I Don't Think It's an Accident that the Defense Looked much Improved...

[gmoney44]

I think that is right. Nixon is worshipping his pass-first philosophy to a clear fault, pure and simple.

Teams are daring us to pass the ball. It’s hard to run it into a brick wall with our Oline and RB’s. We just don’t have a QB that can sustain drives by passing the ball.

In other words we are screwed the remainder of this season.

 

[hoopsupstate]

What’s sad is we have a good receiving corps and they are basically helpless. Collins can’t get the ball to them to make plays. The play calling on offense is unimaginative, predictable and confusing. No jet sweeps, no middle screens, no reverses or counters. Just plain awful.

 

[PhatOrange]

What exactly are our offensive strengths?
We don't have a serviceable quarterback and our oline can't block.
What exactly do you expect Nixon to call?

I could list several dozen plays I think he should run. We have some skill players that can make plays, you have to get them the ball in space. Find a way. These aren't the best defenses in college ball we're up against. I can tell you what doesn't work are inside zone runs and home run passes.

The OL pass pro has been fine, and the QB might be serviceable if we run some play action and shorten the routes. Higher percentage patterns. Nixons passing playbook is all or nothing. Collins would be better with quick hitters, shorter over the middle, slants, te curls.

From my nosebleed seats I would like us to just try something else. Move the pocket, roll him out, more rpo, jet sweeps, occasional option.

I'd like to see the run game get outside. Might not work, but Willis needs to get a head of steam to be effective, so try a toss sweep or some stretch runs. Willis' better runs if I recall are when he's on the edge. That big Clemson run was a 'stretch' play over the tackle with Valleri pulling. Tennessee same thing; his TD run was an option. His better runs are wide.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

I could list several dozen plays I think he should run. We have some skill players that can make plays, you have to get them the ball in space. Find a way. These aren't the best defenses in college ball we're up against. I can tell you what doesn't work are inside zone runs and home run passes.

The OL pass pro has been fine, and the QB might be serviceable if we run some play action and shorten the routes. Higher percentage patterns. Nixons passing playbook is all or nothing. Collins would be better with quick hitters, shorter over the middle, slants, te curls.

From my nosebleed seats I would like us to just try something else. Move the pocket, roll him out, more rpo, jet sweeps, occasional option.

I'd like to see the run game get outside. Might not work, but Willis needs to get a head of steam to be effective, so try a toss sweep or some stretch runs. Willis' better runs if I recall are when he's on the edge. That big Clemson run was a 'stretch' play over the tackle with Valleri pulling. Tennessee same thing; his TD run was an option. His better runs are wide.

Mostly agree. Although Collins has had some INTs and bad passes on those shorter passes too. I don't think there is anything he can do consistently.

 

[OrangePA]

The issue IMO is that our OL isn't very good at run blocking. It would be one thing if we could open holes, and hand it off effectively -- but we can't do that. We could -- at least a little more effectively -- when teams were forced to D us up honestly to protect against the pass.

Now that they don't, they can key on taking the run away without worrying about getting burned by the pass.

OL needs to be better.

Speaking of which, how do people think Josh Miller did subbing for Collins?

Controlling the line of scrimmage - and success on both sides of the ball - is usually the key to success.

 

[PhatOrange]

Mostly agree. Although Collins has had some INTs and bad passes on those shorter passes too. I don't think there is anything he can do consistently.

Agree 100% he's a liability, but can't keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for success. Need to create your own. Run more pass plays that he can't screw up (he's terrible on out routes) and if everything is inside zone run it seems we can do things to take advantage of the defense keying on this. Example, run a boot on 3rd1.

we're not even trying new stuff so we don't know if it'll work or not.

By the way, was anyone else annoyed that Carney had to keep covering his ears to hear? Ugh.

 

[Niastri]

What exactly are our offensive strengths?
We don't have a serviceable quarterback and our oline can't block.
What exactly do you expect Nixon to call?

I hear calls for more RPO, but the highlights show Collins running Willis into a wall of defenders on RPO more than once.

Can't have an Option play if you doubt your QB's decision making.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Yup. Literally referred to as "Dr. Blitz" throughout his career.

Fran talked about remaking the "identity" of the defense to the style they played in the Pitt game (and 2nd half of SMU).

Big step in the right direction, IMO.

