Per usual, paraphrased topics and answers from James Franklin's weekly radio show tonight.
Indiana:
They’ve been splitting time with their quarterbacks all year. They have a traditional QB who is a juco transfer doing a nice job. Diamont is quick and they’ve seen him before, and he can run. So now they’re going to a wildcat package with a true freshman RB and Diamont in the game at the same time. The running back is 270 pounds. This is a team that can find a variety of ways to score, so it’ll be a challenge. Indiana is bolstered by the improvements they’ve made on the defensive side of the ball, as opposed to the past when they just tried to outscore you.
Benefit of limited reps defensively:
They tried to have depth the first couple of years, but especially on the DL this year, they really have a three deep. Parker Cothren can rotate and only play 25-30 plays a game. If you’re shortsighted, you want to stay in the game to get the stats up, but it allows them to be fresher in the fourth quarter. Over the course of the season, it’s also helping.
Fakes on special teams:
You don’t want to hurt yourself. Against teams with nothing to lose, it’s something you always have to be aware of. Two years ago, Indiana did a surprise onside kick. Hopefully your techniques and fundamentals take care of it, but you have to be aware of it.
Time spent thinking of every possible scenario:
It’s not just with the players, it’s with the coaches. Indiana runs wildcat, so was thinking last night of things he’s done in his past. Georgia had a huge play in the bowl where they ran the wildcat and then went to the pass. Reviewed that film with the staff. Wildcat causes challenges because you feel like you have to overload the box to stop the run, and it creates really good throwing situations for the opponent offense.
CEO role as head coach:
Isn’t doing anything different from what he’s done for six years. Has maybe called four offensive plays in six years. That hasn’t changed this year. Sits in the meetings offensively and defensively. From the first time he took the job, he said he would do it as a CEO. Not operating any differently than past six years as a head coach. Made great hires in the offseason in Limegrover, Moorhead, and Brent Pry. So that hasn’t changed in his years.
Tommy Stevens:
Considering the coach from Indiana is probably listening to this, won’t say a whole lot. Raved about Tommy the same way he raved about Trace the last few years. He’s a guy they’re excited about. Want a package for him in the game plan each week. It allows him to continue to develop. If he has to play on a full time basis, he’s gained confidence and experience. And he brings something athletically to the table as a thrower and runner. It keeps him engaged. Backup QB is a tough job because other positions rotate in, but you don’t typically at QB.
Jake Zembiec:
Should talk about Billy Fessler a little bit more. He’s done a great job as a leader. Is a main signaler in practice and games. Really proud of him and his role on the team. Zembiec is a guy they’re excited about. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Kind of gangly. Although he shows athleticism, they want more from him in that area. He’s always been a natural thrower.
Indiana:
They’ve been splitting time with their quarterbacks all year. They have a traditional QB who is a juco transfer doing a nice job. Diamont is quick and they’ve seen him before, and he can run. So now they’re going to a wildcat package with a true freshman RB and Diamont in the game at the same time. The running back is 270 pounds. This is a team that can find a variety of ways to score, so it’ll be a challenge. Indiana is bolstered by the improvements they’ve made on the defensive side of the ball, as opposed to the past when they just tried to outscore you.
Benefit of limited reps defensively:
They tried to have depth the first couple of years, but especially on the DL this year, they really have a three deep. Parker Cothren can rotate and only play 25-30 plays a game. If you’re shortsighted, you want to stay in the game to get the stats up, but it allows them to be fresher in the fourth quarter. Over the course of the season, it’s also helping.
Fakes on special teams:
You don’t want to hurt yourself. Against teams with nothing to lose, it’s something you always have to be aware of. Two years ago, Indiana did a surprise onside kick. Hopefully your techniques and fundamentals take care of it, but you have to be aware of it.
Time spent thinking of every possible scenario:
It’s not just with the players, it’s with the coaches. Indiana runs wildcat, so was thinking last night of things he’s done in his past. Georgia had a huge play in the bowl where they ran the wildcat and then went to the pass. Reviewed that film with the staff. Wildcat causes challenges because you feel like you have to overload the box to stop the run, and it creates really good throwing situations for the opponent offense.
CEO role as head coach:
Isn’t doing anything different from what he’s done for six years. Has maybe called four offensive plays in six years. That hasn’t changed this year. Sits in the meetings offensively and defensively. From the first time he took the job, he said he would do it as a CEO. Not operating any differently than past six years as a head coach. Made great hires in the offseason in Limegrover, Moorhead, and Brent Pry. So that hasn’t changed in his years.
Tommy Stevens:
Considering the coach from Indiana is probably listening to this, won’t say a whole lot. Raved about Tommy the same way he raved about Trace the last few years. He’s a guy they’re excited about. Want a package for him in the game plan each week. It allows him to continue to develop. If he has to play on a full time basis, he’s gained confidence and experience. And he brings something athletically to the table as a thrower and runner. It keeps him engaged. Backup QB is a tough job because other positions rotate in, but you don’t typically at QB.
Jake Zembiec:
Should talk about Billy Fessler a little bit more. He’s done a great job as a leader. Is a main signaler in practice and games. Really proud of him and his role on the team. Zembiec is a guy they’re excited about. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Kind of gangly. Although he shows athleticism, they want more from him in that area. He’s always been a natural thrower.
