Somebody was nice enough to post every offensive snap Utah had in DeKalb last year, and I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to watch what NIU's line does to Utah's.
First of all, yes, Sutton was a monster in that game (8 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks), but pay attention to how many plays are made by guys who will be playing Saturday.
Well, maybe Utah's line was just young last year, right? False, they only return 2 starters, their LT (who played RT in the game last year) and their C who played LG last year. Both guards will be making their second career start and their RT is making his 9th career start.
So let's talk about it.
00: First play of the game, Lorbeck beats the LT to the inside and tackles the RB for a loss
0:10 Pugh and AJD string out a run play which AJD and Mykelti clean up
:15 Quick pass over the middle which AJD breaks up
:40 RPO where Sutton is unblocked and Huntley swings out to to Covey, who Foster makes a great tackle on
1:10 Read option where Sutton is unblocked (good call) and Sutton swallows up Huntley
2:00 LT gets beaten inside, forcing the RB outside and Cole cleans it up
2:07 jet sweep to Covey that gets swallowed up by Cole and Foster
2:15 4th and 1, Utah gets zero push, and Pugh stuffs huntley in the hole
2:22 Huntley's already got happy feet. Steps out of a clean pocket right into Lorbeck who forces an incompletion
2:30 Wynne beats the RT who is now the LT around the edge, forcing Huntley to step up and run
2:40 Huntley's got happy feet, sails an out route
2:48 Mykelti decleates Moss
If you haven't noticed it by now, watch how quick the ball is coming out on this point. Almost everything is 3 step drops
3:55 3 man rush which Huntley steps through and makes a nice throw to set up Utah inside the red zone
4:00 3 step drop which LDJ should have picked
4:15 Yeah, Sutton was good
4:38 Kennedy torches the RT who is now their LT and gets a sack
4:57 Lorbeck runs through the LG who is now the center and gets a strip sack
5:06 Wynne took a dumb penalty, so Kennedy forces Huntley to scramble and Lorbeck gets another sack
5:28 Playaction pass and Huntley gets blasted as he throws it but throws an absolute dime on a deep ball. Hell of a play.
7:35 the entire left side of their line gets caved in by Kramer, LeRoy, and Sutton
7:40 Wynne blows by the pulling LG (who is now their center) and forces the runner inside
7:50 they pull the center to try to block Wynne on a pass play, and yeah that doesn't go well. LeRoy and Sutton don't really get blocked either
7:55 lol
8:07 Huntley running for his life
8:15 one of their most productive plays of the night is when their OL literally just doesn't move
8:34 Sutton forces Huntley to step up and he's sacked by Pugh, Heflin, and Kramer
8:45 Pocket is collapsing around Huntley, throws an incompletion
8:57 Good effort trying to block Kramer here by the LG who is now the C
9:10 absolutely no push by anyone on their line, Cole forces and recovers a fumble
9:15 the amount of times they just don't block Sutton in this game is comical
9:28 missed tackle by Foster leads to a big play
9:40 Lorbeck goes unblocked, forces Moss into Sutton
9:47 AJD gets home on a blitz
10:00 more dudes just coming unblocked
10:07 Wynne doesn't get blocked
Now yes, maybe playing in Salt Lake City will randomly make their line better. Maybe the 3 new starters (or the two guys coming back who got beat plenty in the game last year) will be better than the combo they had last year. Or maybe the front 7 which hasn't given up a 100 yard rusher since 2017 will win the battle up front like they always do.
Illinois State's RB was a first team FCS all-American and a finalist for the FCS heisman trophy last year. He had 13 carries for 16 yards on Saturday.
NIU's line dominated Utah's line as much as you will ever see in the game last year. The only reason Utah won that game was because of 1 great throw by Huntley and NIU having doo doo for a QB. Harbison and Jones were relatively effective (20 carries, 99 yards), but Childers just did nothing.
Utah scored 16 points on offense and Huntley had 106 yards passing against BYU on Thursday. If NIU's line can protect at all, they're going to have a shot.
(This post was last modified: 09-03-2019 10:38 PM by 7.)
(09-03-2019 10:38 PM)7 Wrote: Somebody was nice enough to post every offensive snap Utah had in DeKalb last year, and I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to watch what NIU's line does to Utah's.
First of all, yes, Sutton was a monster in that game (8 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks), but pay attention to how many plays are made by guys who will be playing Saturday.
