Sunday, September 16, 2007

So why Thigpen up the middle so much?

Thought I would address our running back situation a little bit and some of the play calling on goal line situations. I've spoken with some folks over the last week or so, and here's what I've been able to piece together.

First, let's look at the numbers a little bit. First off, we've ran for 776 yards in 3 games for an average of 258.67 yards/game. Pretty good, but our opponets, save Akron, probably haven't given our Line too many problems yet. However, still a very good average/game considering we've passed for 657 yards at 219 yards/game. Lynch said he wanted to run the ball more, and so far, we have, and we've done very well.

After a huge game on Saturday, Lewis leads the rushing attack with 317 yards on 42 carries. Thigpen is next at 222 yards on 43 carries, McCray has played in only 2 games, yet has amassed 135 yards on 21 carries. Payton gives us 56 yards, Burgess 50, and Sears has25 yards on 18 carries. To further give some numbers, Lewis gives us7.5 yards/carry, McCray is next at 6.4, Payton at 5.1, Burgess at 5.0, Thigpen at 4.5, and Sears at 1.4/carry.

Now, what has been the biggest questions about the IU running attack especially during the first couple of games did they try and run Thigpen up the middle for 1 over and over. Well, the answer was 2 fold from what I can gather. First, IU was very vanilla against ISU and WMU. Lewis didn't run that much, unlike the Akron game. Secondly, and probably most importantly, is the staff is trying to get the ball to Thigpen as much as possible and trying to use his 4.25 speed to make a play. Now, it's hard for a guy like Marcus to do much going straight up the middle, but nonetheless, they tried to do that. Also, I think they did this to set up the play action later on.

Now it's my opinion that Marcus is more of a 3rd down type of back because of his size and speed. In the NFL he'll be a returner and probably a WR, but with "Wrong Way" Ray or "Big Play" Ray (whichever you call him) occupying that spot, you can't really put Marcus over there either. So the staff used him a little more on the outside against Akron, and I think as the season progresses, you'll see him more on the outside. As, McCray isn't 100 percent healthy either, so as he continues to get healthy, I think you'll see him more and more do the inside running.

As for goaline situations, Sears isn't necessarily the problem, it's really the OL. They are not getting the push that's needed and I think that's pretty obvious to everyone. This week against Akron, we saw a lot of Troy Wagner and 2 TE sets down there, but it still didn't help. Robinson and Lively had haydays against Wyss and Sandberg pretty much all day long. Those 2 OL really struggled down inside the goaline. I think we are going to see more KL sneaks from now on. Also, I'd like to see them use Sears as the blocking full back and use Payton or Burgess down there. I think the staff is kind of searching for answers as well, as they try and find the right formulas. Yet, even with the struggles, IU has continued to rack up 133 points in 3 games at 44 points/game, so we can't complain too much, but it's still something that is concerning.

One thing I did notice that they also tried was bringing Hardy into motion and using him as a blocker, but that didn't work either. That merely brought another defender into the box. I think for these goaline situations to work, Wyss and the Guards have got to do a better job at getting a push. Wyss has the heart of a lion, but he's small, so he needs to use technique and get low. Sandberg is strong as an ox, but he has to get low too. He doesn't bend all that well. Saxon also had his issues Saturday and at 315 pounds, needs to do a better job. If these 3 guys take care of the inside, this is a non-issue. Right now, there is no push forward, and until there is, it's gonna be an issue with short-yardage. Hopefully, this will work itself out sooner, rather than later! Believe me when I say this, the coaches are trying all kinds of formations to try and work this issue out. However, I think because of the lack of a push and the time it takes to do a handoff, IU would be much better off to just sneak KL or use the play action pass to a TE or Sears, like they did on the 4th and 1 play on Saturday.

Now for my Non conference Awards:
1. Offensive MVP- It goes to James Hardy. He's dominated so far, as he should really, and he's improved more than any player on offense for IU so far this season. 10 catches for 245 yards and 5 TDs already. Great performances game in, game out for him the first 3 games.

2. Defensive MVP-I gotta go with Greg Middleton and I want to personally thank Tiller and company for letting this guy get away. Greg has just been a monster so far this season. We all were concerned about the DEs coming in and who would start opposite Kirlew, but Greg is turning into an All Big Ten type of DE, and he's only gonna get better! So far Greg has 11 tackles and 5 sacks and 5 more Tackles for loss leading the team in the 2 latter categories.

3. Special Teams MVP-I'm going with Austin Starr. Last year, this was a HUGE question mark, but not this year. Austin has done a great job on FGs, PATs, and is improving on Kickoffs. He's got a big leg and his confidence is soaring. He's 7 of 8 on FGs with a long of 48 yards, has had 4 touchbacks in 25 opportunities, and he's perfect on extra points. Couldn't really ask for much more from him.

4. Most improved MVP-I'm gonna go with the entire front 7 of the IU defense, including the non-starters. There are a lot of improved players across the board, but these guys have really done a fabulous job in helping IU lead the nation in sacks and they are in the top 5 for tackles for loss. Just a great job so far in an area where we had question marks. Also, very good and productive depth along the front 7 as well. Many, many guys have contributed and/or played very well here.

