Is this season's option, last season's bubble?

[Oakland]

The play that the OC continuously calls despite an underwhelming lack of success.

 

[CUSU]

The play that the OC continuously calls despite an underwhelming lack of success.

We've had more success with the option than the bubble, by far.

 

[SaltineWarrior]

The play that the OC continuously calls despite an underwhelming lack of success.

I have major problems with how we run the option. Actually I have a problem with how we run the ball period and I don't think its the RBs fault. I think its more about the scheme and how we utilize players.

In the off season I was led to believe we were going to run AT people, rather than trying to always beat them on the edge. I thought that made sense as the linemen we have seem to be better equipped for this type of running attack. More importantly (and you can tell its a major issue with me as I coach youth football), running in between the tackles means we run north/south. How many times do we see linemen stretch out a running play outside and our backs simply run out of real estate? This team seems to avoid running upfield.

I also don't understand why Lewis is put in as the tailback with a guy like Fredericks running as the FB. Lewis is more like a TE or FB, not the guy who can take a pitch and beat somebody on the edge. He is a very versatile player, but not the guy to take the pitch in an option.

Dungey is a tough kid and can get us some decent yards when in traffic, but I don't think he is a classic QB at this level. I would use the option sparingly with him, mainly to keep the defense off balance.

Lastly, I hate running the option out of the pistol. You want the ball to get back to and across the line of scrimmage as soon as possible. Keeping it in the backfield only helps the defense.

I would love to see a REAL fullback with a REAL threat to run in between the tackles. Maybe even a real blocking TE! Real "smash mouth" football that will fit the type of athletes we have make a lot more sense to me.

 

[bcubs9497]

I have major problems with how we run the option. Actually I have a problem with how we run the ball period and I don't think its the RBs fault. I think its more about the scheme and how we utilize players.

In the off season I was led to believe we were going to run AT people, rather than trying to always beat them on the edge. I thought that made sense as the linemen we have seem to be better equipped for this type of running attack. More importantly (and you can tell its a major issue with me as I coach youth football), running in between the tackles means we run north/south. How many times do we see linemen stretch out a running play outside and our backs simply run out of real estate? This team seems to avoid running upfield.

I also don't understand why Lewis is put in as the tailback with a guy like Fredericks running as the FB. Lewis is more like a TE or FB, not the guy who can take a pitch and beat somebody on the edge. He is a very versatile player, but not the guy to take the pitch in an option.

Dungey is a tough kid and can get us some decent yards when in traffic, but I don't think he is a classic QB at this level. I would use the option sparingly with him, mainly to keep the defense off balance.

Lastly, I hate running the option out of the pistol. You want the ball to get back to and across the line of scrimmage as soon as possible. Keeping it in the backfield only helps the defense.

I would love to see a REAL fullback with a REAL threat to run in between the tackles. Maybe even a real blocking TE! Real "smash mouth" football that will fit the type of athletes we have make a lot more sense to me.

Agree. Especially when running the ball. In my opinion, any designed run play where the ball is behind the LOS for more than 3 seconds is damn near a guaranteed fail.

 

[NineOneSeven]

Dungey doesn't go down easily, and it's a double edged sword.

Kid needs to learn how to slide now and then, or run out of bounds. Know your value.

 

[Cuse'91]

Dungey doesn't go down easily, and it's a double edged sword.

Kid needs to learn how to slide now and then, or run out of bounds. Know your value.

Maybe a 3 edged sword? Easier to get hurt trying not to get hurt. Plus, sliding sometimes puts your head right down into the strike zone for hits...

 

[NineOneSeven]

Maybe a 3 edged sword? Easier to get hurt trying not to get hurt. Plus, sliding sometimes puts your head right down into the strike zone for hits...

Yeah, most quarterbacks are awful at sliding because they wait too long and seem to jump first.

By slide I just mean be smart. Russel Wilson is great at it at running and getting down or out of bounds without absorbing big contact.