Hopefully he’s the replacement for ERob

 

[shu 49]

Brown was always known for an aggressive blitzing scheme. Makes sense now. Would not be surprised if his role continues to elevate

Co dc to help ERb. Championship defensive type coach.

 

[shu 49]

I hear calls for more RPO, but the highlights show Collins running Willis into a wall of defenders on RPO more than once.

Can't have an Option play if you doubt your QB's decision making.

qb should make 65-70 percent of right calls on rpo unless we are running only out of that.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

Agree 100% he's a liability, but can't keep doing the same thing over and over hoping for success. Need to create your own. Run more pass plays that he can't screw up (he's terrible on out routes) and if everything is inside zone run it seems we can do things to take advantage of the defense keying on this. Example, run a boot on 3rd1.

we're not even trying new stuff so we don't know if it'll work or not.

By the way, was anyone else annoyed that Carney had to keep covering his ears to hear? Ugh.

Angeli did the ear thing too. Maybe if Collins did he would be better.

 

[shu 49]

I could list several dozen plays I think he should run. We have some skill players that can make plays, you have to get them the ball in space. Find a way. These aren't the best defenses in college ball we're up against. I can tell you what doesn't work are inside zone runs and home run passes.

The OL pass pro has been fine, and the QB might be serviceable if we run some play action and shorten the routes. Higher percentage patterns. Nixons passing playbook is all or nothing. Collins would be better with quick hitters, shorter over the middle, slants, te curls.

From my nosebleed seats I would like us to just try something else. Move the pocket, roll him out, more rpo, jet sweeps, occasional option.

I'd like to see the run game get outside. Might not work, but Willis needs to get a head of steam to be effective, so try a toss sweep or some stretch runs. Willis' better runs if I recall are when he's on the edge. That big Clemson run was a 'stretch' play over the tackle with Valleri pulling. Tennessee same thing; his TD run was an option. His better runs are wide.

Collins also needs air under the ball on long passes for our receivers to track it down. He throws bullets even really far passes which are gonna get picked. He also has to aim small on his passes. He still stares down his guy but is getting better except he doesn’t see open guys well.

 

[PhatOrange]

Angeli did the ear thing too. Maybe if Collins did he would be better.

I only recall Angeli doing it in the Tennessee game. I could be wrong. But if comms is an issue get rid of them.

 

[FrancoPizza]

Co dc to help ERb. Championship defensive type coach.

If that's the case and this is not just a temp type of hire, then everyone has to give credit to Fran for making this move.

 

[PhatOrange]

qb should make 65-70 percent of right calls on rpo unless we are running only out of that.

It's really not an rpo if there is no pass option out of it and Collins never pulls it. It's just a slow developing hand off to the 1 or 2 hole that's gets swallowed up.

 

[dollarbill44]

Who is this Don Brown? Is he the head of one of the five families in the tri state area?

I really liked "The DaVinci Code" and "Angels and Demons". Both were edge-of- your seat, gripping thrillers that kept me guessing right up to the end.

I had no idea he was a great football mind, as well.

 

[SUDadx2]

Like when did DB show up? you should really pay attention a little bit more, I think coach Fran Brown is the one who decided exactly what we were going to run, it started the previous week in the second half Against SMU, right didn't you hear that. Do you think someone can come in for a week and literally change everything about the scheme, My gosh some of the things that I read on this board utterly ridiculous With literally no football knowledge, at least it seems that way. Like I posted in another board, people will start calling for CFB With these type of results, Sure he better build it and quickly, I trust he can. hard to replace a couple of players with depth issues again for the 15th time in 17 years. Coach Fran Brown is the one who made the defensive scheme change by the way Win lose or draw they did not quit, nor did the offense. I also think it is absolutely detestable when reporters literally ask a 20 year old about their feelings in relation to getting booed, it literally reminds me of so many people on this board, utterly foul. And it is certainly not a reflection of the player who has deficiencies but certainly of the character of the individual asking the question. Character and goodness should count for something, really good coaches know that, but they better recruit, scheme, and most importantly win otherwise they will be gone.