Well, maybe Utah's line was just young last year, right? False, they only return 2 starters, their LT (who played RT in the game last year) and their C who played LG last year. Both guards will be making their second career start and their RT is making his 9th career start.
So let's talk about it.
00: First play of the game, Lorbeck beats the LT to the inside and tackles the RB for a loss
0:10 Pugh and AJD string out a run play which AJD and Mykelti clean up
:15 Quick pass over the middle which AJD breaks up
:40 RPO where Sutton is unblocked and Huntley swings out to to Covey, who Foster makes a great tackle on
1:10 Read option where Sutton is unblocked (good call) and Sutton swallows up Huntley
2:00 LT gets beaten inside, forcing the RB outside and Cole cleans it up
2:07 jet sweep to Covey that gets swallowed up by Cole and Foster
2:15 4th and 1, Utah gets zero push, and Pugh stuffs huntley in the hole
2:22 Huntley's already got happy feet. Steps out of a clean pocket right into Lorbeck who forces an incompletion
2:30 Wynne beats the RT who is now the LT around the edge, forcing Huntley to step up and run
2:40 Huntley's got happy feet, sails an out route
2:48 Mykelti decleates Moss
If you haven't noticed it by now, watch how quick the ball is coming out on this point. Almost everything is 3 step drops
3:55 3 man rush which Huntley steps through and makes a nice throw to set up Utah inside the red zone
4:00 3 step drop which LDJ should have picked
4:15 Yeah, Sutton was good
4:38 Kennedy torches the RT who is now their LT and gets a sack
4:57 Lorbeck runs through the LG who is now the center and gets a strip sack
5:06 Wynne took a dumb penalty, so Kennedy forces Huntley to scramble and Lorbeck gets another sack
5:28 Playaction pass and Huntley gets blasted as he throws it but throws an absolute dime on a deep ball. Hell of a play.
7:35 the entire left side of their line gets caved in by Kramer, LeRoy, and Sutton
7:40 Wynne blows by the pulling LG (who is now their center) and forces the runner inside
7:50 they pull the center to try to block Wynne on a pass play, and yeah that doesn't go well. LeRoy and Sutton don't really get blocked either
7:55 lol
8:07 Huntley running for his life
8:15 one of their most productive plays of the night is when their OL literally just doesn't move
8:34 Sutton forces Huntley to step up and he's sacked by Pugh, Heflin, and Kramer
8:45 Pocket is collapsing around Huntley, throws an incompletion
8:57 Good effort trying to block Kramer here by the LG who is now the C
9:10 absolutely no push by anyone on their line, Cole forces and recovers a fumble
9:15 the amount of times they just don't block Sutton in this game is comical
9:28 missed tackle by Foster leads to a big play
9:40 Lorbeck goes unblocked, forces Moss into Sutton
9:47 AJD gets home on a blitz
10:00 more dudes just coming unblocked
10:07 Wynne doesn't get blocked
Now yes, maybe playing in Salt Lake City will randomly make their line better. Maybe the 3 new starters (or the two guys coming back who got beat plenty in the game last year) will be better than the combo they had last year. Or maybe the front 7 which hasn't given up a 100 yard rusher since 2017 will win the battle up front like they always do.
Illinois State's RB was a first team FCS all-American and a finalist for the FCS heisman trophy last year. He had 13 carries for 16 yards on Saturday.
NIU's line dominated Utah's line as much as you will ever see in the game last year. The only reason Utah won that game was because of 1 great throw by Huntley and NIU having doo doo for a QB. Harbison and Jones were relatively effective (20 carries, 99 yards), but Childers just did nothing.
Utah scored 16 points on offense and Huntley had 106 yards passing against BYU on Thursday. If NIU's line can protect at all, they're going to have a shot.
(09-03-2019 10:38 PM)7 Wrote: Somebody was nice enough to post every offensive snap Utah had in DeKalb last year, and I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to watch what NIU's line does to Utah's.
First of all, yes, Sutton was a monster in that game (8 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 sacks), but pay attention to how many plays are made by guys who will be playing Saturday.
Well, maybe Utah's line was just young last year, right? False, they only return 2 starters, their LT (who played RT in the game last year) and their C who played LG last year. Both guards will be making their second career start and their RT is making his 9th career start.
So let's talk about it.