 

[SWC75]

I would love to see a REAL fullback with a REAL threat to run in between the tackles. Maybe even a real blocking TE! Real "smash mouth" football that will fit the type of athletes we have make a lot more sense to me.

 

[Briancuse]

I have major problems with how we run the option. Actually I have a problem with how we run the ball period and I don't think its the RBs fault. I think its more about the scheme and how we utilize players.

In the off season I was led to believe we were going to run AT people, rather than trying to always beat them on the edge. I thought that made sense as the linemen we have seem to be better equipped for this type of running attack. More importantly (and you can tell its a major issue with me as I coach youth football), running in between the tackles means we run north/south. How many times do we see linemen stretch out a running play outside and our backs simply run out of real estate? This team seems to avoid running upfield.

I also don't understand why Lewis is put in as the tailback with a guy like Fredericks running as the FB. Lewis is more like a TE or FB, not the guy who can take a pitch and beat somebody on the edge. He is a very versatile player, but not the guy to take the pitch in an option.

Dungey is a tough kid and can get us some decent yards when in traffic, but I don't think he is a classic QB at this level. I would use the option sparingly with him, mainly to keep the defense off balance.

Lastly, I hate running the option out of the pistol. You want the ball to get back to and across the line of scrimmage as soon as possible. Keeping it in the backfield only helps the defense.

I would love to see a REAL fullback with a REAL threat to run in between the tackles. Maybe even a real blocking TE! Real "smash mouth" football that will fit the type of athletes we have make a lot more sense to me.

When you try to run the option against teams that have some speed, like Lsu, and Usf, you are probably not going to have much success.

 

[elimunelson]

i love love love the option being back in the fold at Syracuse. I always feel like it was a unique aspect of SU football going back to my days watching Dick Mac and Donnie Mac running it.

It may have some warts right now but implemented corrected it can be devastating. It also shows that SU may not be engaging in football groupthink just going w the assumption that the pistol at all times is the way to run a successful college offense. Color me optimistic that they doing it.

 

[Stern]

The play that the OC continuously calls despite an underwhelming lack of success.

Yes

 

[Pyle]

The play that the OC continuously calls despite an underwhelming lack of success.

It worked very well against CMU. LSU/USF are too fast on the edge. The thing that gets me is WE KNOW they have speed on the edge and ran it anyway. I think we will run it much better at UVA this week but we should have bagged it early against USF.

 

[storange]

We have had success with the option. Not as much on against USF but in general we have had some big gains and a couple Tds off of the option

 

[Millhouse]

When you try to run the option against teams that have some speed, like Lsu, and Usf, you are probably not going to have much success.

there was one option run against LSU where the cornerback played mahoney and the running back on the short side. "i'll tackle you, wait, you pitched, ok i'll just tackle you then."

 

[Full_Rebar]

3rd down options to Ben Lewis should be banned.

We actually have the personnel to mix in some WR screens this year. Throwing to Erv with Ishmael/Lewis/Avant in front as blockers makes more sense than throwing them to West last year.

 

[Briancuse]

there was one option run against LSU where the cornerback played mahoney and the running back on the short side. "i'll tackle you, wait, you pitched, ok i'll just tackle you then."

I don't remember exactly how many their were, but there had to have been at least 3 or 4 option plays in that game.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

3rd down options to Ben Lewis should be banned.

We actually have the personnel to mix in some WR screens this year. Throwing to Erv with Ishmael/Lewis/Avant in front as blockers makes more sense than throwing them to West last year.

I thought Lewis was actually pretty solid catching screens last season.

 

[Full_Rebar]

I think he's a good receiver, who if used as an H-back to block and run routes against LB's, could be a nice weapon. I don't think he should be taking option pitches, or reverses. Someone else can correct me, but would swapping Lewis for Parris be a downgrade for the offense? Wouldn't you still be able to run or pass with him in that spot, or do we feel the need to have a TE on the field just because?