I think you’re giving Fran too much credit regarding the defensive scheme. What we did in the second half at SMU and vs Pitt may be the type of defensive scheme and personality he has wanted for this team, but why did it take guys like Kevin Coyle and Don Brown to actually get it done? Fran wants an aggressive defense but he wasn’t able to implement it nor was ERob so he brought in Kevin Coyle who I hear was the architect behind the defensive game plan against Clemson, and later brought in Don Brown after Coyle left for UCLA. Coyle’s arrival at UCLA coincidentally coincides with UCLA improved play. I understand Don Brown simplified what we were trying to do and made a few personnel changes; Chestnut moved to Star and we actually used Grant and Buxton at LB in true dollar situations. I haven’t rewatched the game to confirm but someone here will and let us know if that’s accurate. I think we may have also locked Samuel’s on a receiver in certain coverages regardless of where said receiver was lined up moved to.

Fran is loyal to a fault. He repeatedly runs cover for ERob. The first time I noticed this was last season against Stanford on 4th and 9. It’s never ERob’s fault. While I respect the loyalty and taking the hit publicly for an assistant when are we going to see accountability?

Did I miss it? In all the discussion about the poor clock management at the end of the first half, has anyone addressed the poor tackling by the punt team that actually allowed the TD and the huge momentum shift?

The next time Fran runs cover or takes a bullet for one of his assistants I wish some reporter would ask him, ok coach you’re taking responsibility here for this just like you you’ve done in previous losses, so when are YOU going to stop making these mistakes?

 

[shu 49]

I think you’re governing Fran too much credit regarding the defensive scheme. What we did in the second half at SMU and vs Pitt may be the type of defensive scheme and personality he has wanted for this team, but why did it take guys like Kevin Coyle and Don Brown to actually get it done? Fran wants an aggressive defense but he wasn’t able to implement it nor was ERob so he brought in Kevin Coyle who I hear was the architect behind the defensive game plan against Clemson, and later brought in Don Brown after Coyle left for UCLA. Coyle’s arrival at UCLA coincidentally coincides with UCLA improved play. I understand Don Brown simplified what we were trying to do and made a few personnel changes; Chestnut moved to Star and we actually used Grant and Buxton at LB in true dollar situations. I haven’t rewatched the game to confirm but someone here will and let us know if that’s accurate. I think we may have also locked Samuel’s on a receiver in certain coverages regardless of where said receiver was lined up moved to.

Fran is loyal to a fault. He repeatedly runs cover for ERob. The first time I noticed this was last season against Stanford on 4th and 9. It’s never ERob’s fault. While I respect the loyalty and taking the hit publicly for an assistant when are we going to see accountability?

Did I miss it? In all the discussion about the poor clock management at the end of the first half, has anyone addressed the poor tackling by the punt team that actually allowed the TD and the huge momentum shift?

The next time Fran runs cover or takes a bullet for one of his assistants I wish some reporter would ask him, ok coach you’re taking responsibility here for this just like you you’ve done in previous losses, so when are YOU going to stop making these mistakes?

I truly think E Rob needed a little help cause we were not attacking at doing at all. It was total read and react. E can really learn from Don and we want a championship defense this is the guy to help. We gotta lock him up for a few years to ease E in. Dline was stunting and moving los backwards. I loved it. Blitzes were way better orchestrated than past. Don knows his stuff.

 

[007]

I think you’re governing Fran too much credit regarding the defensive scheme. What we did in the second half at SMU and vs Pitt may be the type of defensive scheme and personality he has wanted for this team, but why did it take guys like Kevin Coyle and Don Brown to actually get it done? Fran wants an aggressive defense but he wasn’t able to implement it nor was ERob so he brought in Kevin Coyle who I hear was the architect behind the defensive game plan against Clemson, and later brought in Don Brown after Coyle left for UCLA. Coyle’s arrival at UCLA coincidentally coincides with UCLA improved play. I understand Don Brown simplified what we were trying to do and made a few personnel changes; Chestnut moved to Star and we actually used Grant and Buxton at LB in true dollar situations. I haven’t rewatched the game to confirm but someone here will and let us know if that’s accurate. I think we may have also locked Samuel’s on a receiver in certain coverages regardless of where said receiver was lined up moved to.

Fran is loyal to a fault. He repeatedly runs cover for ERob. The first time I noticed this was last season against Stanford on 4th and 9. It’s never ERob’s fault. While I respect the loyalty and taking the hit publicly for an assistant when are we going to see accountability?

