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Game Day: Ohio
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cidbearit Offline
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Post: #41
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 08:02 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  im going to be positive on this one - getting slapped around should wake us up and maybe we can beat central AND western

Thank you for finding some potential silver lining. Last night's performance was very disappointing.

I'm still trying to figure out the logic of going for two on EMU's last touchdown. If you kick the extra point and recover the ensuing on-side kick, you are in the position of playing for a win (or a tie if you think you can make it happen in overtime). By going for two and missing, if you were to recover the on-side kick, your only option is to play for a tie, for which you'd still have to complete the two-point play you had just missed. I would much rather go for the easy point and then be playing for a win versus playing for a tie. Just one of a few calls I didn't understand.
11-10-2021 09:09 AM
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TheWoodenNickle Offline
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Post: #42
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 09:09 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 08:02 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  im going to be positive on this one - getting slapped around should wake us up and maybe we can beat central AND western

Thank you for finding some potential silver lining. Last night's performance was very disappointing.

I'm still trying to figure out the logic of going for two on EMU's last touchdown. If you kick the extra point and recover the ensuing on-side kick, you are in the position of playing for a win (or a tie if you think you can make it happen in overtime). By going for two and missing, if you were to recover the on-side kick, your only option is to play for a tie, for which you'd still have to complete the two-point play you had just missed. I would much rather go for the easy point and then be playing for a win versus playing for a tie. Just one of a few calls I didn't understand.
I don't have a problem with the call. To win in regulation a 2-pt conversion would be needed so it didn't really matter when it was converted. The interesting thing is that CC felt he needed to win in regulation and not take his chance in OT. This may be indicative of the lack of confidence he has in the defense.

CC is a smart guy and wants to win. It'll be very interesting to see what changes are made on the defense. Scheme? Personnel? Coaches? Some or all need to change and I think CC knows it.
11-10-2021 10:39 AM
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dansplaining Offline
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Post: #43
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 10:39 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 09:09 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 08:02 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  im going to be positive on this one - getting slapped around should wake us up and maybe we can beat central AND western

Thank you for finding some potential silver lining. Last night's performance was very disappointing.

I'm still trying to figure out the logic of going for two on EMU's last touchdown. If you kick the extra point and recover the ensuing on-side kick, you are in the position of playing for a win (or a tie if you think you can make it happen in overtime). By going for two and missing, if you were to recover the on-side kick, your only option is to play for a tie, for which you'd still have to complete the two-point play you had just missed. I would much rather go for the easy point and then be playing for a win versus playing for a tie. Just one of a few calls I didn't understand.
I don't have a problem with the call. To win in regulation a 2-pt conversion would be needed so it didn't really matter when it was converted. The interesting thing is that CC felt he needed to win in regulation and not take his chance in OT. This may be indicative of the lack of confidence he has in the defense.

CC is a smart guy and wants to win. It'll be very interesting to see what changes are made on the defense. Scheme? Personnel? Coaches? Some or all need to change and I think CC knows it.

im not sure how people on this board can complain about CC being too conservative and then complain about him being too aggressive in the next thread. i like the call and i like the aggression.
11-10-2021 11:39 AM
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EagleSam Offline
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Post: #44
RE: Game Day: Ohio
Who has done that? Personally, I’ve ripped him for being too conservative, but praised him for going for it on 4th down in the 2nd quarter yesterday. I also liked going for 2…I’d go for 2 every time I scored a touchdown, but that’s probably why I’m not a coach.
11-10-2021 11:47 AM
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steve4840 Offline
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Post: #45
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 11:47 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  Who has done that? Personally, I’ve ripped him for being too conservative, but praised him for going for it on 4th down in the 2nd quarter yesterday. I also liked going for 2…I’d go for 2 every time I scored a touchdown, but that’s probably why I’m not a coach.

I dont think too many people have anything to complain about with the offensive production recently. The focus should really be on the defense and lack-there-of
11-10-2021 01:15 PM
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cidbearit Offline
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Post: #46
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 11:39 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 10:39 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 09:09 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 08:02 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  im going to be positive on this one - getting slapped around should wake us up and maybe we can beat central AND western

Thank you for finding some potential silver lining. Last night's performance was very disappointing.

