I wonder if Lanning switches positions for next season?

[besserheimerphat]

I don't know much about the Wildcat (maybe I don't need to, it's pretty simple, isn't it?). So, when Joel is in the game now and he runs on a designed call, isn't that pretty much a Wildcat play? Or, maybe I'm missing something?

The "Wildcat" is basically just old single wing football, where the person receiving the snap is the primary ball carrier. If the offense has a typical QB who either hands the ball off or passes, then on run plays there are essentially 10 offensive players and 11 defensive players. By making the QB a valid threat to run the ball, the offense "gains a player." The only reason it's called the Wildcat is because it was brought back into the mainstream by some team called the Wildcats. I don't know that it was KSU, as I remember the Dolphins running it and the ESPN guys calling it the Wildcat before Colin Klein ran it.

 

[Boxerdaddy]

What I'd like to see is remove all skill players except whomever you want running the ball...replace with eligible lineman and steamroll those tiny cbs on a sweep. I know the defense would get a chance to sub but the first time you ran it they'd be like...ummm wtf brah? boom. patent pending.

 

[browns4cy]

The formula for the 2 qbs is getting closer to be pefrected. the fact they can switch them out like running backs and it be seamless is important. with Joel in be prepared to see a lot of 1 on 1 on the outside. will be tough to game plan against. The fact that Park and Lanning get along and understand that the way they are used is beneficial to the team

 

[Beyerball]

They ain't switching Lanning his Sr year..They have just figured out how to use both and things are rolling right now. Lazard isn't leaving.

 

[Luth4Cy]

Use him as the H-back, use him in the wildcat. Even if he beats out Zeb and stays as the second string QB I think you still need to have him on the field with some consistency.

Also, leave Park in at wide receiver sometimes when Lanning takes the snap.

 

[BMWallace]

I understand the sentiment, because Joel is a playmaker and you want to see the playmakers on the field as much as possible. But keeping the LanRam package is a great change of pace that will keep defenses on their toes. As others said above me, having the QB as your primary runner means there are 10 guys to block for him, versus 9 blockers when the QB is handing the ball off. Additionally, if the defense is playing 7 or 8 in the box when Joel is on the field, it opens up play action with the receivers having man-on-man coverage. It can also lure the defense into a false sense of security when Park is on the field and they expect pass or hand off, but he can tuck the ball and run a few times a game if need be.

I fully expect to see some new wrinkles to the offense next year with Joel in the game. What I would like to see:
-LanRam package for 20 to 30% of offensive snaps
-Joel being able to go under center for running, hand off, and pass (especially in the redzone)
-More play action for both QBs

 

[NickTheGreat]

There's a big difference between being a running QB and a RB. I don't think Lanning would be a good RB or TE.

But giving him more touches at QB or getting him on the field with Park? That could get interesting . . .

 

[Bryce7]

Zeb Noland and if I remember right he was challenging Park and Lanning in the spring before his injury

I bet Lanning will remain the red zone qb nxt year. H3 is too productive.

 

[NetflixAndClone]

The "Wildcat" is basically just old single wing football, where the person receiving the snap is the primary ball carrier. If the offense has a typical QB who either hands the ball off or passes, then on run plays there are essentially 10 offensive players and 11 defensive players. By making the QB a valid threat to run the ball, the offense "gains a player." The only reason it's called the Wildcat is because it was brought back into the mainstream by some team called the Wildcats. I don't know that it was KSU, as I remember the Dolphins running it and the ESPN guys calling it the Wildcat before Colin Klein ran it.

While KSU didn't invent it, Bill Snyder help reinvent it in the 1990s so that is where it currently gets it name from. Funny how many teams call it something else like ASU calls it the sparky formation because their rivals are the wildcats.

 

[67CY]

T Hines beat our man Pete with an article about Lanning returning next year. I imagine Pete will have an in depth one in a few days

 

[Cycsk]

Because Lanning with 5 TD's is not enough for you? Dumb thread.

 

[CyInDFW]

Imagine Lanning behind a big line package that included Scoggins back for another year to go with Campos and hopefully a better JGJ at center. Then add in Soehner as an eligible receiver playing on the line and defenses wouldn't know what to expect when Lanning came in.

 

[Tre4ISU]

The "Wildcat" is basically just old single wing football, where the person receiving the snap is the primary ball carrier. If the offense has a typical QB who either hands the ball off or passes, then on run plays there are essentially 10 offensive players and 11 defensive players. By making the QB a valid threat to run the ball, the offense "gains a player." The only reason it's called the Wildcat is because it was brought back into the mainstream by some team called the Wildcats. I don't know that it was KSU, as I remember the Dolphins running it and the ESPN guys calling it the Wildcat before Colin Klein ran it.

I remember Arkansas using McFadden, Jones and Hillis a lot. I do think Snyder kind of brought it back but a lot of teams were using it.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Lanning is our best running back. I'd be giving him 20 to 30 hand offs a game if it were up to me. He has vision, power, and speed. We have great young running backs, but having Lanning and Warren as our main two next year would be domination. Park looks great, so I can't argue to keep him off the field. At this point I just worry he won't get many touches next year.

 

[Cycsk]

Lanning is our best running back. I'd be giving him 20 to 30 hand offs a game if it were up to me. He has vision, power, and speed. We have great young running backs, but having Lanning and Warren as our main two next year would be domination. Park looks great, so I can't argue to keep him off the field. At this point I just worry he won't get many touches next year.

Lanning has great rushing stats, but they mostly come from breakaway plays in short yardage sets for a QB. I don't think he would be breaking through stacked lines if he was getting the ball in 1st and 10 situations.

It is ironic that we are getting so much QB rushing production without zone reads . . . and without getting our QB clobbered all the time.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Lanning has great rushing stats, but they mostly come from breakaway plays in short yardage sets for a QB. I don't think he would be breaking through stacked lines if he was getting the ball in 1st and 10 situations.

It is ironic that we are getting so much QB rushing production without zone reads . . . and without getting our QB clobbered all the time.

Why is it ironic? It's just good blocking. I don't think anyone was surprised to see Joel running the ball yesterday. It's no different to take the ball on a hand off. Joel isn't a Mike Warren type of running back, but what he does well is read and set up his blockers, then commits to down hill running. He isn't as fast as Mike either but he pulls away from people in the open field. He also isn't afraid to take a hit, therefore makes it punishing for people to tackle him all game. I just think its a far better option than seeing him for a quarter of the snaps next year.

 

[tolfbfan]

He will be the wildcat QB who can also throw the ball. BANK ON IT! I do expect some wrinkles that will drive the opposing DC crazy preparing. For example, how about him lined up as shot gun running back. I would hate that as a DC. So many possibilities.

By the way, when he is the QB and runs, we have an extra blocker than our RB's get when the QB hands off the ball to them. BIG DIFFERENCE when trying to put hat on hat.

 

[CyCloned]

Why on earth would you move a guy that scored 5 TDs last week to another position? Lanning gives ISU something that has plagued the ISU offense for the last 6 years, and cost the last coach his job. For the first time in forever the coaching staff has figured out how to get a fricking first down in short yardage situations. That is so critical to success.

 

[atlantacyclone]

I am a huge fan of Lazard and want the best for him. If he leaves for the NFL, so be it. Who could blame him? However, the thought of him back next season with Lanning and Park in the backfield makes me think that next year has a chance to be special.

 

[madguy30]

There's an article on CF about speculation on Lanning transferring (he smashes it right away)...kind of odd that the article is the first speculation I've seen on it.