[81alum]

We're a much better lead blocking team than a push A to B team.  But we have to be able to run between the tackles to make a good run on this season. 

The OL and DL hold the key.  We aren't getting enough pressure on the QB, and we're not pushing teams back when we stick North and South, and going East West is, of course, a high beta approach, especially against teams with talent on their edges.

I appreciate this analysis from one of our most knowledgeable fans.  I really am getting worried about our ability to run between the tackles--even those of us who want a more open offense can recognize the need to do this, plus it is so ingrained in Shaw that we need to do it well since otherwise we will be stuck doing it poorly over and over.

Neither Northwestern nor the-team-led-by-the-lying-resume-padder have particularly top-notch defensive lines, and yet we did not seem to be able to make the power run work consistently--even late in the game after they were supposedly worn down.  I watched fairly carefully for just this point--because of all our conversations here about running power--and last night they did NOT stack the box very much.  They usually controlled our inside running game with 7, although safeties crashing in probably cost them the touchdown on the flea-flicker.  Those of you who have played or coached or just watched a lot more....what is our offensive line supposed to be doing when run blocking that they are not doing?

[81alum]

We're a much better lead blocking team than a push A to B team.  But we have to be able to run between the tackles to make a good run on this season. 

The OL and DL hold the key.  We aren't getting enough pressure on the QB, and we're not pushing teams back when we stick North and South, and going East West is, of course, a high beta approach, especially against teams with talent on their edges.

I appreciate this analysis from one of our most knowledgeable fans.  I really am getting worried about our ability to run between the tackles--even those of us who want a more open offense can recognize the need to do this, plus it is so ingrained in Shaw that we need to do it well since otherwise we will be stuck doing it poorly over and over.

Neither Northwestern nor the-team-led-by-the-lying-resume-padder have particularly top-notch defensive lines, and yet we did not seem to be able to make the power run work consistently--even late in the game after they were supposedly worn down.  I watched fairly carefully for just this point--because of all our conversations here about running power--and last night they did NOT stack the box very much.  They usually controlled our inside running game with 7, although safeties crashing in probably cost them the touchdown on the flea-flicker.  Those of you who have played or coached or just watched a lot more....what is our offensive line supposed to be doing when run blocking that they are not doing?