I'm still trying to figure out the logic of going for two on EMU's last touchdown. If you kick the extra point and recover the ensuing on-side kick, you are in the position of playing for a win (or a tie if you think you can make it happen in overtime). By going for two and missing, if you were to recover the on-side kick, your only option is to play for a tie, for which you'd still have to complete the two-point play you had just missed. I would much rather go for the easy point and then be playing for a win versus playing for a tie. Just one of a few calls I didn't understand.
I don't have a problem with the call. To win in regulation a 2-pt conversion would be needed so it didn't really matter when it was converted. The interesting thing is that CC felt he needed to win in regulation and not take his chance in OT. This may be indicative of the lack of confidence he has in the defense.

CC is a smart guy and wants to win. It'll be very interesting to see what changes are made on the defense. Scheme? Personnel? Coaches? Some or all need to change and I think CC knows it.

im not sure how people on this board can complain about CC being too conservative and then complain about him being too aggressive in the next thread. i like the call and i like the aggression.

I don't believe I've ever dogged CC for being too conservative. If anything, I've been a pretty vocal supporter of his in this forum and even defended a few of his calls. However, in this instance, I have a question about the call. Yes, you need a two-point conversion to win, and I am fully behind him being aggressive and going for the win.

From a player mentality and motivation perspective, though, I think there is a huge difference between being down by seven going into a time-constrained final drive or being down by eight (that is assuming they recover the onside kick).

Down by seven, there are two things that could happen if you score a touchdown...tie with a kick and go into overtime, or win with a two-point conversion; you absolutely have the chance to play for a win. Down by eight, the best you can do is score the touchdown, and go for the two-point conversion (which you just failed on moments earlier) to pull a tie and go into overtime. I would prefer having the opportunity to play for a win on the last drive.

Yes, the argument can be made that if they scored the two points on the TD where they missed it, you are then asking your players to go for the win by scoring a TD and getting the extra point. But the bottom line is you need the extra point AND the two-point conversion to win. Which does it make sense to check off first? In my mind, get the one where the odds are more with you first.
(This post was last modified: 11-10-2021 01:31 PM by cidbearit.)
11-10-2021 01:30 PM
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Luckeyone Offline
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Post: #47
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-09-2021 10:58 PM)holybovine Wrote:  Sad. Perpetual inability to handle success. Ohio was physically dominant on the lines for most of the game.

Will a 6-6 record land a bowl? Does it matter?

Bingo - Creighton is awesome in the underdog role but very average to below average when we are favored.
11-10-2021 02:32 PM
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Luckeyone Offline
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Post: #48
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 09:09 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 08:02 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  im going to be positive on this one - getting slapped around should wake us up and maybe we can beat central AND western

Thank you for finding some potential silver lining. Last night's performance was very disappointing.

I'm still trying to figure out the logic of going for two on EMU's last touchdown. If you kick the extra point and recover the ensuing on-side kick, you are in the position of playing for a win (or a tie if you think you can make it happen in overtime). By going for two and missing, if you were to recover the on-side kick, your only option is to play for a tie, for which you'd still have to complete the two-point play you had just missed. I would much rather go for the easy point and then be playing for a win versus playing for a tie. Just one of a few calls I didn't understand.

One call I didn’t understand is when we were 3rd and 1 I believe early in the 4th quarter so Creighton runs a wildcat for a three yard loss. Why??? Earlier in the game we did a QB sneak for a first down. Basically we could have run two QB sneaks with the QB under center…..SMH
11-10-2021 02:35 PM
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Luckeyone Offline
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Post: #49
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 01:15 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 11:47 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  Who has done that? Personally, I’ve ripped him for being too conservative, but praised him for going for it on 4th down in the 2nd quarter yesterday. I also liked going for 2…I’d go for 2 every time I scored a touchdown, but that’s probably why I’m not a coach.

I dont think too many people have anything to complain about with the offensive production recently. The focus should really be on the defense and lack-there-of

Steve,

I have to disagree because a glaring deficiency in our offense is the inability to run the ball especially when we need a few yards. That has plagued Creighton since Kalen Deboer left us.
11-10-2021 02:39 PM
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Jerry Weaver Offline
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RE: Game Day: Ohio
We can criticize our lack of run game, debate play calling decisions, etc... ad nauseum.

