The Top 3 Improvements

[BlueDogs]

Ok, game 1 was a major disappointment compared to the BD hype, but we live to fight another day with a chance to make some improvements. What are the top 3 areas/changes you focus on in prep for Navy.

 

[Danzz]

This season will go similar to last year. They will have trouble scoring points.

 

[SubbaBub]

1. OLine needs to get their hands on people
2. LB need to be more active in pass coverage
3. Try to throw the ball on 1st down more. QB isn't going to have much time on obvious passing downs.

 

[WestCoastHusky]

How about take some chances and blitz once in a while? Our D was soft. Maine QB was rarely under pressure and had all day.

We got to pass more. Runs on 1st and 2nd downs are way too predictable.

How about throw some slants and let our play makers make something happen?

 

[microfich]

First game and we played down to their level. Not surprising for a team with no real identity on offense. I expect improvement as we go.

DEs have to get some pressure especially because we seldom blitz. This was disappointing

WRs have to get open. Noel will be double teamed all season.

OL needs to push more. Simple as that.

 

[dwalks93]

1. Make in-game adjustments - HCBD wants to run the ball but when the opponent puts 10 in the box the ball needs to go down the field. When our opponent starts lighting up our secondary we need to put pressure on the QB. It should not take an entire half to adjust to what the opponent is offering. A game plan is a fluid concept and a good coach is constantly making corrections. I did not see that in the 1st half of Maine.

2. Look to pass downfield prior to the QB just running the ball. Ok our O-line is not exactly a brick wall and BS will be forced to move a lot. That said, he is an agile athlete and can buy time in the pocket with his feet. In the 1st half of the Maine game BS consistently tucked the ball and ran without ever looking for the open receiver. Every opponent we play is going to stack the box and probably put a spy on BS...if BS looks downfield there will be players open...FWIW I thought BS did a much better job in the 2nd half of the Maine game of looking downfield prior to running. Also, if BS keeps running like he did in the 1st half of the Maine game he will not survive the season.

3. Throw the ball on 1st and 2nd down. UConn is not talented enough to consistently succeed when the defense is guessing correctly. Run, run, pass and repeat is a recipe for failure. Our O-line and running backs are not so talented they can consistently succeed when the D calls run.. BS is not a talented enough pure passing QB to consistently convert on 3 and 7 when the D is guess pass. UConn has to be more unpredictable on offense.

 

[BlueDogs]

1. Oline - getting off the ball, holding blocks and pushing people backwards. 3x the level of aggression.

2. Nail BS's feet to the ground and make OL defend a pocket.

3. Get pressure on QB. More stunts and blitzing. Must get to QB in 3 seconds or less.

 

[SubbaBub]

My only issue with more blitzing is getting burned by it. I'm not sure we would get there in time and leave they field wide open.

 

[CTMike]

1) Come up with an offensive game plan based on the opponents weaknesses, not what you stubbornly insist on doing.

2) Stop playing not to lose.

3) Score more than the bare minimum points to win.

 

[gioff23]

Make BS throw to ANYONE other than Noel on occasion
Find someone to play safety.
For navy, force 3D and long.

 

[jdb50]

Against the Navy option the defense is entirely different than against Maine so I will leave that alone. On offense the o-line needs to move faster, hit harder and stay engaged on their blocks. Saw way too much one soft punch and then lost their man who chased down the play. We put 3 tight ends on the field and defenses are not worried about defending the pass as there is very little speed on the field for us. So they blow up our running plays in this formation beating tight ends who miss their blocks. T Davis added a much more athletic dimension to our offense. Why have wideouts if you don't throw to them? Spread teams out to run.

 

[uconnphil2016]

1) O line. Specifically pass protection
2) Safties getting beat deep
3) Edge rush

 

[kris1]

1) Offensive Line
2) Offensive Line Coach
3) Offensive Coordinator

 

[weyuo]

It's going to change week to week but:

• Navy is up next. They put up 49 points on Fordham the last time I looked and the game wasn't over yet so the Huskies need to put guys in the box, flush out the QB and trust their D-backs to get the job done.
• The Huskies need to establish a passing game because no one believes they have one. Everyone, including FCS teams load up the box and dare the QB to find someone open downfield. Once they force teams to honor their passing game the running game will be just fine. I know it's opposite of what Diaco wants but EVERYBODY has UConn's number and they need to change it.
• UConn can't rely on this "let's play for the fourth quarter and try to win it there" mentality. Trying to keep it close? Give me a break, just flip a coin already. Your not going to attract high caliber recruits or fans playing like that and your going to lose games you should have won. Juice up the offense, take more risks on both sides of the ball. You don't have much to lose cause if you don't get the fan base increased and excited your always going to be on the outside(G-5) looking in.