You hear NFL coaches say it all the time — unlike a similar dilemma at the quarterback position, a running back controversy is a good thing.

It may then be a case of “too much of a good thing” for the sprint football team.

Hindered by injuries, although fortunate to have a variety of personnel options, the state of the Red’s backfield is still in question heading into this weekend’s contest against conference foe Princeton at Powers Field.

What a difference a year makes. In 2007, the Cornell defense had been torched for 560 yards on the ground after its first three games. In 2008, Cornell no longer rolls out a “Red” carpet for opposing tailbacks to stroll down on their way to the end zone. In a remarkable turnaround, Cornell leads the Ivy League in rushing defense, surrendering a paltry 111 yards through its first three games of the campaign.