My opinion:

Our lines may not be what they have been but are adequate.

Our run game is not effective but the Creighton scheme actually does not promote running the ball, he instead substitutes the short pass and except for 4th and short situations it does work for the most part.

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is our inability to tackle, particularly from the linebacker position. Our Mike linebacker is better suited to play the Will position, which the 4-2-5 does not use. Our Sam Linebacker probably should be playing with Karmi Mackey at Wayne State, he simply does not have the tackling ability required to play his position in the MAC. When EVERYONE in the stadium knows Ohio is running the ball and killing clock, yet they still get a first down, we have a huge problem. Those long passes that Ohio completed were against zone coverage but our safeties were cheating up to stop the run and our corners were left on an island. Frankly I'm also wondering how much the preponderance of injury in our defensive backfield is due to our over-reliance on them to tackle running backs, yet our linebackers have been un-dinged up now for two consecutive seasons.

I spent the entire evening envious that Ohio had Bryce Houston playing the Mike linebacker position. That dude was all over the field and when he got to our ball carriers, he meant business. That kind of tackling is infectious to the entire team.

Yes I want more Crosby, Harris, POC type Defensive ends and would love to have a Darius Jackson running the ball but this EMU team was MAC West championship quality with Rachwal, Beck and Beltran playing linebacker. Coach recruits on a position budget, he simply needs to increase that budget in the LB position.

Feel free to disagree.
11-10-2021 06:34 PM
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alum93 Offline
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Post: #51
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 06:34 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  We can criticize our lack of run game, debate play calling decisions, etc... ad nauseum.

My opinion:

Our lines may not be what they have been but are adequate.

Our run game is not effective but the Creighton scheme actually does not promote running the ball, he instead substitutes the short pass and except for 4th and short situations it does work for the most part.

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is our inability to tackle, particularly from the linebacker position. Our Mike linebacker is better suited to play the Will position, which the 4-2-5 does not use. Our Sam Linebacker probably should be playing with Karmi Mackey at Wayne State, he simply does not have the tackling ability required to play his position in the MAC. When EVERYONE in the stadium knows Ohio is running the ball and killing clock, yet they still get a first down, we have a huge problem. Those long passes that Ohio completed were against zone coverage but our safeties were cheating up to stop the run and our corners were left on an island. Frankly I'm also wondering how much the preponderance of injury in our defensive backfield is due to our over-reliance on them to tackle running backs, yet our linebackers have been un-dinged up now for two consecutive seasons.

I spent the entire evening envious that Ohio had Bryce Houston playing the Mike linebacker position. That dude was all over the field and when he got to our ball carriers, he meant business. That kind of tackling is infectious to the entire team.

Yes I want more Crosby, Harris, POC type Defensive ends and would love to have a Darius Jackson running the ball but this EMU team was MAC West championship quality with Rachwal, Beck and Beltran playing linebacker. Coach recruits on a position budget, he simply needs to increase that budget in the LB position.

Feel free to disagree.

