When told Florida State’s starting offensive line outweighs Northern Illinois’ front four by an average of 55 pounds per man, senior defensive end Sean Progar didn’t blink.

His facial expression and body language said it all: Who cares?

rest of article: http://www.suntimes.com/sports/17098544-...ntage.html

Iowa's O-Line had a big size advantage and our D-Line more than held their own against them.

(12-21-2012 07:49 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  Iowa's O-Line had a big size advantage and our D-Line more than held their own against them.

Didn't we lead the NATION in sacks after playing that huge Iowa OL? Just sayin....

(12-21-2012 07:55 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 07:49 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  Iowa's O-Line had a big size advantage and our D-Line more than held their own against them.

Didn't we lead the NATION in sacks after playing that huge Iowa OL? Just sayin....

Quick, strong guys can make up for this difference. Be more interested in the size advantage of FSU's DL vs NIU OL...that will be more difficult to overcome as the size advantage could come with a speed advantage.

(12-21-2012 08:10 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 07:55 PM)Big Redd Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 07:49 PM)huskiebob Wrote:  Iowa's O-Line had a big size advantage and our D-Line more than held their own against them.

Didn't we lead the NATION in sacks after playing that huge Iowa OL? Just sayin....

Quick, strong guys can make up for this difference. Be more interested in the size advantage of FSU's DL vs NIU OL...that will be more difficult to overcome as the size advantage could come with a speed advantage.

Good point. The #1 thing I'll be looking for is whether our O-Line can handle your D-Line.

Agreed most of our ability to move the ball rests in the hands of our OL v their DL. However their DB ability to play out WR on the line will be just as key... Our WR don't make moves there will be little room for super Lynch...

I think our DL will play well against FSU's OL. Their D-line though will be a huge challenge for our guys. In my mind, if we can contain them or run the read option and they over-pursue I like our chances. It really will come down to or OL vs. their DL. If they over pursue we shall be good, but they are good players, need to see if they are well coached players.

I am no coach but we average 63 offensive plays p/g thru 13 games, right? Their obese dline has averaged 49 plays each game.

If we can keep our average of 63 plays we have a great chance. We need to play OUR game.

Hope the humidity and heat doesn't kill us!!!! It's a different climate And we need to hydrate

(12-21-2012 10:38 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  I am no coach but we average 63 offensive plays p/g thru 13 games, right? Their obese dline has averaged 49 plays each game.

If we can keep our average of 63 plays we have a great chance. We need to play OUR game.

FSU has forced a lot of 3 and outs and has a strong running game. The defense just does not get to be on the field as much. NIU runs 65 plays this game...and they are in business for sure.

Pretty funny about the obese comment...

(12-21-2012 10:56 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 10:38 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  I am no coach but we average 63 offensive plays p/g thru 13 games, right? Their obese dline has averaged 49 plays each game.

If we can keep our average of 63 plays we have a great chance. We need to play OUR game.

FSU has forced a lot of 3 and outs and has a strong running game. The defense just does not get to be on the field as much. NIU runs 65 plays this game...and they are in business for sure.

Pretty funny about the obese comment...

The obese comment was rude, sorry, but a 25% increase in plays could have a big effect. We will play fast.

(12-21-2012 11:05 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 10:56 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 10:38 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  I am no coach but we average 63 offensive plays p/g thru 13 games, right? Their obese dline has averaged 49 plays each game.

If we can keep our average of 63 plays we have a great chance. We need to play OUR game.

FSU has forced a lot of 3 and outs and has a strong running game. The defense just does not get to be on the field as much. NIU runs 65 plays this game...and they are in business for sure.

Pretty funny about the obese comment...

The obese comment was rude, sorry, but a 25% increase in plays could have a big effect. We will play fast.

That is true...FSU has the depth, but letting any offense run over 60 plays will not end good.

(12-21-2012 11:08 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 11:05 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 10:56 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-21-2012 10:38 PM)prairiedawg Wrote:  I am no coach but we average 63 offensive plays p/g thru 13 games, right? Their obese dline has averaged 49 plays each game.

If we can keep our average of 63 plays we have a great chance. We need to play OUR game.

FSU has forced a lot of 3 and outs and has a strong running game. The defense just does not get to be on the field as much. NIU runs 65 plays this game...and they are in business for sure.

Pretty funny about the obese comment...

The obese comment was rude, sorry, but a 25% increase in plays could have a big effect. We will play fast.

That is true...FSU has the depth, but letting any offense run over 60 plays will not end good.

I really hope we manage to run that many plays but I won't be holding my breath. Should be interesting.

(12-21-2012 10:53 PM)yesman815 Wrote:  Hope the humidity and heat doesn't kill us!!!! It's a different climate And we need to hydrate

Game starts at 8:30 local time. It won't be that hot and humid.

I'm with you, Bob. Key to the game is our OL against the FSU DL. Even more specifically, our tackles against their D ends.

If the OL holds more often than not, Lynch should be able to do some stuff and the offense should move the ball decently. I expect FSU's speed on D to pick him off once. If NIU brings their A-game, that would be the only turnover on NIU's side, and assuming FSU "shows up", they'll have 2 turnovers.

NIU winning the turnover battle by 1 won't be enough by itself of course. But if the OL holds, and the offense can feasibly move the chains on any drive... and the NIU D can keep the QB pressured, the size issue won't matter so much and NIU will be in the game from start to end.

I know everyone is saying we need to hold up-front. But one thing I think we are missing, when we run that read option the DE isn't gonna be blocked whatsoever. That does make it key to block the interior if he gives, but if JL keeps it, it will be due to the DEs not containing and crashing down or because he thinks he can get around. Biggest keys for NIU special teams/field position, turnover margin, and how those FSU DEs play smart football or their athleticism takes over, very hard to slow down when you are unblocked and you feel you can disrupt the backfield. If they don't play contain and get greedy JL with have 25 or so carries of 2-5 yards working towards first down and probably one long rush for 30 or so.

Even if the OL gets smashed-unlikely, NIU still has a chance by spreading the field.

(12-22-2012 07:24 PM)sterling1man Wrote:  Even if the OL gets smashed-unlikely, NIU still has a chance by spreading the field.

If the OL gets smashed...it is going to be a really long night for Lynch and NIU. Spreading the field will help, but the need to keep FSU from reaching Lynch before the plays develop will be important.

Quick screens and quick slants will help..however, FSU likes to play press coverage, and plays against these very well with the speed on defense. Lynch could take advantage with going over the top and with drag routes across the middle - this has been the biggest issue with FSU's defense this year, but will need the time to hit those plays.

(12-22-2012 07:42 PM)PiKappNoleATL Wrote:  

(12-22-2012 07:24 PM)sterling1man Wrote:  Even if the OL gets smashed-unlikely, NIU still has a chance by spreading the field.

If the OL gets smashed...it is going to be a really long night for Lynch and NIU. Spreading the field will help, but the need to keep FSU from reaching Lynch before the plays develop will be important.

Quick screens and quick slants will help..however, FSU likes to play press coverage, and plays against these very well with the speed on defense. Lynch could take advantage with going over the top and with drag routes across the middle - this has been the biggest issue with FSU's defense this year, but will need the time to hit those plays.

I think it's critical we go deep early to loosen things up. Also, play-action to a TE.