First let me say Trace played GREAT. Their have been a few times during the year I thought he struggled a bit, and certain people thought I was throwing him under the bus. I wasn't, just call it as it is, and today along with most of the year he played great. Especially today.
Run Game:
Everyone knows my frustration of running Barkley between the tackles. And they continued to do so this game to negative rush yards thru the first half. I know D's are also taking away the outside, but not always, and how could it hurt to at least try more outside runs. I give Moorhead credit for trying to run Trace more and mix it up, but thats not really there either.
But here is the real problem of why the run game is not working, as the coaches say it should. Even when teams don't overload the box and he still is getting stuffed. Many times I would count 4 DLs and 2 LBs with the other LB lined up wide guarding the slot WR. So most times in the NW game I saw a 6 man box. Now 5 guys cannot block 6. But this is where I have read and heard Moorhead say many times he favors this match up. If Barkley only has to make one guy miss, that is supposed to be in our favor. I have heard and read that for over a year now. But it is clearly not working. Why not? At this rate you cannot depend on 5 stuffs and then Barkley breaks one. That is to inconsistent. Against the better teams it is going to hurt us.
Where Are We Going:
I honestly believe we can finish 11-1 and make it back to the Big 10 Champ. But it is very hard to beat good teams if you are just one dimensional. And more and more that is what is happening. If we cant run against a 6 man NW box, how are we going to have any success against Mich or OSU.
I think our passing game is great and could easily exploit anyone. But some how some way I really hope Moorhead does whatever it takes and finds a way to run the ball better against Mich. and OSU. This PSU team is to damn good to let that hurt us. With Oklahoma losing we have a great shot at the playoffs. IMO their will be two spots left between PSU (if they get the run game figured out) Auburn and GA who are both playing each other later on in the year. I also think the OL although playing decent, not great, overall must get better for Mich. and OSU>
Defense:
What can you say. They are just playing great. The sign of a good team is if they play up to their potential and the D is. I mean their not BAMA from last year, but who is.
My Mid Season Grades:
QB - B+ Trace may have his moments, but he is the best passer in the big 10
OL - B Needs to get better for Mich. and OSU
RB - A+
WR- B+ Would like to see Charles get going
DL- B+ Very Solid. Love the many various rotations. But how will they hold up against a really good Oline?
LBs - B+ Cabinda's stock just keeps going up.
DBs - A- They are playing great.
Run Game:
Everyone knows my frustration of running Barkley between the tackles. And they continued to do so this game to negative rush yards thru the first half. I know D's are also taking away the outside, but not always, and how could it hurt to at least try more outside runs. I give Moorhead credit for trying to run Trace more and mix it up, but thats not really there either.
But here is the real problem of why the run game is not working, as the coaches say it should. Even when teams don't overload the box and he still is getting stuffed. Many times I would count 4 DLs and 2 LBs with the other LB lined up wide guarding the slot WR. So most times in the NW game I saw a 6 man box. Now 5 guys cannot block 6. But this is where I have read and heard Moorhead say many times he favors this match up. If Barkley only has to make one guy miss, that is supposed to be in our favor. I have heard and read that for over a year now. But it is clearly not working. Why not? At this rate you cannot depend on 5 stuffs and then Barkley breaks one. That is to inconsistent. Against the better teams it is going to hurt us.
Where Are We Going:
I honestly believe we can finish 11-1 and make it back to the Big 10 Champ. But it is very hard to beat good teams if you are just one dimensional. And more and more that is what is happening. If we cant run against a 6 man NW box, how are we going to have any success against Mich or OSU.
I think our passing game is great and could easily exploit anyone. But some how some way I really hope Moorhead does whatever it takes and finds a way to run the ball better against Mich. and OSU. This PSU team is to damn good to let that hurt us. With Oklahoma losing we have a great shot at the playoffs. IMO their will be two spots left between PSU (if they get the run game figured out) Auburn and GA who are both playing each other later on in the year. I also think the OL although playing decent, not great, overall must get better for Mich. and OSU>
Defense:
What can you say. They are just playing great. The sign of a good team is if they play up to their potential and the D is. I mean their not BAMA from last year, but who is.
My Mid Season Grades:
QB - B+ Trace may have his moments, but he is the best passer in the big 10
OL - B Needs to get better for Mich. and OSU
RB - A+
WR- B+ Would like to see Charles get going
DL- B+ Very Solid. Love the many various rotations. But how will they hold up against a really good Oline?
LBs - B+ Cabinda's stock just keeps going up.
DBs - A- They are playing great.