Absolutely agree. There should be a rule that we don't recruit any DB under 180lbs. They just can't tackle. I watch them grab around the waist and try and wrestle RB to the ground often taking multiple EMU players. Did Brody Hoying need help to tackle , I don't think so. He hit so hard he often hurt himself in the process. But I respect that.
11-10-2021 08:45 PM
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Post: #52
RE: Game Day: Ohio
I didn’t sleep very well last night after a very tough loss. In fact, when I finally got to sleep I had a nightmare. Typically I have very nice dreams filled with beautiful women, sandy beaches, sports car etc. However, after watching Creighton go for it on 4th down in the first half on our own 35 yard line, I had the feeling even he was scared of his own defense. Ok back to my nightmare, I’m at Rynearson stadium watching our defense give up another long TD run after a lengthy media timeout. When all of a sudden this bald headed dude runs across the field yelling something that at first I couldn’t make out and as he got closer and closer running towards Creighton he was screaming, screaming something at Creighton …I can’t hear him yet but he’s screaming at Creighton ….until finally I can hear him say “…you have to switch to the ZONE to play better defense…. you have to switch to the ZONE …..” then as I tossed and turned in my bed sweating bullets I finally realized this bald headed dude in my nightmare was Rob Murphy coming back to haunt EMU one last time. Thank goodness I was only having a Nightmare and that Neathery was still our defensive coordinator and how grateful I was for Murphy’s zone to be just a bad memory. This is the only way I could think positive about our defense….LOL ?
11-10-2021 08:58 PM
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Post: #53
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 08:58 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  I didn’t sleep very well last night after a very tough loss. In fact, when I finally got to sleep I had a nightmare. Typically I have very nice dreams filled with beautiful women, sandy beaches, sports car etc. However, after watching Creighton go for it on 4th down in the first half on our own 35 yard line, I had the feeling even he was scared of his own defense. Ok back to my nightmare, I’m at Rynearson stadium watching our defense give up another long TD run after a lengthy media timeout. When all of a sudden this bald headed dude runs across the field yelling something that at first I couldn’t make out and as he got closer and closer running towards Creighton he was screaming, screaming something at Creighton …I can’t hear him yet but he’s screaming at Creighton ….until finally I can hear him say “…you have to switch to the ZONE to play better defense…. you have to switch to the ZONE …..” then as I tossed and turned in my bed sweating bullets I finally realized this bald headed dude in my nightmare was Rob Murphy coming back to haunt EMU one last time. Thank goodness I was only having a Nightmare and that Neathery was still our defensive coordinator and how grateful I was for Murphy’s zone to be just a bad memory. This is the only way I could think positive about our defense….LOL ?
Imagine the W Mich and C Mich RB! The sad part is we literally need to score 35 plus points to have any chance! We simply can't finish 6-6 and 3-5 this season! Incredibly easy schedule! Have to beat W Mich next week! Play redshirt freshman, do something to put life into this defense! Why is CC not starting Boone? This's the biggest game in CC 8 years!
11-10-2021 09:50 PM
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steve4840 Offline
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Post: #54
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 06:34 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  We can criticize our lack of run game, debate play calling decisions, etc... ad nauseum.

My opinion:

Our lines may not be what they have been but are adequate.

Our run game is not effective but the Creighton scheme actually does not promote running the ball, he instead substitutes the short pass and except for 4th and short situations it does work for the most part.

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is our inability to tackle, particularly from the linebacker position. Our Mike linebacker is better suited to play the Will position, which the 4-2-5 does not use. Our Sam Linebacker probably should be playing with Karmi Mackey at Wayne State, he simply does not have the tackling ability required to play his position in the MAC. When EVERYONE in the stadium knows Ohio is running the ball and killing clock, yet they still get a first down, we have a huge problem. Those long passes that Ohio completed were against zone coverage but our safeties were cheating up to stop the run and our corners were left on an island. Frankly I'm also wondering how much the preponderance of injury in our defensive backfield is due to our over-reliance on them to tackle running backs, yet our linebackers have been un-dinged up now for two consecutive seasons.

I spent the entire evening envious that Ohio had Bryce Houston playing the Mike linebacker position. That dude was all over the field and when he got to our ball carriers, he meant business. That kind of tackling is infectious to the entire team.

Yes I want more Crosby, Harris, POC type Defensive ends and would love to have a Darius Jackson running the ball but this EMU team was MAC West championship quality with Rachwal, Beck and Beltran playing linebacker. Coach recruits on a position budget, he simply needs to increase that budget in the LB position.

Feel free to disagree.

Very well put Jerry I've never thought that perhaps our secondary gives up longer plays is due to possibly cheating up to help in the run game. I don't want to call college players out by name and I won't but the linebackers we have lack in both size and talent. Just watch this next week how easily they get washed out from a lineman reaching the second level. When they cannot fill a hole or shed a block, running backs are able to get large chunk plays. My God what will Lew Nichols do to these linebackers when we play Central.

Maybe it was just me but CC's press conference after the game seemed like he was very pissed. I'm hoping he is re-evaluating the 4-2-5 scheme. It worked when we had thumpers like Beltram, not 5'8 guys who have a lot of assist tackles and little solo.

We have a VERY good passing offense but having this 'bend don't break' defense puts way too much pressure on the O. Again, I don't expect a 'shut-out' style of defense but anyone watching would tell you that our opponents get whatever they want when they want it. Its embarrassing.
11-11-2021 06:37 AM
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cidbearit Offline
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Post: #55
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-11-2021 06:37 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 06:34 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  We can criticize our lack of run game, debate play calling decisions, etc... ad nauseum.

