For as dreadful as Rhode Island was in 2014, its running game did provide at least a small glimmer of hope. When the Rams were even slightly successful, they ran the ball well. In their 13-7 win over Towson on Nov. 22, running backs Lyle McCombs and Harold Cooper combined for 157 rushing yards on 37 carries.
McCombs (formerly of UConn, if you forgot), who averaged 110.5 yards rushing in the six games he played, was the leader of the Rams' ground attack. He's gone now, but he's replaced by sophomore Harold Cooper, who was nearly as productive as McCombs last season, even if in a more limited role.