I think this has a LOT to do with TM, and our G-C-G interior of the OL.
Let's be honest, JeT for his prowess in this offense, was not a very strong threat to run the ball up the middle. CPJ has no qualms running QB follows, or midline with Taquan. I was thinking about this some the other day. CPJ has never had a "full field" threat at QB...and Taquan just might be the closest thing CPJ has had up till now. Taquan isn't a burner like JeT, but he's got enough quickness and explosiveness that running option schemes outside the tackles. In fact, his quickness in short spaces may be better than JeT's, though JeT has him beat after 20 yards. Taquan is a good enough passer (accuracy and arm strength) that you have to respect our passing at all levels. Taquan also has the ability to create something out of nothing so the defense feels like they're in a bind on every play. As I said previously, Taquan is also a good runner between the tackles. You literally have to defend the full field against Taquan. Has anyone noticed this season that teams are shooting the perimeter on us less often? They are less apt to shoot to motion side. Taquan is making defenses play us differently.
Our GCG OL interior is probably the most talented group of players we've had here since CPJ came to GT. You know what CPJ is? He's a good coach that recognizes that and is going to make use of it. I think once CPJ saw Shamire was able to go extended minutes, he knew he had a core to game plan the rest of our offense around. We're getting EASY 3-5 yards behind Braun, Cooper, and Shamire. Doesn't matter who's back there, Benson or Howard or QFro or Taquan, all those guys are pretty much a lock to get 3-5 yards more times than not. And as the games winds on, and the defense gets worn down, it really shows.
Given the above, I think CPJ is calling plays to our strengths more than game planning away from the ABs on purpose. You have a strong middle, as we do with the GCG, Taquan, and our BBs, you want to make use of it. We all know how talented our ABs are, but now they have to share play calling with those guys being equally as talented.