My opinion:

Our lines may not be what they have been but are adequate.

Our run game is not effective but the Creighton scheme actually does not promote running the ball, he instead substitutes the short pass and except for 4th and short situations it does work for the most part.

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is our inability to tackle, particularly from the linebacker position. Our Mike linebacker is better suited to play the Will position, which the 4-2-5 does not use. Our Sam Linebacker probably should be playing with Karmi Mackey at Wayne State, he simply does not have the tackling ability required to play his position in the MAC. When EVERYONE in the stadium knows Ohio is running the ball and killing clock, yet they still get a first down, we have a huge problem. Those long passes that Ohio completed were against zone coverage but our safeties were cheating up to stop the run and our corners were left on an island. Frankly I'm also wondering how much the preponderance of injury in our defensive backfield is due to our over-reliance on them to tackle running backs, yet our linebackers have been un-dinged up now for two consecutive seasons.

I spent the entire evening envious that Ohio had Bryce Houston playing the Mike linebacker position. That dude was all over the field and when he got to our ball carriers, he meant business. That kind of tackling is infectious to the entire team.

Yes I want more Crosby, Harris, POC type Defensive ends and would love to have a Darius Jackson running the ball but this EMU team was MAC West championship quality with Rachwal, Beck and Beltran playing linebacker. Coach recruits on a position budget, he simply needs to increase that budget in the LB position.

Feel free to disagree.

Very well put Jerry I've never thought that perhaps our secondary gives up longer plays is due to possibly cheating up to help in the run game. I don't want to call college players out by name and I won't but the linebackers we have lack in both size and talent. Just watch this next week how easily they get washed out from a lineman reaching the second level. When they cannot fill a hole or shed a block, running backs are able to get large chunk plays. My God what will Lew Nichols do to these linebackers when we play Central.

Maybe it was just me but CC's press conference after the game seemed like he was very pissed. I'm hoping he is re-evaluating the 4-2-5 scheme. It worked when we had thumpers like Beltram, not 5'8 guys who have a lot of assist tackles and little solo.

We have a VERY good passing offense but having this 'bend don't break' defense puts way too much pressure on the O. Again, I don't expect a 'shut-out' style of defense but anyone watching would tell you that our opponents get whatever they want when they want it. Its embarrassing.

I rewatched some of the Ohio game last night. I made it through the first half. I focused on what our defense was doing, particularly the D-line and LB's on run plays. Based on the way they set at the beginning of plays, it seems that beyond "bend, don't break", the Eagles' run defense appears to be focused primarily on making the stop at the D-line (the 4) with the LB's (the 2) set to clean up anything the line doesn't stop.

When you look at where the LB's line up, they are set four to six yards back from the line of scrimmage. When the ball snaps, they generally stand in that position for the first couple seconds of the play, waiting to see what is developing. If it's a run play, they hold there to see if the line makes the stop. If a runner makes it past the D-line, the LB's THEN start to move to the runner to make the tackle.

At that point, the runner has already gained 3-4 yards and is able to fall forward for another 2 to 3. There is another wrinkle here, though. If an O-lineman, TE, or a second back moves downfield to make a block, they know right where the LB's are going to be (standing and watching the play develop) and are able to throw very solid downfield blocks that take the LB's out of the play. That is where it then falls to the DB's and Safeties to make a tackle, now a good 10-12 yards (or more) down the field.

I'm not a college coach and don't have their level of knowledge, but was part of a youth football team Defense coaching squad for six years (on a team, by the way, that had Alex, Theo Day (who was recruited as a QB at MSU and has now transferred out of there) and Aidan Hutchinson (yes...that Aidan Hutchinson)).

With our LB's (Will, Mike, and Sam), we taught them first to always be in motion once the ball snaps, even if it's just shuffling your feet and shadowing the direction of the ball, while you make a read and start to move toward your gap. Make your read, then move to the running back if he's coming through your assigned gap...don't wait for him to come to you. If he's not coming to your gap, make a move to support the LB who does have gap responsibility (be the second man in), watching for a change in direction toward your gap/downfield zone so you're prepped to cover. The key concepts being: stay in motion, and move to the ball/carrier.

