I see same thing. Gonzo seems fine except when pulling. We need to look at our schemes on some running plays. I don’tthink Oline is terrible, but definitely needs some tweaking
Anyone else hear Matt Millen say
- Thread starter ALion4Life
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You're right, Trout. Contrary to the narrative of the OL apologists, the line is routinely beaten like a drum against 4 and 5 man rushes. This just magnifies the problems caused by our super-slow developing hand-off plays to Barkley that result in consistent 4-5 yard losses.
This is why PSU really needs Rasheed Walker because this program is really low on quality OT’s. The OT’s are turnstiles out there right now, including Bates, who really should be playing gaurd. It’s a shame that Sterling Jenkins hasn’t developed into an option at the very least.
I think Mahon and McGovern are playing well right now, and Gonzo is playing well, but we need to eliminate plays that require him to pull. Everyone needs to hold their blocks longer, and McGovern needs to learn better communication with Gonzo and Mahon on leverage blocking, so that we don't end up with the wrong man chipping and then trying to go to the second level. That is happening a lot right now on the interior. I won't judge Connor for Lancaster because Lancaster is the best nose guard in the nation right now and will play on Sunday next year, and frankly I'm glad he's behind us and it will make Connor better for the experience of going up against him. Michigan will move Gary over to our right side, but I'm certain the staff is preparing for this as we speak. I see nothing wrong with the play calling, and Trace is playing steady, solid football right now. I think we can work Tommy into more packages back there and maybe provide some misdirection. I expect a new package for Michigan, to start out, in two weeks, and I fully expect better communication with Connor and Gonzo, and finally I think we see less pulling from Gonzo, and more pulling from Brendan, who is playing better and better at guard. I also believe the staff makes the final decision now: Fries or Wright, no more musical chairs.
Yup, that's what will happen ..... don't be surprised if they lose a couple before then end of the season if the OL doesn't get it together.
Joe used to say that it's the smallest things, or a team is "this close" to being a very tough football team. That's where we are at right now. This close. This is not 2015, this line has moments when it plays great football, but has had trouble in the beginnings of games with plays that require too much judgement or leverage or guesswork about who should go to the second level and who should stay with their man. Other times, we're seeing stunts that we aren't picking up in the first quarter, but pick up in the third quarter. I think we are closer than it looks. That very same Northwestern team basically shut down the Wisconsin running game also. The Wisky scores came on two big trick pass plays, one pick six, and only one legit Wisconsin style rushing drive.