Did I miss it? In all the discussion about the poor clock management at the end of the first half, has anyone addressed the poor tackling by the punt team that actually allowed the TD and the huge momentum shift?

The next time Fran runs cover or takes a bullet for one of his assistants I wish some reporter would ask him, ok coach you’re taking responsibility here for this just like you you’ve done in previous losses, so when are YOU going to stop making these mistakes?

^^This^^

I think the running cover for ERob now also includes Nixon.

We are witnessing year 2 in the evolution of a first time HC. The learning curve is real and was always part of the risk. Fingers crossed. I really want FB to succeed here.

 

[GoSU96]

I think you’re governing Fran too much credit regarding the defensive scheme. What we did in the second half at SMU and vs Pitt may be the type of defensive scheme and personality he has wanted for this team, but why did it take guys like Kevin Coyle and Don Brown to actually get it done? Fran wants an aggressive defense but he wasn’t able to implement it nor was ERob so he brought in Kevin Coyle who I hear was the architect behind the defensive game plan against Clemson, and later brought in Don Brown after Coyle left for UCLA. Coyle’s arrival at UCLA coincidentally coincides with UCLA improved play. I understand Don Brown simplified what we were trying to do and made a few personnel changes; Chestnut moved to Star and we actually used Grant and Buxton at LB in true dollar situations. I haven’t rewatched the game to confirm but someone here will and let us know if that’s accurate. I think we may have also locked Samuel’s on a receiver in certain coverages regardless of where said receiver was lined up moved to.

Fran is loyal to a fault. He repeatedly runs cover for ERob. The first time I noticed this was last season against Stanford on 4th and 9. It’s never ERob’s fault. While I respect the loyalty and taking the hit publicly for an assistant when are we going to see accountability?

Did I miss it? In all the discussion about the poor clock management at the end of the first half, has anyone addressed the poor tackling by the punt team that actually allowed the TD and the huge momentum shift?

The next time Fran runs cover or takes a bullet for one of his assistants I wish some reporter would ask him, ok coach you’re taking responsibility here for this just like you you’ve done in previous losses, so when are YOU going to stop making these mistakes?

Part of the defensive improvement is AD getting his feet under him and Tremble emerging. The best guys on defense are 1st and 2nd year players.

 

[Crusty]

I could list several dozen plays I think he should run. We have some skill players that can make plays, you have to get them the ball in space. Find a way. These aren't the best defenses in college ball we're up against. I can tell you what doesn't work are inside zone runs and home run passes.

The OL pass pro has been fine, and the QB might be serviceable if we run some play action and shorten the routes. Higher percentage patterns. Nixons passing playbook is all or nothing. Collins would be better with quick hitters, shorter over the middle, slants, te curls.

From my nosebleed seats I would like us to just try something else. Move the pocket, roll him out, more rpo, jet sweeps, occasional option.

I'd like to see the run game get outside. Might not work, but Willis needs to get a head of steam to be effective, so try a toss sweep or some stretch runs. Willis' better runs if I recall are when he's on the edge. That big Clemson run was a 'stretch' play over the tackle with Valleri pulling. Tennessee same thing; his TD run was an option. His better runs are wide.

Find a way is not an offence. I share your frustration but when your opponent knows you can't pass everything becomes one dimensional and that is death. Just can't play without a qb.

 

[tbonezone]

most of our sacks were coverage sacks. Pitt qb held the ball for a fortnight before finally eating it.

 

[GoSU96]

most of our sacks were coverage sacks. Pitt qb held the ball for a fortnight before finally eating it.

They had Tremble spying, he couldn’t take off up the middle, and the DL did a good job with lanes after the bust for a TD.

 

[elimunelson]

Brown was always known for an aggressive blitzing scheme. Makes sense now. Would not be surprised if his role continues to elevate

Wait Don brown is at Syracuse? One of my ALL TIME favorites

He’s a great northeast recruiter too. He dominates the isl in Massachusetts

 

[PhatOrange]

Find a way is not an offence. I share your frustration but when your opponent knows you can't pass everything becomes one dimensional and that is death. Just can't play without a qb.

Finding a way means you earn your money and maybe don't keep running the same inside zone runs between the 1 and 2 hole that don't work; for example. Maybe if Willis can't catch you 'find a way' to put a RB in the game that can catch a swing pass.

My find a way comment though was in reference to getting your playmakers the ball.