I have had us marked for a win in this one since the preseason however I had Kansas as a loss. I was/am willing to settle for 3-1 in our first 4 but still think there is a chance we walk out with the W on Friday and move to 4-0.
You all have touched on the fact that this will be Raiola's first real test against a defense with substance. The key's on the defensive side of the ball should be to confuse Raiola with pre-snap looks that either show we are bringing pressure, manning up and bailing to zone or vise-versa. The more looks we can give him the better. However, I believe the real factor is getting pressure on him with 4-5 people so the rest of the group can match up on the outside and play centerfield down the middle. I don't want us to get into a situation where we are having to bring 5+ people every down just to get some pressure. We have to sure up the run defense as well. We cant allow those 10+ yard chunk runs like we have been. Ultimately we are living up to the bend don't break defense so far but a couple chunk plays can break you in a hurry. Also don't let #24 get involved to much in this game, I feel like he was there for a big play whenever they needed it last year.
Key on offense is going to be playing mistake free football. Don't turn the ball over, win TOP, don't get in 3rd and longs and finish drives with touchdowns. There needs to be an emphasis on interior run blocking this week as well as coaching up Feagin to get downhill faster and to run with a lower pad level. I would also like to see more underneath mesh routes (backs, TE, slot guys). Would love to see Wilcher get involved with this mesh concept given his speed, hit him in stride underneath and let him cut up field in space and see what happens. The injury to Rusk isn't being talked about enough, I think that is really setting this offense back. We don't have a TE or safety net out there with sure hands or the speed to turn nothing into something. Arkin has had a couple timely drops that would have really put us over the edge.
Not able to make it to this game but please fill their stands like they did to us last year. I cant stand that stupid go big red cheer they do, lets just shut them up!!!
You all have touched on the fact that this will be Raiola's first real test against a defense with substance. The key's on the defensive side of the ball should be to confuse Raiola with pre-snap looks that either show we are bringing pressure, manning up and bailing to zone or vise-versa. The more looks we can give him the better. However, I believe the real factor is getting pressure on him with 4-5 people so the rest of the group can match up on the outside and play centerfield down the middle. I don't want us to get into a situation where we are having to bring 5+ people every down just to get some pressure. We have to sure up the run defense as well. We cant allow those 10+ yard chunk runs like we have been. Ultimately we are living up to the bend don't break defense so far but a couple chunk plays can break you in a hurry. Also don't let #24 get involved to much in this game, I feel like he was there for a big play whenever they needed it last year.
Key on offense is going to be playing mistake free football. Don't turn the ball over, win TOP, don't get in 3rd and longs and finish drives with touchdowns. There needs to be an emphasis on interior run blocking this week as well as coaching up Feagin to get downhill faster and to run with a lower pad level. I would also like to see more underneath mesh routes (backs, TE, slot guys). Would love to see Wilcher get involved with this mesh concept given his speed, hit him in stride underneath and let him cut up field in space and see what happens. The injury to Rusk isn't being talked about enough, I think that is really setting this offense back. We don't have a TE or safety net out there with sure hands or the speed to turn nothing into something. Arkin has had a couple timely drops that would have really put us over the edge.
Not able to make it to this game but please fill their stands like they did to us last year. I cant stand that stupid go big red cheer they do, lets just shut them up!!!
