(09-11-2018 04:54 PM)CalODUFan Wrote: (09-11-2018 04:48 PM)84Monarch Wrote: (09-09-2018 07:31 PM)CalODUFan Wrote: (09-09-2018 04:54 PM)ODUalum78 Wrote: (09-09-2018 04:50 PM)ODUDJ96 Wrote: I would be surprised if Davis doesn’t see the field next week. Our lack of a running game is crippling given our QB situation. Cox is a power running back and we desperately need a complimentary speedster or scatback.
yes
It is irrelevant without an OL that can run block or proper FBS caliber run blocking schemes. Isiah Harper and others have plenty of speed. There are no running lanes and the awful play calling keeps 9 men in the box. To have any hope, we will have to pass first in order to establish any sort of running game. Since we have only FCS caliber QBs, I am rapidly losing any hope for a decent season.
Cal I usually agree with you, but this time I think using quicker backs like the two freshmen is the way to go. Against FIU the holes were there, but Jeremy with the ankle just can't get there quick enough. Jackson had a couple of decent runs in the second half, but they didn't stick with him. I agree our line does not hold blocks very long, but holes are there. The coaching staff needs to let Jeremy get to 100% before playing.
My biggest issue with line is philosophy. How is our line expected to get leverage when they are always in a two point stance. It is hard to get lower then your opponent in a two point stance. I am not suggesting telegraphing run plays, but mixing it up would help the OL.
Not necessarily disagreeing with you. The running lanes are not wide or open for very long. If we have a talented RB like Lawry who can exploit them, so be it. However, running side to side and stretching out defenses who have mobile DLs and fast LBs is not working.
We don't know if that works or not as we rarely do that. Once in awhile we run a jet sweep.
Otherwise we have no real edge running game at all. Almost everything is between the tackles. No motion, no misdirection.
Consequently teams stack the box and dare us to pass.
In fact, and correct me if I am wrong, but unlike in past years, the opposition has thus far hardly even found it necessary to run/pass blitz in the first two games.
Our offense is very simplistic, almost sandlot, and always has been
Ray Lawry cut so well and was so quick to the hole he was able to get behind the defense.
Like with TH, we may never see another RL.
The other aspect of our rushing game is that silly wide receiver screen that never has worked.
Some here have called it a "bubble screen". However the WR does not come back hard toward the middle and there is not a "bubble" of blockers in front - both of which are requirements for the bubble screen.
It is a naked WR screen that usually takes so long to develop that the receiver is in danger of getting smushed
BTW the rushing lanes close so quickly that the longevity of our running backs is questionable as they are getting smushed as well.
Hehe I like that word, 'smushed'