth highest yards per-carry (5.96) in program history on top of holding the second (93) and tied for sixth (80 twice) longest runs in program history. His 2005 campaign will always be one of the best in Maroon & Gold history.
5. Marion Barber III
The one-two punch of Maroney and Barber III was the first of its kind in college football. The first duo of all time to run for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Barber was one of the most efficient runners in program history, earning 5.7 yards-per-carry throughout his career, ranking fifth best in program history. #Rip21
Honorable Mentions:
- Bronko Nagurski
- Rodney Smith
- David Cobb