Return of the gadget play

[Palatine]

Pretty much below the radar in a very entertaining game was the fact we tried two gadget plays. One was an end around pass (incomplete) by former QB Terry Smith. The other was a hook and ladder from Bell to Smith which was poorly executed and lost yards. I think these were the first gadgets since the successful double pass versus Syracuse.

I like the occasional use of trick plays as they serve multiple purposes. Sometimes, they work and produce big plays. They are also good for morale. The players like them as they are fun and give them a chance to try something new. But even when they fail they can slow or distract a defense. And they also give future opponents something they have to work on.

I also loved the fake punt. It was timed an executed to perfection. Beside changing the momentum of the game, it will usually slow the opponent punt rush on future punts.

Gadget plays are run by confidence offenses. They show trust in the players. And even though the gadgets didn't produce results on Saturday, it broadened our offensive attack. Not everyone is a fan of trick plays. They have been criticized on the BY. But to me it shows a coaching staff with imagination and confidence and that is very good thing.

 

[Chin Diesel]

The fake punt was interesting. I think I read this in another thread, but the poor FG snap earlier in the game, and some poor punt snaps earlier in the season, might have actually worked to UConn's advantage on the fake punt.

Players see film of poor snaps, and then see an actual poor snap in the game, and the sell by Stutz is easier.

 

[Gburyhusky]

Also the failed 2 point conversion with Evers lateral to Fagnano. Didn't like that play calling to be honest.

 

[ScottVib]

Also the failed 2 point conversion with Evers lateral to Fagnano. Didn't like that play calling to be honest.

I hated that call, it was so telegraphed with both QBs in the game that there was something coming... pitching the ball to Fagnano for the pass wasn't tricking anyone.

The Smith pass wasn't awful (he was I high school QB) and had a chance. Not a trick play... but UConn also did some really nice stuff using Smith as a decoy on the jet motion with Fagnano rolling out to the back side.

 

[Nostical]

Even though the trick plays were clunky in some way--and all failed (except the fake punt) the team should and will work to correct the flaws in their execution. Don't give up on them.

 

[Scoe]

I got no problem with any of them, only one I didn't like was the 2 pt conversion play with Evers in the game. Heart is in the right place trying to involve Evers in the offense sticking around as the backup, and I do respect the fact he has stayed with the program after losing his job, but just logically wasn't a smart play.

I would've liked us to use the wildcat with Smith on that 2nd and goal play where we settled for 3, the last drive that for 3.