Idea offense should 'save' anything Thursday borderline laughable

[TouchdownHusky]

Until UConn establishes that they can actually score something other than field goals, they are kidding themselves if they "hold back" much of anything. Keys? Show the world that they can throw the ball. Make the defense game plan to defend the entire field. If the Huskies think that it's gonna be ground and pound this is going to be a long year. Offensive line needs to be able to pass block. That will help out more in the long run than worrying about the push.

 

[metsfan2323]

If we are going to run inside handoff Whitmer has to keep it and run once or twice a game or the O-line get's overwhelmed by the D who just mob the RB. If we are worried about injury just go to the slide.

This is something i'm looking for Thursday, Whitmer is not a running QB, but he can run (similar to Box). Even if he just tucks and runs for 5 yards before sliding it will help loosen up defenses...and I bet we show some Wildcat on Thursday, the question is who will run it (Kivon Taylor?)

 

[Nostical]

There is little doubt that our O-Line is better. Whether it's their improved health, greater understanding of blocking schemes, crisper communication, or a "chip on their shoulder" nastiness, they will be a lot more productive this year. But Kgun is also right when he says our O-Line's performance will ultimately have more to do with the pattern and sequence of play calling by our (hopefully) highly creative and competent OC. I expect more plays will be called to get LM into space--flares, pitches and screens. Then any blast up the middle can be more effective, since the DLine won't be able to stay as tightly packed with cleats firmly placed. Our more wide open attack, including a downfield passing threat, will give even our mundane plays the opportunity for success. I expect us to play with a "demoralizing intensity" that has Towson looking for answers. Thursday night's coming out party should surprise a lot of doubters and dazzle the hell out of a roaring crowd. I can't wait.

 

[sportsart]

This is something i'm looking for Thursday, Whitmer is not a running QB, but he can run (similar to Box). Even if he just tucks and runs for 5 yards before sliding it will help loosen up defenses...and I bet we show some Wildcat on Thursday, the question is who will run it (Kivon Taylor?)

If they run the wildcat just one time on Thursday I will go on the field and make HFD's antics on here look Mother Theresa-ish.

 

[metsfan2323]

If they run the wildcat just one time on Thursday I will go on the field and make HFD's antics on here look Mother Theresa-ish.

I know the Wildcat is hated, but it did help us win a few games the last two years, i'm not sure if it lost us any, also Weist might be more creative with it, GDL always seemed to be running the same three plays. I don't expect the Wildcat to be a big part of the offense, but I would be surprised if it is completely abandoned.

Lagow's Texas friend who posts in here mentioned that he heard from a certain player that Kivon was making some athletic plays in practice....

 

[Kgun7]

The OL didn't manhandle someone because we kept turning the ball over with special teams? O.k.

OK. What's your point? UCONN didn't manhandle Buffalo because they had superior athletes and could inside handoff their way down the field. They manhandled Buffalo because they had a coaching staff that recognized the strengths and weaknesses of their own team and their opponents. They designed their play calling around a phenom running back and a QB that was a threat to run.

I believe that the individual physical differences between UCONN and any opponent are not great enough to simply push the pile to victory. I want to see push from the O-Line because the design of the play and the manner in which it is executed created an advantage at the point of attack. That's what demolished Virginia and that's what man handled Buffalo.

 

[ruskin]

I know the Wildcat is hated, but it did help us win a few games the last two years, i'm not sure if it lost us any

This is what I mean by short memories. 36 hours before kickoff of new season is not the time to rehash the multiple failures of the Wildcat last season, but can't let this one go unchallenged. Just go back and look at Western Michigan and Rutgers play by play, for starters.

The Wildcat is virtually singularly responsible for UConn not going to a bowl last year and why we have a new offensive coordinator and would probably have a new head coach if not for the president of the school and others not wanting to pay a 7-figure buyout. In theory the Wildcat is not horrendous but the poor, predictable way it was utilized made it that way here.

