Didn’t see a thread on this so I thought I’d start one.
Couple things I liked: Under center. Play action is an actual possibility if they continue to use this throughout the year. Tight ends. Don’t know if Dekkers didn’t like to use them or if Manning forgot about them, but loved the tight end play.
Dislikes: Line looks the same as previous years, unable to open up holes. Running game. Looks the same as previous years other than when Breece was the RB, but this stems from the line not opening up a ton of holes. Will say I was impressed with Abu Sama though, could he be the guy?
Agree with a lot of what you say here. Was busy yesterday and just finished watching the first 3 quarters. My offensive takes:
GOOD
- Super impressed with Becht. Very good pocket presence (his hop step to avoid a sack when being chased was Purdy-esque in execution and timing), quick release, and good decision making. Threw a very nice deep ball and appears to aim to hit the receivers in stride (good thing). Had a couple of near misses but I liked what I saw. I hope, unless we somehow get a big lead next week, Becht plays the entire game against Iowa and gets all (or Campbell's typical #1 rep amount) first team reps this week.
- RB won't be a problem. I didn't think it would be but that was cemented yesterday. Norton looked good and Sama looked fantastic for a true freshman. The latter displayed his strength numerous times with effective stiff arms.
- We ran a QB sneak, and at a time we should. I don't feel like that play gets run last year and I'm relieved that Nate/CMC appear to be open to the idea. The fact that it worked was icing on the cake.
- Play action (1000% agreement there). Now, if we can't run the ball it won't be super effective in Big 12 play but hey, you have to start somewhere.
- Hands. Through 3 quarters are guys caught every catchable ball that came their way.
- Getting plays in. Not nearly as much dicking around as in years past but still not the pacing I'd prefer to see when things are moving offensively.
- Pass protection scheming. Didn't see quite as many plays called that our team clearly couldn't block for. UNI won't be the best judge of that but there was noticeably less stupidity than during last year's game.
- Rocco. Did I mention I like what I saw here?
BAD
- Not impressed with the line play on the overall. Too many times they didn't fire off and too many times our QBs were under pressure. This was EASILY the biggest negative team-wide for the game. Clanton, etc have their work cut out for them
- Our route trees are still abysmal. We still ran too many plays where receivers were running down the field, running 3+ second routes which was time Rocco simply didn't have. On that note we have GOT to be able to utilize the middle of the field more. Some quick slants, crosses, etc will be vital for opening up the outside, since...you know, we are Iowa State and that seems to be where we (excuslively) want to throw the ball).
- Still too many POS WR screens that waste downs. We still aren't varied enough in our offense for those to be able to work, nor do we have the explosiveness on the edge. This **** didn't work 5 years ago, it didn't work last year, it didn't work yesterday, and it most certainly will not work against Iowa. Just eliminate it from the offense already.
- I mentioned it above but I'd like to see more pace with the offense. I think Rocco is a guy where, once he's in rhythm, will play/perform better if we keep things moving. An improvement over Manning (the numerous times we'd get to the line, "read" the defense, then call the final play at the end of the playclock was both ineffective and infuriating) but I'd like to see more pace to keep defenses scrambling when we are moving the ball.
- Penalties. Too sloppy but it was the first game. And it was hot as balls out there.
