I might be on my own here, but I thought the staff brought a pretty solid game plan for the Nebraska game.
Context matters. I love wide open high powered offenses, but whether it is the quarterbacks, receivers, offensive line, or all of the above, the passing game just hasn't been clicking. Also, defensive coaches have film and have adjusted. We're to the point where trick plays are the highlight of our passing game. And coming off a tough loss at Rutgers where the running game and defense played well enough to win, you just don't want to piss away another game with interceptions and incompletions. There is some talent on the offense, but much of it is concentrated at the running back position.
The staff made a game plan adjustment by reducing the reliance on the passing game, minimizing 3rd and longs, playing field position, sticking with one QB, and utilizing his mobility. Result: good games by Worship and Knox, pretty good game management by Blough, just enough passing to facilitate 3 touchdown drives, and ZERO TURNOVERS. We were up 24-12 in the 4th quarter. One might say we got too conservative in the 4th quarter, but it was working up to that point. IMO the major difference in the end was #2 not being on the field.
With a similar game plan, if healthy enough, I think we can take 2 out of the final 4. Which would be pretty good all things considered.
Context matters. I love wide open high powered offenses, but whether it is the quarterbacks, receivers, offensive line, or all of the above, the passing game just hasn't been clicking. Also, defensive coaches have film and have adjusted. We're to the point where trick plays are the highlight of our passing game. And coming off a tough loss at Rutgers where the running game and defense played well enough to win, you just don't want to piss away another game with interceptions and incompletions. There is some talent on the offense, but much of it is concentrated at the running back position.
The staff made a game plan adjustment by reducing the reliance on the passing game, minimizing 3rd and longs, playing field position, sticking with one QB, and utilizing his mobility. Result: good games by Worship and Knox, pretty good game management by Blough, just enough passing to facilitate 3 touchdown drives, and ZERO TURNOVERS. We were up 24-12 in the 4th quarter. One might say we got too conservative in the 4th quarter, but it was working up to that point. IMO the major difference in the end was #2 not being on the field.
With a similar game plan, if healthy enough, I think we can take 2 out of the final 4. Which would be pretty good all things considered.
