[OutsiderFan]

Possible inside the 30, but mostly 20, issues:

1. Too many first down runs inside the 20
2. Not enough play action passing on first down, or on 3rd and short
3. No sprint outs*
4. Too many formations that take the best athletes off the field**
5. Not enough crossing routes - with the protection this OL provides, this should be a priority
6. Too many gimmicks and not doing what got you there***

* Bill Walsh's favorite play was the sprint option.  "The Catch" was a sprint option.  Hogan is a really good thrower on the run, and a good runner.  It's cosmically mystifying to me why one of the subjects of Walsh's greatest influence doesn't call sprint options in the red zone.

** It would sure be nice to see three, four or even five WRs on the field inside the 10, just to break some tendencies and put more pressure on the defense from a decision-making standpoint. 

*** The three FB option is great, but only if the defense knows there is the possibility of a pass, or if selling out to stop the run ends up in a pass that torches it. 

The bottom line is David Shaw prides himself on the ability of his guys to assimilate a lot of information and understand lots of complexity.  However, execution is sacrificed as a function of complexity or variation.  Given the limited practice time available for college football players, the odds for success are increased by simplification.  Defenses are most off balance when they have to make choices.  They can be forced to make harder choices with a lesser number of formations and personnel groupings.

The last play was needlessly complicated.  The pass protection was great all day long.  And Hogan had been moving the ball downfield by dropping back and throwing on the last drive.  Why the need for a play-action fake that involved pulling a guard and compromising pass protection that was working? 

[OutsiderFan]

Possible inside the 30, but mostly 20, issues:

1. Too many first down runs inside the 20
2. Not enough play action passing on first down, or on 3rd and short
3. No sprint outs*
4. Too many formations that take the best athletes off the field**
5. Not enough crossing routes - with the protection this OL provides, this should be a priority
6. Too many gimmicks and not doing what got you there***

* Bill Walsh's favorite play was the sprint option.  "The Catch" was a sprint option.  Hogan is a really good thrower on the run, and a good runner.  It's cosmically mystifying to me why one of the subjects of Walsh's greatest influence doesn't call sprint options in the red zone.

** It would sure be nice to see three, four or even five WRs on the field inside the 10, just to break some tendencies and put more pressure on the defense from a decision-making standpoint. 

*** The three FB option is great, but only if the defense knows there is the possibility of a pass, or if selling out to stop the run ends up in a pass that torches it. 

The bottom line is David Shaw prides himself on the ability of his guys to assimilate a lot of information and understand lots of complexity.  However, execution is sacrificed as a function of complexity or variation.  Given the limited practice time available for college football players, the odds for success are increased by simplification.  Defenses are most off balance when they have to make choices.  They can be forced to make harder choices with a lesser number of formations and personnel groupings.

The last play was needlessly complicated.  The pass protection was great all day long.  And Hogan had been moving the ball downfield by dropping back and throwing on the last drive.  Why the need for a play-action fake that involved pulling a guard and compromising pass protection that was working?