00: First play of the game, Lorbeck beats the LT to the inside and tackles the RB for a loss
0:10 Pugh and AJD string out a run play which AJD and Mykelti clean up
:15 Quick pass over the middle which AJD breaks up
:40 RPO where Sutton is unblocked and Huntley swings out to to Covey, who Foster makes a great tackle on
1:10 Read option where Sutton is unblocked (good call) and Sutton swallows up Huntley
2:00 LT gets beaten inside, forcing the RB outside and Cole cleans it up
2:07 jet sweep to Covey that gets swallowed up by Cole and Foster
2:15 4th and 1, Utah gets zero push, and Pugh stuffs huntley in the hole
2:22 Huntley's already got happy feet. Steps out of a clean pocket right into Lorbeck who forces an incompletion
2:30 Wynne beats the RT who is now the LT around the edge, forcing Huntley to step up and run
2:40 Huntley's got happy feet, sails an out route
2:48 Mykelti decleates Moss
If you haven't noticed it by now, watch how quick the ball is coming out on this point. Almost everything is 3 step drops
3:55 3 man rush which Huntley steps through and makes a nice throw to set up Utah inside the red zone
4:00 3 step drop which LDJ should have picked
4:15 Yeah, Sutton was good
4:38 Kennedy torches the RT who is now their LT and gets a sack
4:57 Lorbeck runs through the LG who is now the center and gets a strip sack
5:06 Wynne took a dumb penalty, so Kennedy forces Huntley to scramble and Lorbeck gets another sack
5:28 Playaction pass and Huntley gets blasted as he throws it but throws an absolute dime on a deep ball. Hell of a play.
7:35 the entire left side of their line gets caved in by Kramer, LeRoy, and Sutton
7:40 Wynne blows by the pulling LG (who is now their center) and forces the runner inside
7:50 they pull the center to try to block Wynne on a pass play, and yeah that doesn't go well. LeRoy and Sutton don't really get blocked either
7:55 lol
8:07 Huntley running for his life
8:15 one of their most productive plays of the night is when their OL literally just doesn't move
8:34 Sutton forces Huntley to step up and he's sacked by Pugh, Heflin, and Kramer
8:45 Pocket is collapsing around Huntley, throws an incompletion
8:57 Good effort trying to block Kramer here by the LG who is now the C
9:10 absolutely no push by anyone on their line, Cole forces and recovers a fumble
9:15 the amount of times they just don't block Sutton in this game is comical
9:28 missed tackle by Foster leads to a big play
9:40 Lorbeck goes unblocked, forces Moss into Sutton
9:47 AJD gets home on a blitz
10:00 more dudes just coming unblocked
10:07 Wynne doesn't get blocked
Now yes, maybe playing in Salt Lake City will randomly make their line better. Maybe the 3 new starters (or the two guys coming back who got beat plenty in the game last year) will be better than the combo they had last year. Or maybe the front 7 which hasn't given up a 100 yard rusher since 2017 will win the battle up front like they always do.
Illinois State's RB was a first team FCS all-American and a finalist for the FCS heisman trophy last year. He had 13 carries for 16 yards on Saturday.
NIU's line dominated Utah's line as much as you will ever see in the game last year. The only reason Utah won that game was because of 1 great throw by Huntley and NIU having doo doo for a QB. Harbison and Jones were relatively effective (20 carries, 99 yards), but Childers just did nothing.
Utah scored 16 points on offense and Huntley had 106 yards passing against BYU on Thursday. If NIU's line can protect at all, they're going to have a shot.
Nice analysis. I remember how close we were last year. I don't understand their fans who think a 50 point win is likely. We are a better team than last year despite our losses. They are still the better team, but I think it is going to be a good game.
I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
(This post was last modified: 09-04-2019 09:10 AM by NIU1981.)
(09-04-2019 09:05 AM)NIU1981 Wrote: I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
I agree, I dont know why, but I just feel like if NIU is going to be competitive in this game, both QBs will be involved.
Our QB is much better than theirs. Utah is coming off a Big win. That would indicate we have a shot, but not with that OLine. I anticipate a blow out loss.
(09-04-2019 09:05 AM)NIU1981 Wrote: I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
I’m sure Hammock is completely aware of the defensive pressure Bowers will face and he and Eidsness are game planning accordingly. Lots of screens and draws to slow that rush down. Three step drops. Roll outs. No way they let Bowers sit back in the pocket for 3-4 seconds too often.
If the problems with our O line were mental mistakes they can be fixed. If they were overmatched physically we have bigger problems. I am not smart enough to know which is the case. I do trust this coaching staff to get the best out of the players and put them in the best possible position to be successful.
