(07-14-2022 10:03 AM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote: (07-13-2022 11:19 PM)Ourland Wrote: Rice's defense is chronically undermanned. The starters are typically decent players with average talent, but the 2nd and 3rd team have very little to contribute.
That being the case, Rice needs an offense that can methodically grind its way down the field, keeping the defense resting on the bench.
The defense doesn't need much rest when the opposition scores on 4 plays, PASSING the ball down field.
This brings up a good point about our 'dream teams'.
A poor defense isn't necessarily on the field a lot, if you have a good offense that can run the clock. They give up quick scores and the offense gets the ball back and they rest.
Similarly, a great defense isn't necessarily on the field a lot.. if you have a good offense that can run the clock. They get a 3 and out and the offense gets the ball back and they rest.
The problem comes when your offense can't run the clock or gives up turnovers or goes 3 and out a lot.... and if you can run the clock, the defense doesn't get worn out.
Running the clock depends on making first downs of course, but that also means that you have to be able to get 12 when you need 11, 4 when you need 3, and a foot when you need 6 inches. That's what the bone did and it was more effective than PTR because it relied on deception, vision, leverage and angles and not 'power'.
Even if we have a great OL, they will only do well against weaker DLs.... because we won't be 'that much more powerful' than the average g5 team, and will likely be weaker, or no better than any p5 team.
It's a recipe for mediocrity, even in a weak conference.