Game Week - UConn v. Purdue (Saturday 9/11/21 @ 3p on CBSSN) | Page 4 | The Boneyard

Game Week - UConn v. Purdue (Saturday 9/11/21 @ 3p on CBSSN)

No way HC had a physically stronger team. I know that heights and weights aren't necessarily a good proxy for strength, but compare the UConn and HC starting lines and TE:

OL:

UConn average: 6'5" 300 lbs
HC average: 6'5" 291 lbs

DL:

UConn average: 6'4" 284 lbs
HC average: 6'3" 268 lbs.

TE:

UConn: 6'4" 253 lbs.
HC: 6'4" 235 lbs.


In my opinion, the differences in the game were QB play and missed assignments, not strength.
While I was thinking ahead (Purdue), one thing to keep in mind is most of those nameless persons you point to above are under 20. Regardless, if u can’t physically dominate HC up front, this will be a very long year.
 
I agree with you on the line. Small percentage of it is execution and the majority is pure physical- we lost that battle- at least on the OL. In terms of our D Line, the fact that Sluka could scramble posed a problem for our box. Save for that long run by their QB, it wasn’t like they gashed us for lots of yardage on the ground.

I still feel that we forced enough punts that if our offense cashed in on most of those possessions we would have psychologically beat them down. And to your point, when the mind goes the body soon follows.

For instance, after we scored on our long td, their first snap Jones smacked the QB. The next play, Durante physically dislodged the ball from the RB and we recovered and scored a few plays later. Next possession we forced a 3 and out with that 3rd down tackle by Fortt being very physical. HC started doubting themselves. We score after that game is over. Instead, JZ throws it off a lineman’s helmet and into theirs foe a pick 6

HOWEVER, if we finished them off on D we probably win the game and Edsall is still here so…As the old saying goes: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
LOL - lemons into lemonade.
 
No way HC had a physically stronger team. I know that heights and weights aren't necessarily a good proxy for strength, but compare the UConn and HC starting lines and TE:

OL:

UConn average: 6'5" 300 lbs
HC average: 6'5" 291 lbs

DL:

UConn average: 6'4" 284 lbs
HC average: 6'3" 268 lbs.

TE:

UConn: 6'4" 253 lbs.
HC: 6'4" 235 lbs.


In my opinion, the differences in the game were QB play and missed assignments, not strength.
Not strength (though we took a year off getting stronger), it's physical aggression.
But, even on the sizing: Uconn 300 OL vs HC 268 DL is a huge difference over the course of a game.
Likewise, Uconn 284 DL vs HC OL 291 should have been more than neutralizing with a natural D advantage.
 
Guys it isn't always man on man blocking for the O line. Pulling means coordination of blocking schemes and someone is always in the wrong spot, turned the wrong way, etc. From a D line perspective, sometimes you hold the gaps and other times it is for containment.
 
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I hope the plan on D is to put as much pressure on the Purdue QB as possible. Blitz at least 70% of the time with various combinations of LBs, corners and safeties. Six or seven guys attacking like mad dogs from all directions. Hit him, rattle him, get in his head. Minimize the time our DBs have to cover. Balls out and let the chips fall where they may. What's to lose?
More big plays?
 
Lou Spanos:
boy-fun.gif
 
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I hope Coach Spanos can put an emphasis on a couple of areas where Purdue might be vulnerable and maybe add a wrinkle or two to the offense that suits SK's skillset and mitigates our blocking issues. That would help put our guys in the best position to succeed. Would also help evaluate the extent to which Coach Spanos can adjust to situations and the extent to which Coach RE may have stifled needed innovation. It's hard to rationalize the lack of a running game even with our spotty OL play. The passing game is a little more self-evident.
 
The old Don Brown defense was fun to watch. I hope we bring back some of those blitzing packages.
I'd prefer we bring back the Orlando defense. Brown's defense was prone to getting burned by big plays. Orlando's defense was stout and was practically an immovable object.
 
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I'd prefer we bring back the Orlando defense. Brown's defense was prone to getting burned by big plays. Orlando's defense was stout and was practically an immovable object.

But Brown's defenses create more turnovers and gives your offense more short fields. I liked his defenses more than Orlando's defenses but I acknowledge that Orlando did a great job while he was here and is the favorite Uconn DC for many Uconn football fans.
 
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None of us has any idea what to expect tomorrow, but at least there is some anticipation vs. the usual
I have a feeling we are going to play tough and the game will be competitive. Why? Beats me. Just a sixth sense.
Let's all pray that's the case. All of us can use some HOPE and optimism. At minimal, I am tired of reading in the media that UCONN football is a tough job. If we can be somewhat competitive, perhaps the cup is not completely bare for the next coach.
 
There isn't a fan of UConn football who doesn't have the back of our players, Coach Spanos and the assistant coaches tomorrow. It's our opportunity to re-set expectations and reinvigorate the narrative. I have a feeling we'll exceed at both. Let's all be there to support the Huskies. I might even make a few boilermakers at our tailgate!
 
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