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Initiating a "Balanced Offense"

6

60s Savage

Active member
During our 2016 season the coaching staff stated the need to balance our-then pass heavy offense which I recall had been very successful the previous five years, often excelling in exciting high scoring fourth quarters. Looking to the 2018 season, was the pass-run balance goal achieved last fall, and was it responsible for our poor finish?
 
We passed it 451 times to 388 rushing attempts. For comparison, in 2014 (Quincy's senior year) we had 552 rushing attempts to 527 passing. These numbers are probably skewed because we played with leads more in 2014 than last year and had a couple of games where were way behind and had to throw. I didn't look at '15 and '16 but I'm guessing we passed it a bunch more.

We finished 120th in time of possession this season so it's definitely a work in progress.

These transitions probably take time but it seems like a winning formula right now in FCS and FBS. But the defense has to improve along with it. We were 118 in passing yards allowed last year.

https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/ranking_summary
 
kalm said:
We passed it 451 times to 388 rushing attempts. For comparison, in 2014 (Quincy's senior year) we had 552 rushing attempts to 527 passing. These numbers are probably skewed because we played with leads more in 2014 than last year and had a couple of games where were way behind and had to throw. I didn't look at '15 and '16 but I'm guessing we passed it a bunch more.

We finished 120th in time of possession this season so it's definitely a work in progress.

These transitions probably take time but it seems like a winning formula right now in FCS and FBS. But the defense has to improve along with it. We were 118 in passing yards allowed last year.

https://stats.ncaa.org/rankings/ranking_summary
Click to expand...

My thoughts as well. Ultimately, our offense is scoring enough for us to win games. The biggest issue on offense is getting more consistent and being able to put up points against good defenses. Our worst offensive games last year were all losses.

But I still think defense is the Achilles heel. That's why that TOP stat is so ugly. Teams go on long drives and convert a lot of third downs. We rarely put three good plays together and get off the field quickly.
 
Agree with you Mr. LDopa, and I would add the need to avoid defensive penalties, especially on 3rd downs, and improve containment and backfield tackling. My intention with this commenting item was to stimulate a (partially) philosophic discussion regarding Eagle offensive balance 50%/50% or say 80%/20% passing to running effort, dependent upon available talent, recruiting efforts, training factors, ability to slug out yardage or an exciting passing, come -from- behind capability we've lived with in recent years.
 
Defense wins championships. We've seen examples of that in all levels of college and pro football this season. How long have we been on the current defensive path? coaches, schemes, etc.?
ALL penalties are difficult to overcome, and they are largely preventable. Clean play has to be part of the culture with penalties being unacceptable.
 
clawman said:
Defense wins championships. We've seen examples of that in all levels of college and pro football this season. How long have we been on the current defensive path? coaches, schemes, etc.?
ALL penalties are difficult to overcome, and they are largely preventable. Clean play has to be part of the culture with penalties being unacceptable.
Click to expand...

According to Freakanomics, “defense wins championships” is a myth.

http://freakonomics.com/2012/01/20/does-defense-really-win-championships/

A certain level of defense wins championships. Even with NDSU, their offensive numbers have been through the roof. Or look at the scoring in the last two Superbowls.

If our offense remains close to its recent level of productivity, we don’t need a championship caliber defense. We just need a decent defense.
 
clawman said:
Defense wins championships. We've seen examples of that in all levels of college and pro football this season. How long have we been on the current defensive path? coaches, schemes, etc.?
ALL penalties are difficult to overcome, and they are largely preventable. Clean play has to be part of the culture with penalties being unacceptable.
Click to expand...

I can at least give the D staff some credit for trying to implement some new things last year. I don't know if moving from a base 4-2 to a base 3-4 is a long term solution, but at least it shows we're trying new things. Losing Tuili was devastating last season and the cupboard was bare after he went down.

A couple of fairly easy things to implement might be to recruit more DT guys. I know it's tough in our recruiting base to find many good DTs, but searching for a transfer or JC guy might make sense. Secondly, I feel like we lack physicality and strength on the lines. I know the coaches are doing a lot of cross fit type stuff in training, but it might do us a lot of good to spend three months of the offseason working on strength-building exercises like heavy bench and dead lift. Size is great, but without strength, it isn't much of a game-changer.
 