Last year our passing offense was 18-33-1 with yds per attempt 3.4 which was pathetic against the Utes. This year (albeit) against Ill State the passing was 20-33-1 with yds per attempt 9.1. I am hoping it is the new OC and not the competition. If we can get yds per attempt up to 9 or even seven or eight it will open up the running game and the Huskies have a shot. If the defense holds up, and I think it will it should be a competitive game.
(09-04-2019 09:05 AM)NIU1981 Wrote: I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
I’m sure Hammock is completely aware of the defensive pressure Bowers will face and he and Eidsness are game planning accordingly. Lots of screens and draws to slow that rush down. Three step drops. Roll outs. No way they let Bowers sit back in the pocket for 3-4 seconds too often.
+1. Until the line shows improvement I wouldn't be surprised this is the way it goes until conference starts.
(09-04-2019 01:42 PM)pantone1935 Wrote: Last year our passing offense was 18-33-1 with yds per attempt 3.4 which was pathetic against the Utes. This year (albeit) against Ill State the passing was 20-33-1 with yds per attempt 9.1. I am hoping it is the new OC and not the competition. If we can get yds per attempt up to 9 or even seven or eight it will open up the running game and the Huskies have a shot. If the defense holds up, and I think it will it should be a competitive game.
GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/b]
Childers was also 11-18-109 yds and 3 TDs against a garbage 1-11 CMU team. The 3 TDs are nice, but 109 yds? Certainly, I think CMU's pass D and talent are better than ISU?
Brinkman and Crawford (that sounds like a law firm) are nice targets for Bowers if he needs to get rid of the ball. Hopefully they will be utilized again this game.
(09-04-2019 09:05 AM)NIU1981 Wrote: I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
I’m sure Hammock is completely aware of the defensive pressure Bowers will face and he and Eidsness are game planning accordingly. Lots of screens and draws to slow that rush down. Three step drops. Roll outs. No way they let Bowers sit back in the pocket for 3-4 seconds too often.
+1. Until the line shows improvement I wouldn't be surprised this is the way it goes until conference starts.
Really would love to see some Tears short targets via crossing routes, just have to find a way to get the ball in his hands. With Bowers accuracy, maybe he could do some damage after the catch.
(09-04-2019 09:05 AM)NIU1981 Wrote: I love the enthusiasm but the match-up of their defensive line and our offensive line is about as bad as can be. Their D line is arguably the best in the country while our O line was all kinds of terrible last week. While we can hope for some week 2 improvement there's still quite a gap there. For starters our O line needs to figure out who's blocking who, that would be a big improvement right there. I just hope that Bowers doesn't get killed in this game, seriously. He's not a big guy and he took some hard shots from ISU. I would hate to see what Utah could do to him.
They probably won't do it but Childers could come in handy this week. ISU blitzed a lot but Utah probably believes they don't have to in order to stop our run, and they're probably right. Having a running QB gives you an extra body to put the numbers in your favor, just a thought. It would also save Bowers to fight another day as noted above. I'm not suggesting that we start Childers, just mix him in, and maybe leave him in if the game gets out of hand.
I’m sure Hammock is completely aware of the defensive pressure Bowers will face and he and Eidsness are game planning accordingly. Lots of screens and draws to slow that rush down. Three step drops. Roll outs. No way they let Bowers sit back in the pocket for 3-4 seconds too often.
+1. Until the line shows improvement I wouldn't be surprised this is the way it goes until conference starts.
Really would love to see some Tears short targets via crossing routes, just have to find a way to get the ball in his hands. With Bowers accuracy, maybe he could do some damage after the catch.
Most definitely YAC will be crucial. Richie, nettles, Tears, love or even Valentine. Gonna need some make you miss guys to get big chunks on their own after catch.
Akron gets 1.1M for going to Illinois, UMass gets 1.2M for coming to Northwestern. AARRGGHH. I know this board has talked about $s before and issues with getting local big schools to play us, but man is that frustrating to see.
Akron gets 1.1M for going to Illinois, UMass gets 1.2M for coming to Northwestern. AARRGGHH. I know this board has talked about $s before and issues with getting local big schools to play us, but man is that frustrating to see.
And thanks for the link to that info!
I’m pretty sure it is reduced greatly because of the home and home with Utah. Illinois and NW didn’t agree to play at their stadiums
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Why NIU has a shot on Saturday
