re: Putting Tre Mason's 2013 season in perspective

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How did the system or games played (as someone else mentioned 14 vs 13 or less) help his numbers? If he has less carries and a better ypc then isn't that an apples to apples comparison?

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It's a good thought. Generally when we're talking about system-inflated numbers, it correlates with an offense that allows a QB to throw 60 times a game or something. Admittedly Gus puts together a dynamic offense centered on the run, but how is that different that other teams that want to establish the run foremost?

I think the thought process is that Gus can stick any talented back (the type that even if not that notable, Auburn and the like always seem to have a couple of) in there and get him 1300 yards. That may be true, but it raises interesting questions about the objective superiority of his offense. If the carries are the same, if the games differences are accounted for, and they're still more productive, that's a very good testament to what Gus is doing.

I think Auburn will be a strong offensive team under Gus regardless of who is at RB, so long as they're SEC caliber at least. Nonetheless, can they stay healthy enough to gain yardage like that? Against the best teams in the country?

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How did the system or games played (as someone else mentioned 14 vs 13 or less) help his numbers? If he has less carries and a better ypc then isn't that an apples to apples comparison?

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The comparison is apples to apples with respect to the number of carries (that account for any discrepancy in games played).

System can matter though when comparing different RBs, just as it can matter when comparing QB stats. Malzaln's offense's ability to create space and confusion through misdirection and the hurry up concept is going to produce some big numbers, talent of players notwithstanding to some degree.