 

[TheCusian]

I think he's a good receiver, who if used as an H-back to block and run routes against LB's, could be a nice weapon. I don't think he should be taking option pitches, or reverses. Someone else can correct me, but would swapping Lewis for Parris be a downgrade for the offense? Wouldn't you still be able to run or pass with him in that spot, or do we feel the need to have a TE on the field just because?

He's run 5 total times spread out over 5 games.

It's really noticeable because he's not that great at it. (Though he did go for 17 on one.)

I'm not calling you out or trying to pick a fight about it at all - but it's been said enough times in enough places that it's be beginning to be a weird board meme.

They run it to keep people honest defending that position. No more no less.

 

[Full_Rebar]

It's noticeable because Syracuse can't afford to keep running a bunch of plays just to keep the other team honest- especially when you have two other guys at the position who are running backs by trade. If you want to keep the defense honest about the Hybrid, use Erv and Strickland who can carry and catch.

It's not a meme, but a concern that Lester is so worried about fooling the defense (throwing a go route to Hill is another example) that it's taking touches away from the playmakers. We've been screaming for more offensive weapons and we finally get them and then we don't give them the ball.

Sorry, but I think it's obvious that SU is leaving points on the field each weekend and that can't happen if we want to get to 6-7 wins.

 

[SUskibum]

I think he's a good receiver, who if used as an H-back to block and run routes against LB's, could be a nice weapon. I don't think he should be taking option pitches, or reverses. Someone else can correct me, but would swapping Lewis for Parris be a downgrade for the offense? Wouldn't you still be able to run or pass with him in that spot, or do we feel the need to have a TE on the field just because?

If you are saying JF, SwErve, Salt Badger, Ish and Lewis are our best 5 skill players on Offense, I agree. I also wish this was our most popular package. Anyone worried about Lewis not being able to block anyone should remember if you line him up 15 yards from the LOS, he still takes his guy out of the way of the RB.

I don't want to put words in your mouth though.

 

[TheCusian]

It's noticeable because Syracuse can't afford to keep running a bunch of plays just to keep the other team honest- especially when you have two other guys at the position who are running backs by trade. If you want to keep the defense honest about the Hybrid, use Erv and Strickland who can carry and catch. It's not a meme, but a concern that Lester is so worried about fooling the defense (throwing a go route to Hill is another example) that it's taking touches away from the playmakers. We've been screaming for more offensive weapons and we finally get them and then we don't give them the ball. Sorry, but I think it's obvious that SU is leaving points on the field each weekend and that can't happen if we want to get to 6-7 wins.

One play a game is not "a bunch"... If Lewis is playing the XB, he has to run a tiny bit. That's what's happened.

I think it's slight tweaks, like starting Fredericks for example - that will fix "leaving points on the board". Not making Lewis the 3rd WR midseason.

I hate the trick plays, but love the misdirection and play action, both of which fall in the "tricking the defense"

 

[TheCusian]

If you are saying JF, SwErve, Salt Badger, Ish and Lewis are our best 5 skill players on Offense, I agree. I also wish this was our most popular package. Anyone worried about Lewis not being able to block anyone should remember if you line him up 15 yards from the LOS, he still takes his guy out of the way of the RB. I don't want to put words in your mouth though.

4 wide offensive sets? No TE?

 

[Crusty]

My goodness, the offense is in its first season, is being run by a true freshman, features sophomores and freshmen at key skill positions and is scoring 30 ppg. We are leading the ACC in RZ conversion % - 93.75% total and 56.25% TDs.
Lester knows what he is doing and I am pretty sure he won't be featuring a Pop Warner offense featuring a FB and off tackle slants.

Give the guy a chance to develop these kids.

AND Dungey is a CFB QB in a system that includes an option he is not a china figurine. Just play ball.

 

[SUskibum]

well technically one of the four would be an Express Back who could lineup out wide, on the wing or in the backfield, but sure why not 4 wide?

EDIT: Just an attempt at getting our 5 best on the field at the same time.