When I suggested, Initiating a "Balanced Offense" the purpose was to discuss improving our 2017 offensive capability and consistency. (not the comments that ensued regarding needed defensive personnel additions) Aside from the runaway Lubbock freight train, IMO, until our final three games, the Eagles had a successful season. Barrriere performed admirably when called upon. Gubrud's passing and scrambling resulted in completions, first downs and TDs. Custer, McPherson and Pierce (and Gubrud) provided Easter with a very credible running offense. Yes, and appreciation for the blocks and time provided by the offensive line.

So, friends, let's chat about our expectations for the 2018 season, playoffs and everything a trip to Frisco will bring. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, our receiving corps will include Stiles, Eagle, Webster, Grady, Dorton and other sure-handed receivers. (Gotta mention; we will miss dependable veteran receiver Nic Sblendorio who, in spite of playing behind Kupp, Bourne, Hill made many clutch catches, and was the Eagles top receiver in 2017) GO 2018 EAGS!
 
60s Savage said:
When I suggested, Initiating a "Balanced Offense" the purpose was to discuss improving our 2017 offensive capability and consistency. (not the comments that ensued regarding needed defensive personnel additions) Aside from the runaway Lubbock freight train, IMO, until our final three games, the Eagles had a successful season. Barrriere performed admirably when called upon. Gubrud's passing and scrambling resulted in completions, first downs and TDs. Custer, McPherson and Pierce (and Gubrud) provided Easter with a very credible running offense. Yes, and appreciation for the blocks and time provided by the offensive line.

So, friends, let's chat about our expectations for the 2018 season, playoffs and everything a trip to Frisco will bring. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, our receiving corps will include Stiles, Eagle, Webster, Grady, Dorton and other sure-handed receivers. (Gotta mention; we will miss dependable veteran receiver Nic Sblendorio who, in spite of playing behind Kupp, Bourne, Hill made many clutch catches, and was the Eagles top receiver in 2017) GO 2018 EAGS!
Click to expand...

I think we need to see quite a bit of improvement on the OL. The guys pass block well ,as they have for many years running, but they struggle mightily to blow anyone off the ball. That's why the O seems to get so jammed up in short yardage situations. Getting better off the blocks would help the RBs a lot. The RBs are another group that can look great against some teams and very average against others. Custer needs to become more elusive. He's the guy who has the shake-and-bake role, Pierce and McPherson get the bulldozer role.

The area in need of a major upgrade is WR. It's not that the WR were bad last season; they were decent. Eastern is NOT a team accustomed to only having "decent" receivers. Having elite receivers that can make catches in traffic and work both the outside and the middle are kind of a requirement. There were way too many dropped balls last year and there wasn't a deep threat in the group. Getting some of these top recruits from last year coming into the mix should help a lot. Best has certainly done a great job loading up on legit D1 receivers in both of his recruiting classes, and now those guys need to take the field and prove themselves.
 
LDopaPDX said:
60s Savage said:
When I suggested, Initiating a "Balanced Offense" the purpose was to discuss improving our 2017 offensive capability and consistency. (not the comments that ensued regarding needed defensive personnel additions) Aside from the runaway Lubbock freight train, IMO, until our final three games, the Eagles had a successful season. Barrriere performed admirably when called upon. Gubrud's passing and scrambling resulted in completions, first downs and TDs. Custer, McPherson and Pierce (and Gubrud) provided Easter with a very credible running offense. Yes, and appreciation for the blocks and time provided by the offensive line.

So, friends, let's chat about our expectations for the 2018 season, playoffs and everything a trip to Frisco will bring. In addition to the individuals mentioned above, our receiving corps will include Stiles, Eagle, Webster, Grady, Dorton and other sure-handed receivers. (Gotta mention; we will miss dependable veteran receiver Nic Sblendorio who, in spite of playing behind Kupp, Bourne, Hill made many clutch catches, and was the Eagles top receiver in 2017) GO 2018 EAGS!
Click to expand...

I think we need to see quite a bit of improvement on the OL. The guys pass block well ,as they have for many years running, but they struggle mightily to blow anyone off the ball. That's why the O seems to get so jammed up in short yardage situations. Getting better off the blocks would help the RBs a lot. The RBs are another group that can look great against some teams and very average against others. Custer needs to become more elusive. He's the guy who has the shake-and-bake role, Pierce and McPherson get the bulldozer role.

