example here is Arod who, by and large, is not regarded as a top OC. From what I have observed as a pretty avid fan, I would argue that the best OCs do not tend to do that, and even if they did, that does not necessarily mean it is a smart strategy. Even great coaches can make head scratching decisions at times. Can you find any reason why it would be wise to run up the middle on 2nd/3rd and long? More often than not it's a drive killer. It puts our QB in an unenviable position where he has one down to make a play or we just waste an opportunity to take a shot past the sticks and end up punting after a 3 and out. I have yet to see running up the middle on 2nd/3rd and long be a successful strategy to move the chains. You have a very low probability of getting a first down on the drive running on 2nd/3rd and long. Few teams average more than 4-5 yards per carry. Why would you run a play that typically gets you 4-5 yards when it's 3rd and 7+? You don't have to be Nick Saban to see that call has a low probability of success.