BTW, since the topic of the first play came up, maybe a little play action pass off a give up the middle?

 

[metsfan2323]

The Wildcat is virtually singularly responsible for UConn not going to a bowl last year and why we have a new offensive coordinator \

That is incredibly stupid.

 

[Jimdish255]

I know the Wildcat is hated, but it did help us win a few games the last two years, i'm not sure if it lost us any, also Weist might be more creative with it, GDL always seemed to be running the same three plays. I don't expect the Wildcat to be a big part of the offense, but I would be surprised if it is completely abandoned.

Lagow's Texas friend who posts in here mentioned that he heard from a certain player that Kivon was making some athletic plays in practice....

Please no.

 

[ruskin]

That is incredibly stupid.

Good job mets, way to maturely back up your point. Tell Uncle George he did a hell of a job last year.

 

[CTMike]

I know the Wildcat is hated, but it did help us win a few games the last two years, i'm not sure if it lost us any, also Weist might be more creative with it, GDL always seemed to be running the same three plays. I don't expect the Wildcat to be a big part of the offense, but I would be surprised if it is completely abandoned.

Lagow's Texas friend who posts in here mentioned that he heard from a certain player that Kivon was making some athletic plays in practice....

It was stated by P that there was significantly less emphasis on the wildcat during spring practice. I suppose they could have ramped it up this summer but I doubt it. I expect to see it very sparingly if at all.

 

[sportsart]

I know the Wildcat is hated, but it did help us win a few games the last two years,

Huh?

 

[freescooter]

Huh?

I can only think of one game where the wildcat was the difference maker. 2011 Syracuse. McCummings ad something like 75 yards on 12-13 carries and scored twice. We were down 21-14 when he came in to start the 4th quarter and he was pretty much unstoppable. I sort of have a vague recollection where a couple of nice runs by him sparked a drive in another game we won. but Syracuse I think you could argue was the one game the 'cat was a primary contributor to a win.

 

[Bootsthemonkey]

Unless you're talking about short yardage situations where the D has put 8-10 men in the box you don't need a sustained push from the o-line. You simply need blocks held long enough for the RB to hit the hole. Most running plays inside the tackles only take a second or two to develop. What is probably more important is for the o-line to correctly read the D and not miss their assignments. It's when the confusion sets in and o-line members block the wrong individual and someone either slips in untouched or a second level (LB) block is missed. those plays end up being negative yardage or what could have been a big gain winds up only 3-4 yards. Sustained blocking is very important for pass protection though.

 

[huskymedic]

Unless you're talking about short yardage situations where the D has put 8-10 men in the box you don't need a sustained push from the o-line. You simply need blocks held long enough for the RB to hit the hole. Most running plays inside the tackles only take a second or two to develop. What is probably more important is for the o-line to correctly read the D and not miss their assignments. It's when the confusion sets in and o-line members block the wrong individual and someone either slips in untouched or a second level (LB) block is missed. those plays end up being negative yardage or what could have been a big gain winds up only 3-4 yards. Sustained blocking is very important for pass protection though.

"I'm really happy with everything," said senior left tackle Jimmy Bennett. "I feel like the whole team is happy with what the coaches have game-planned for us. Our position is to go out and dominate. We've been at this for a while now. We've got the pass game down pat, run game, techniques, getting into place now. If we see something we haven't seen before [on defense], technique should be able to handle it."

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I can only think of one game where the wildcat was the difference maker. 2011 Syracuse. McCummings ad something like 75 yards on 12-13 carries and scored twice. We were down 21-14 when he came in to start the 4th quarter and he was pretty much unstoppable. I sort of have a vague recollection where a couple of nice runs by him sparked a drive in another game we won. but Syracuse I think you could argue was the one game the 'cat was a primary contributor to a win.

He had opportunities vs Iowa State same year. Made some, lost some. Should have been up big in first half.