The area in need of a major upgrade is WR. It's not that the WR were bad last season; they were decent. Eastern is NOT a team accustomed to only having "decent" receivers. Having elite receivers that can make catches in traffic and work both the outside and the middle are kind of a requirement. There were way too many dropped balls last year and there wasn't a deep threat in the group. Getting some of these top recruits from last year coming into the mix should help a lot. Best has certainly done a great job loading up on legit D1 receivers in both of his recruiting classes, and now those guys need to take the field and prove themselves.
Click to expand...

Yep. We need AT LEAST one consistent home run threat at either WR or RB. Preferably at both.
 
kalm said:
Yep. We need AT LEAST one consistent home run threat at either WR or RB. Preferably at both.
Click to expand...
Yes, back in the Taiwan days when he made it through the line you could predict "he's gone" or watching Cooper and the ball was even headed in his direction you knew it was a nice gain. Those exceptional athletes are really fun to watch.
 
60s Savage,
Stu Stiles is on his way to UW, doing some grad work, he will be greatly missed. Remember when Kupp was hurt, he Stiles came into his own, anything thrown his direction he snatched out of the Air. Get to know this young man #14 Jason Williams, he is going be great, along with the others you listed. We have some addition to the WR that came in last year, and will be ready for Action. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic Wallace
 
To All,
Our Offense should be ready for 2018. Some of our injuries should be ready, namely, #66 Kaleb Levao,
#67 D.J. Dyer,#67 Matt Meyer #77 Wyatt Musser came in last year from Kamiakin, HS, and #79 Nicholas Blair. Watch for these WR came in last year, and worked out with the team. #19 Andrew Boston, #82 Xavier James, hurt most of last year, Marques Boston, #88 Johnny Edwards IVth. We have approximately 5 WR in this class, one in particular Tre Weed, he may go both ways, the other 4 are going to be great additions to our team. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic E. Wallace
 
Excellent Vic. Thank you for the hundreds (probably thousands!) of hours you spend scouting and evaluating for and with this forum. All of us are looking forward to spring ball to stimulate and confirm our expectations for a championship Eagle season this year.
 
60s Savage said:
Excellent Vic. Thank you for the hundreds (probably thousands!) of hours you spend scouting and evaluating for and with this forum. All of us are looking forward to spring ball to stimulate and confirm our expectations for a championship Eagle season this year.
Click to expand...
And kudos to Vic for all the money he has given to athletics, far more than most others.
Thank you Vic!
 
To All, here are the above for 2018.
Sept 1 OPEN :x :(
Sept 8 @NAU
Sept 15 @ WSU
Sept 22 Cal Poly (Home)
Sept 29 @MSU
Oct 6 Southern Utah (Home)
Oct 13 @ Weber State
Oct 20 OPEN :x :(
Oct 27 Idaho (Home)Homecoming) :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Nov 3 @ Northern Colorado
Nov. 10 UC Davis (Home) Senior Day :( :( :(
Nov 17 @ PSU Nov 24 FCS Playoffs Begin. 10 Games we have 4 at home, 6 away. Times not announced, two open dates Sept 1 and Oct 20. Hope we are lucky to get another game at home. Information received from "Football Awards Presentation" on Feb 25th at Showalter Hall Auditorium. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic E. Wallace
 
60s Savage, Clawman .
Thank you for those kind words, if I didn't care about our Athletic Program, Coaches and Athletes, I wouldn't have done all this. Like I have said many times, our Athletes once they graduate, makes me feel like I will be losing Sons or Daughters. Men BB Game tonight and Saturday let us all send our Seniors off with a BIG, BIG, CROWDS. We will be there. Go Eagles!!!!! Vic E. Wallace
 
Discussion on this site has dwindled so let's discuss the highs and concerns of our 2018 special teams, and let's also consider the pros and cons of a two quarterback offense, our two QB starters. Eastern may have been confronted with that situation in 2017 had not Hennessy transferred to Central. Over the years quarterback controversies have hurt teams when it was expected that the competition would actually benefit the team. Thoughts?
 
I say let it be decided in the spring so whomever it is gets all the 1 reps in fall. I am in the EB3 camp right now. Gubrud and his issue last year opened that door. Will let spring camp decide.
 
Is this a serious conversation? Gubrud is our guy. Hands down. No question about it. Literally, not even a reasonable conversation.
 
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