Really, our O line is not as bad as some think. What appears to be a problem can be attributed to other factors. Defenses are geared to stopping SB and therefore shoot the gaps immediately without having to worry. It is obvious they are coached to hit SB in the backfield. This complicates things because the defense just tees off and, since SB begins his runs five yards back, they must hold their blocks loner than normal. Additionally, they are not coached to drive block. Some of you are pretty knowledgeable about formations and blocking schemes and know more about this. By our offensive schemes, we induce them to fire out which, in turn, makes things even more difficult for our Oline, which is mediocre but still better than they appear.
Our Oline
- Thread starter kijanacat
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Interesting... But your analysis assumes they are not supposed to trap block or that they are incapable of doing so.
Against athletes a la OSU, they are at times not quick enough to do so. The linemen we have would be better served by straight ahead zone blocking. They are big, strong, and can move the pile, but not particularly agile on their feet. It's been this way for quite some time now. It's really a problem in picking up stunts.
I guess they simply don't have time to do that because of offensive scheme combined with out play calling. I realize we need a scheme and ours is not changing, I am merely postulating that our Oline is not devoid of talent as some suggest. There are other factors that make them appear so.
This problem was not limited to Ohio State, we got blown up by much lesser teams so whether or not it's line talent or scheme, this is a problem that needs to be fixed
I, for one, have never seen this group of OL move the pile anywhere but backwards.
You might want to watch some films of the blocking before your make these statements. On the three run plays at around the 8 minute mark of the 4th Qtr, that have everyone ticked off, for example, if Trace McSorley had executed the Read Run Option properly, the blocking was there for an SB first down (on down 1 and 2) and quite possibly more but Trace decided to keep the ball (bad idea) and made the OL look bad. He bailed out to Barkley on the next play (also a bad read/choice) His choices in this series late in the game were bad and reminiscent of his choices late in the USC game.
I believe this helps make out my main point, that our Oline is more talented than some suggest. That is all.
Defenses have adjusted to RPO. Moorhead has not found a away to thwart these adjustments. If he continues his blind faith in RPO, he jay cost SQ the Heisman trophy.
This isn't about RPO. It's a basic mindset of a D trying to stop a running game, and not all that complicated. We actually saw this quite a bit last year too if you go back to the Michigan, OSU, Indiana and MSU games...so not a new issue for PSU's offense.
The only adjustment to a team crowding the line of scrimmage and blitzing the run game - whether you're running a pro style or RPO is:
1 - pass the ball
2 - take at least one of your skill position players off the table so you have an extra blocker
It's on the passing game to make plays. The offense is averaging 39 pts per game, so it's actually kind of hard to say there is no answer for what the defenses are doing.
I think some type of communication is a factor on the OL...especially on the road. Half of the tackles for loss seem to be coming from unblocked rushers and at OSU this really didn't get magnified until Bates went out and there was shuffling at the OL positions.
Personnel-wise, it's very important to remember that OL is the hardest position to develop and probably takes the longest. People are probably sick of this excuse but looking at the roster, 14/18 OL are freshman or sophomore eligible. When you go back a year and remember we started 11 different OL combos in 14 games and have had to shuffle again this year given the situation at right tackle, I'm sure that some continuity on the unit is a factor as well.
The only adjustment to a team crowding the line of scrimmage and blitzing the run game - whether you're running a pro style or RPO is:
1 - pass the ball
2 - take at least one of your skill position players off the table so you have an extra blocker
It's on the passing game to make plays. The offense is averaging 39 pts per game, so it's actually kind of hard to say there is no answer for what the defenses are doing.
I think some type of communication is a factor on the OL...especially on the road. Half of the tackles for loss seem to be coming from unblocked rushers and at OSU this really didn't get magnified until Bates went out and there was shuffling at the OL positions.
Personnel-wise, it's very important to remember that OL is the hardest position to develop and probably takes the longest. People are probably sick of this excuse but looking at the roster, 14/18 OL are freshman or sophomore eligible. When you go back a year and remember we started 11 different OL combos in 14 games and have had to shuffle again this year given the situation at right tackle, I'm sure that some continuity on the unit is a factor as well.
Get SB the ball. There is no bigger mismatch on the field than SB on a LB in space. Who cares if he gets 200+ yds rushing or receiving?
It's either the offensive line that is the problem or the offensive scheme. Because a stud like Barkley should be rolling out 150 yards a game in his sleep. They have a good passing game and weapons where if teams are really stacking up front like you say, they should be getting KILLED over the top.
I believe they are talented, just not polished enough yet and had to absorb injuries (shich all teams have to absorb).