When you contrast the Eagles' LB's with Ohio's LB's, who effectively stopped the Eagles' run-game, the Ohio LB's were lining up about 2 yards from the line of scrimmage, and when they read run, immediately moved to fill their gap. They regularly made their tackles, often holding the Eagles' RB to two or three yards (or a TFL).

I guess my conclusion is (at least for the Ohio game), it's not so much an issue of the Eagles LB's being undersized or unable to play the position as it is a scheme issue that forces more passive run coverage by our LB's and seems to put too much focus on our D-line to make the stop.

Again, these are all my observations...I'm sure an experienced coach might point out flaws in my observations, but this is what I saw happening in the Ohio game.
11-11-2021 11:15 AM
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RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-11-2021 11:15 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  
(11-11-2021 06:37 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 06:34 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  We can criticize our lack of run game, debate play calling decisions, etc... ad nauseum.

My opinion:

Our lines may not be what they have been but are adequate.

Our run game is not effective but the Creighton scheme actually does not promote running the ball, he instead substitutes the short pass and except for 4th and short situations it does work for the most part.

The 800 pound gorilla in the room is our inability to tackle, particularly from the linebacker position. Our Mike linebacker is better suited to play the Will position, which the 4-2-5 does not use. Our Sam Linebacker probably should be playing with Karmi Mackey at Wayne State, he simply does not have the tackling ability required to play his position in the MAC. When EVERYONE in the stadium knows Ohio is running the ball and killing clock, yet they still get a first down, we have a huge problem. Those long passes that Ohio completed were against zone coverage but our safeties were cheating up to stop the run and our corners were left on an island. Frankly I'm also wondering how much the preponderance of injury in our defensive backfield is due to our over-reliance on them to tackle running backs, yet our linebackers have been un-dinged up now for two consecutive seasons.

I spent the entire evening envious that Ohio had Bryce Houston playing the Mike linebacker position. That dude was all over the field and when he got to our ball carriers, he meant business. That kind of tackling is infectious to the entire team.

Yes I want more Crosby, Harris, POC type Defensive ends and would love to have a Darius Jackson running the ball but this EMU team was MAC West championship quality with Rachwal, Beck and Beltran playing linebacker. Coach recruits on a position budget, he simply needs to increase that budget in the LB position.

Feel free to disagree.

Very well put Jerry I've never thought that perhaps our secondary gives up longer plays is due to possibly cheating up to help in the run game. I don't want to call college players out by name and I won't but the linebackers we have lack in both size and talent. Just watch this next week how easily they get washed out from a lineman reaching the second level. When they cannot fill a hole or shed a block, running backs are able to get large chunk plays. My God what will Lew Nichols do to these linebackers when we play Central.

Maybe it was just me but CC's press conference after the game seemed like he was very pissed. I'm hoping he is re-evaluating the 4-2-5 scheme. It worked when we had thumpers like Beltram, not 5'8 guys who have a lot of assist tackles and little solo.

We have a VERY good passing offense but having this 'bend don't break' defense puts way too much pressure on the O. Again, I don't expect a 'shut-out' style of defense but anyone watching would tell you that our opponents get whatever they want when they want it. Its embarrassing.

I rewatched some of the Ohio game last night. I made it through the first half. I focused on what our defense was doing, particularly the D-line and LB's on run plays. Based on the way they set at the beginning of plays, it seems that beyond "bend, don't break", the Eagles' run defense appears to be focused primarily on making the stop at the D-line (the 4) with the LB's (the 2) set to clean up anything the line doesn't stop.

When you look at where the LB's line up, they are set four to six yards back from the line of scrimmage. When the ball snaps, they generally stand in that position for the first couple seconds of the play, waiting to see what is developing. If it's a run play, they hold there to see if the line makes the stop. If a runner makes it past the D-line, the LB's THEN start to move to the runner to make the tackle.

At that point, the runner has already gained 3-4 yards and is able to fall forward for another 2 to 3. There is another wrinkle here, though. If an O-lineman, TE, or a second back moves downfield to make a block, they know right where the LB's are going to be (standing and watching the play develop) and are able to throw very solid downfield blocks that take the LB's out of the play. That is where it then falls to the DB's and Safeties to make a tackle, now a good 10-12 yards (or more) down the field.