Finally, I've seen an awful lot to be optimistic about so far and hopefully we can start the conference season off right next week with Illinois. Also, I want to mention Mike Stark and his performance Saturday. Here's a guy that's been 3rd and 4th team OL all spring and fall and because of injuries played the whole game Saturday, and I thought played a very good game. Made some mistakes, but he held his own, and toward the end of the game, IU was running on his side, which was great to see. He also eases my mind a little for next season and who would replace Emerson over there. Great job Mike!

Sunday, September 2, 2007

Analysis of Indiana State Game

Man, what a great night. The kids did a great job under extreme emotions in the first half. They came out and did pretty well, then the coaches did very well to settle them down at the half. I think just about everyone on the active roster that wasn't hurt or going to redshirt played. I know the 4th string OL got in at the end, which hasn't happened in decades at IU. It was great to see IU come out and just thump a team, and do it by being very vanilla. Not sure they ran more than 5 different run plays, and they ran the same pass routes over and over with much success. While there is not alot to take from games like this, there are some encouraging signs.

First off the things I liked.

1. The fans and the students were great. I was told that 38K was there. The 34K being given out doesn't include the 4,000 free tickets given out to students. The students really got into the game, and man, what a difference that has been from years past. A 55 to 7 thumpin will bring them back for the next game as well!

2. Hardy is special, we all knew that, but I really paid close attention to him when he was in there, and I saw a lot of changes in him. Much more dedicated at carrying out blocks and fakes. He ran very good routes. Screwed up getting the celebration penalty that led to poor tackling that cost IU a shut out, but the No Fun NCAA takes this WAY to far, so James did well. IU could have just lobbed the ball to Hardy every stinkin time and scored, but it was good that they tried to do other thngs and establish the run some.

3. James Bailey and Ray Fisher did very well as 2nd and 3rd options. Also Terrance Turner got a couple of balls.

4. Thought the DL, DEs, and LBs showed their aggressive style and depth by rotating in a lot. IU will get burnt some, but you will never be able to accuse IU of not hawking the ball. Lots of bodies in the 2nd half, and better push up front. Lots and lots of people saw action and contributed. Good to see Isaac Price get a TFL, Marando and Zementis with sacks. Marando is an animal. He just never stops.

5. Tyler Replogle and Mitch Evans. The only 2 freshman to play, and each showed some pretty encouraging signs of being very good for IU in the future. Tyler is a beast. Man he's an animal, just never stops. Mitch was in on 2 or 3 solo tackles. Good form and lays the lumber when he hits you. He could be starting by the end of the season, seriously.

6. Thought the DBs did pretty well, especially Polk. He came all the way across the field and one play and just blew it up. Nice to have that ball hawking FS that we've lacked for a long time. He's only going to get better as well.

7. Both Austin Starr and Mike Hines did very well tonight. Neither position is going to be a problem for IU this season.

Now, some things that IU needs to work on:

1. IMO, Marcus Thigpen isn't the answer for IU at RB. He's a kick returner, 3rd down back only. Can't expect him to run up the middle. IF IU is going to run up the middle then bring in someone else to do that. I know we were vanilla tonight in the run game, but I thought the first team OL struggled big time with ISU's run D. ISU stacked the box 8 deep and they are faster, but OL has to give a little better effort here. Thought they came out in the 2nd half and did a lot better with Sears and Payton back there. I love Thigpen in his explosiveness, but asking him to run draws isn't the things to do.

2. Thought Kellen played decent, but he'll need to do a better job the next game against a better opponet. His passing was a little off tonight, and I just didn't see the creativeness that I saw last season.

3. The BTN. Now I didn't see the broadcast, but let me tell you , the BTN did no favors to IU by staring the game a 0h dark thirty, then the TV timeouts were excruisatingly too long. I'm glad more people got to see the game than normally would, but this network won't last long in my opinion. I did get to hear Beno Cook on ESPN radio before the game, and let me tell you, what he was said about what the Big Ten is trying to do is dead on accurate. Until the Conference refuses to give ABC and ESPN the big games, the BTN will NEVER be anything to write home about, and he said Delany doesn't have the balls to do that, because then the Big Ten would be left out in the cold altogether.

4. Fumbles are always an issue your first game, so we have to limit those more.

Overall, a very good game for IU. For once they came out and thumped someone they should thump. A lot tougher opponet next week, but a very winnable game. I will be looking for a much improved run game (hopefully McCray will be back). No major injuries came from the game, except that Kleinsmith either had a hammy issue. Not sure if he pulled it or it cramped up on that INT return.

Also, my condolences to Indiana State fans. You are in for another LONG season. This will be Mr. West's last season no doubt about it.

Also, Tony West will play at the next level, probably at Kick Returner/3rd down back. While not as fast as Thigpen, he's just as elusive.

And finally, another coach that will be gone at the end of the season will be Lloyd Carr. Your fate is sealed Lloyd, no matter what you do from here on out this season.