I don't disagree completely but here's the problem with simply saying " spread them out"I disagree to an extent. This team has shown that the offense/Rocco are at their best when they spread the field. That includes the run game. We aren't built to run all of these tight formations and be stupid predictable. IMO predictability was one of our biggest issues on Saturday. It also seems like our route trees take longer to develop out of the tight formations, which is problematic when your o-line isn't able to buy you time. I'm not saying that scheme s our only problem but the stubbornness on tight formations isn't the solution either. This was an issue back in 2021 too when we were completely committed to the multiple TE sets and teams adapted.
Frankly, if I'm a DC watching Iowa State - I'm not going to give a flying crap whether you're in 5 wide or 3 tite.
Through 8 games you have 2 guys with 98 receptions combined - and the next guy has 10.
I'm simply playing zone - rolling a safety to the wide side of the field or simply rob off of Higgins and play zone on Noels side as a split field concept and still keeping at least 6 guys in the box to muddy the water. Maybe 7 if I wanna something like 2 man or Cover 1.
We have done - be it Rocco or the OC or both - collectively - done such a poor job of involving anyone other than Higgins and Noel in the passing game if I am an opposing defensive coordinator , whether you are playing 4 wide or 3 tite he's what I'm telling Iowa State
A) I'm going to roll Coverage to Noel and Higgins or rob off them with a safety
B) I'm going to get as many guys in the box as I can, potentially playing some man when I want to bring pressure and try to take away running lanes
C)You wanna throw it to Eli Green? Carson Brown? You gonna be disciplined and do that for 7-8 plays a game? Go ahead. I dare you. But I'm going to make it as hard as a I can for you to run the ball and or find Higgins and Noel for big plays and make you nickel and dime me.
That's my game plan. Because we've not done that all season. And if Eli Green goes for 5 and 72 and a TD and Brahmer has 4 for 38 - and I lose. I'll tip my cap.
But that is why I say it doesn't really matter. 5 wide, 0 wide. Until Iowa State makes some kind of a change to involve someone else, or attack a different part of the field, its a false narrative to say that offense becomes better simply because a defense is spread out. Because you're still predictable.
All spreading a defense out does if you don't break tendencies is combing your hair back instead of to the side.