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(09-03-2018 10:35 AM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 04:52 AM)Ring of Black Wrote:  

(09-03-2018 02:35 AM)Bearhawkeye Wrote:  Warren was a truck, but I don't expect nor hope to see him get many more games with 35 carries. In fact I think we should have gotten McClelland a half dozen or so carries last week and maybe even a few to Boose. It doesn't hurt to keep the defense on its heels with a rotating group of fresh RBs and McClelland in particular looks like he can bring some extra lightning to Warren's thunder. And of course Doaks showed us what he can do last year so I expect he'll be sharing the load with Warren when he gets back.

And not to poop in the soup, but let's not forget that UCLA's defensive line had zero experienced depth. IIRC, the announcers mentioned that ALL of their DL backups were true freshmen. So it was smart to wear UCLA down with Warren and even Ridder (although as mentioned I think it could have been even better with giving McClelland a bit of the load.) But I don't think that's going to work every game. We're going to have to spread the handoffs around and even more importantly develop an effective passing game.

Agree with everything you mentioned here Hawkeye, especially development of a passing game.

I don't disagree either and I would add that sometimes in games you ride the hot hand or go with what the defense gives you or until the defense can adjust to stop it. Ridder is a natural athlete, and together with Warren and the O Line, Denbrock and Fickell went with what worked. I fully expect BDFick and Denbrock to know they can't run the ball constantly week-to-week, and other backs will need to get some work in. I think a lot of folks act like Ridder can't throw a pass. He threw some nice balls when he really had to. Go back and look at the highlights. Yes, some were not so good but that sounds like Hayden territory as well. But with this exception, did Ridder fumble? Did Ridder throw an interception? If you listened to Fick's post game he said there was "a plan" to play both QB's for two series each I believe. My guess is, Hayden prepped on the conventional passing schemes and Ridder on the run/option/pass schemes. Again, I have a feeling if they decide to stick with Ridder (and I hope they do) he will be prepped with more passing plays. Of course, the wide receivers have to get open too. Anywho, short sample size with only one game but it's exciting to see we have an explosive, talented running back that gives us life with a running game.

This is great rhetoric, but the fact is that our offense didn't work that well.

We had 304 yards of total offense. We scored 17 offensive points through 58 minutes. 5 for 18 on 3rd down.

That's even worse than last year's averages. Against a team with 2 suspended starting D-lineman and no depth.

We won the game DESPITE our offense, not BECAUSE of it. Our defense won this game.