Crimson&WhiteGecko
Member
Just a couple thoughts/concerns that seem to be clear at this point.
1. The 'push' that we have seen from the O-line over the past few years simply isn't there anymore. The run has been greatly diminished as a result. Ingram & Richardson are some the best backs I have ever seen but the O-line isn't giving them too much of a chance to get to the second level where our backs dominate.
2. Is the talent level really there for the O-line or is experience? IMHO, the talent level is there but despite that the experience or lack of time in strength training (for sophomores compared to 5th year seniors) it is showing. Let's face it, many SEC teams have good lineman, especially experienced (not UT), that have been able to challenge, if not beat, our O-line play. This may very well be the weakness of the O that will only correct itself in time... no matter what we call on offense.
3. I do not think this is a coaching issue at all. Pendry is the best O-line coach that I have seen in a long time. CNS & Pendry practically changed the culture of O-line play upon their arrival & we could see a MAJOR difference with his coaching. But why the drop-off? Again, it seems to be experience. There was alot of experience when Pendry got here.
4. I don't care what others may say, but teams having 2 weeks to prepare & recover against our O-line makes a BIG difference. I say that because they are given that extra week to work on scheme & technique when attacking our O-line. Technique is such a critical element to blocking tactics & working on the defensive techniques to counter us is paying off. Also, our style of play is SO physical. If a team is given adequate rest to play against our style then it allows them the time to stay in the game. These two areas of technique & rest play a pivotal roll at defending our run.
5. Coach Mac has got to earn his pay to win out the rest of the season & it seems he is going to have to consider this shortfall if we plan to win out. We have such talented backs that can be used in plays of misdirection or sweeps. This paid off against MSU but we didn't go to these types of plays until midway. Call that coaching adjustments or part of the game plan or feeling out MSU. Either way the plays were executed well meaning that we have practiced them in anticipation of the O-line's production.
6. Last thing, WE MUST continue to pass the ball effectively & base our game plan around passing first. Every team we have played has gone all in to stop the run. Some teams couldn't stop us despite that, most have been to stop it. Therefore the passing game needs to pick it up. PERIOD.
All of this is just my thoughts. Will not make an ounce of difference in the outcome; but just being able to put this down helps me along in the process...:lol:.
1. The 'push' that we have seen from the O-line over the past few years simply isn't there anymore. The run has been greatly diminished as a result. Ingram & Richardson are some the best backs I have ever seen but the O-line isn't giving them too much of a chance to get to the second level where our backs dominate.
2. Is the talent level really there for the O-line or is experience? IMHO, the talent level is there but despite that the experience or lack of time in strength training (for sophomores compared to 5th year seniors) it is showing. Let's face it, many SEC teams have good lineman, especially experienced (not UT), that have been able to challenge, if not beat, our O-line play. This may very well be the weakness of the O that will only correct itself in time... no matter what we call on offense.
3. I do not think this is a coaching issue at all. Pendry is the best O-line coach that I have seen in a long time. CNS & Pendry practically changed the culture of O-line play upon their arrival & we could see a MAJOR difference with his coaching. But why the drop-off? Again, it seems to be experience. There was alot of experience when Pendry got here.
4. I don't care what others may say, but teams having 2 weeks to prepare & recover against our O-line makes a BIG difference. I say that because they are given that extra week to work on scheme & technique when attacking our O-line. Technique is such a critical element to blocking tactics & working on the defensive techniques to counter us is paying off. Also, our style of play is SO physical. If a team is given adequate rest to play against our style then it allows them the time to stay in the game. These two areas of technique & rest play a pivotal roll at defending our run.
5. Coach Mac has got to earn his pay to win out the rest of the season & it seems he is going to have to consider this shortfall if we plan to win out. We have such talented backs that can be used in plays of misdirection or sweeps. This paid off against MSU but we didn't go to these types of plays until midway. Call that coaching adjustments or part of the game plan or feeling out MSU. Either way the plays were executed well meaning that we have practiced them in anticipation of the O-line's production.
6. Last thing, WE MUST continue to pass the ball effectively & base our game plan around passing first. Every team we have played has gone all in to stop the run. Some teams couldn't stop us despite that, most have been to stop it. Therefore the passing game needs to pick it up. PERIOD.
All of this is just my thoughts. Will not make an ounce of difference in the outcome; but just being able to put this down helps me along in the process...:lol:.
