Joique Bell got the start. Ameer Abdullah got the most touches. Even the undrafted kid, Zach Zenner, got a couple first-half carries.
And then there's Theo Riddick. Remember him?
He was such an offseason darling last year that he got his own hype train. But all that talk about him breaking into the rotation proved to be just that -- talk. He had some nice moments as a receiver, which has always been his strength, but he finished with just 20 carries for 51 yards on the ground and was neglected for long periods when everyone was healthy.
After the loss to San Diego on Sunday, it looks like it will be more of the same in 2015.
Riddick did not enter the game until 4 minutes remained in the second quarter. By then, every other tailback had touched the ball.
He didn't get any carries, and both of his catches -- for 37 yards and one touchdown -- came late in the fourth quarter with the game essentially sealed.
"When he gets the ball in his hands, he's pretty dangerous," coach Jim Caldwell said. "But then the other thing is, we have a number of guys that you're looking at. I think that's the thing that we have to manage."
Riddick's 21-yard touchdown catch was actually a brilliant play, creating separation from linebacker Manti Te'o with a great cut to the inside, then splitting three defensive backs for the score. But he finished with just eight offensive snaps overall, more than only receiver Corey Fuller (seven), Zenner (two) and offensive lineman Taylor Boggs (one). What we learned about Riddick from the opener: He might not play much this season, barring injury, and will be used primarily as a pass-catcher when he does see the field.
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