I'm not a college coach and don't have their level of knowledge, but was part of a youth football team Defense coaching squad for six years (on a team, by the way, that had Alex, Theo Day (who was recruited as a QB at MSU and has now transferred out of there) and Aidan Hutchinson (yes...that Aidan Hutchinson)).

With our LB's (Will, Mike, and Sam), we taught them first to always be in motion once the ball snaps, even if it's just shuffling your feet and shadowing the direction of the ball, while you make a read and start to move toward your gap. Make your read, then move to the running back if he's coming through your assigned gap...don't wait for him to come to you. If he's not coming to your gap, make a move to support the LB who does have gap responsibility (be the second man in), watching for a change in direction toward your gap/downfield zone so you're prepped to cover. The key concepts being: stay in motion, and move to the ball/carrier.

When you contrast the Eagles' LB's with Ohio's LB's, who effectively stopped the Eagles' run-game, the Ohio LB's were lining up about 2 yards from the line of scrimmage, and when they read run, immediately moved to fill their gap. They regularly made their tackles, often holding the Eagles' RB to two or three yards (or a TFL).

I guess my conclusion is (at least for the Ohio game), it's not so much an issue of the Eagles LB's being undersized or unable to play the position as it is a scheme issue that forces more passive run coverage by our LB's and seems to put too much focus on our D-line to make the stop.

Again, these are all my observations...I'm sure an experienced coach might point out flaws in my observations, but this is what I saw happening in the Ohio game.

Good observations. Lot of coaches have never coached a 1st round NFL draft choice (Aidan Hutchinson) including C.C 02-13-banana

Agree with the observation that players are more likely to be successful if they are already moving as the play is beginning.

Even if a LB is slowing moving toward the line of scrimmage to blitz or fake a blitz. This is the law of inertia.

P.S. Is it NOT surprising that offenses like to have a player in motion (better to be in motion than standing as a statue).
11-11-2021 11:28 AM
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TheWoodenNickle Offline
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Post: #57
Game Day: Ohio
Today's presser...
https://youtu.be/1wBtejXu1YM

Both CC and Myrick commented that tackling has been the biggest problem the last few weeks.

Myrick comes across as a very impressive young man.
11-11-2021 03:47 PM
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Jerry Weaver Offline
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Post: #58
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-11-2021 03:47 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  Today's presser...
https://youtu.be/1wBtejXu1YM

Both CC and Myrick commented that tackling has been the biggest problem the last few weeks.

Myrick comes across as a very impressive young man.

Speights is as well, he is a credit to the University but both are being asked to play positions they simply don't have the physical ability to do.
11-11-2021 05:49 PM
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emu steve Offline
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Post: #59
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-10-2021 02:39 PM)Luckeyone Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 01:15 PM)steve4840 Wrote:  
(11-10-2021 11:47 AM)EagleSam Wrote:  Who has done that? Personally, I’ve ripped him for being too conservative, but praised him for going for it on 4th down in the 2nd quarter yesterday. I also liked going for 2…I’d go for 2 every time I scored a touchdown, but that’s probably why I’m not a coach.

I dont think too many people have anything to complain about with the offensive production recently. The focus should really be on the defense and lack-there-of

Steve,

I have to disagree because a glaring deficiency in our offense is the inability to run the ball especially when we need a few yards. That has plagued Creighton since Kalen Deboer left us.

I'm going to agree with the other Steve.

Our rushing Tuesday night was good. 5 yards per carry after eliminating the QB rushing lost yards.

We are a passing team. I'm left hand. You may prefer rush first team and be right handed.

I always say in football: Figure out what you are good at and do that. Woody Hayes hated the pass. The NFL loves the pass. Pick your choice.
11-11-2021 06:01 PM
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Luckeyone Offline
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Post: #60
RE: Game Day: Ohio
(11-11-2021 03:47 PM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  Today's presser...
https://youtu.be/1wBtejXu1YM

Both CC and Myrick commented that tackling has been the biggest problem the last few weeks.

Myrick comes across as a very impressive young man.

I wonder if we will get any scheme or personnel changes. Perhaps some of the OL could switch to DL next season?
11-11-2021 06:51 PM
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