To run, or not to run? In the spread-happy Pac-12, that's often a question.

As part of his blog, Phil Steele broke down the run-pass ratio of all 2014 teams and compared it to what those teams did in 2013. For those who like the numbers game, it's an interesting read.

For example, Arizona had one of the largest declines in their run-pass ratio from 2013 to 2014. In 2013, they ran the ball 62.8 percent of the time and passed 37.2 percent of the time. In 2014, that number was nearly 50-50 (well, 50.5-49.5 to be exact).

It doesn't take a lot of sleuthing or math or burnt calories to figure out exactly why. In 2013, the Wildcats had a cat by the name of Ka'Deem Carey, who carried the ball 349 times for 1,885 yards and 19 touchdowns. B.J. Denker was at the helm, completing 61.2 percent of his throws. He proved to be an adequate enough passer, but did just as much damage with his legs (949 yards, 13 touchdowns).

Writes Steele:

By looking at the top teams that ran the ball more often you will see that 7 of the 8 were bowl eligible and almost every head coach will agree if you can run the ball with success the offense is much more productive. The teams that ran the ball far fewer times doesn't however automatically mean the offense is less potent as Bowling Green, UMass and WKU all had success with new coaches or schemes.

On the flip side, Oregon State ran the ball 8.1 percent more last year than they did the year before. Again, for obvious reasons. In 2013, Brandin Cooks was hauling in 128 balls for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns. A season worthy of the Biletnikoff Award. Without a go-to receiver in 2014, however, the Beavers dedicated more time to the running game.

Steele lists this for every team in college football, so check out what your team did last year compared to 2013. Worth noting, too, that three of the top five teams in the country in pass attempts per game come from the Pac-12.