@middawg And he was an elite cover in the boundary. We could run man over there, not really have to worry about covering him up with a safety, and use the safeties in run support and field side coverage. We won't have that luxury this year. I think our linebackers, and guys like Zachman at safety, have a much more difficult challenge this year, than Moore and the backers had last year. Its going to appear like its a drop off in those areas, for a while, but I contend a lot of it is not having the boundary side eliminated by one guy.
I'm using the eye test on our running backs. And QB . From a lot of highlights. Don't care what the papers say.So hard to judge, but I'd agree "on paper" or by HS rankings ...
On paper for receivers other than Becker. On paper plus some eye test for Morris on tape. For Marsh and Shazz just reputation, but what I've seen in highlights looks great, just didn't bother watching much. I expect Becker to take a small step and be even better, not sure how he can be, but, experience.
But yes, it's all on paper until they put it on the field. Whether they gel or not, and have that mental toughness that last year's team had, and really the 2024 team did too, just per Cig last year's was a step up from that. Although before last year, he had touted the 2024 as being right with the best he'd had as far as 'the process' and team unity. But after last year said 'the process' was amazing by the guys, his best he'd had for that.
I believe if you put Black and Hemby's jerseys on Turbo and Beebe, most of us wouldn't know the difference. Give them some time to learn the nearly endless wrinkles of the offense AND the line to jell. We'll be just fine there.
@thehoosierhuddle My only thought was with Beebe coming off an injury, they might sub for him more just to develop someone and lighten his load since they pretty well know what they have in him and Turbo. I don't expect we'll see it much until the B10 and maybe not until NB or OSU, but I really hope they give Turbo more chances with screens and like that swing pass from Saturday. That was so smooth and I think we're better off having our backs running the ball on screens and dump offs as much as possible versus Hoover running. Hoover's got fine mobility and I think when he knows he can pick up a first down or TD, he'll tuck it and run, but otherwise I think he'll move more in the pocket to extend plays than Mendoza did.
I'm hoping we see lots of bombs, swings & screens. I see Becker & Chandler as our best deep threats. Chandler is dynamic. Also, Preston averaged almost 17 yds/catch at Tulane. Morris & Marsh are chain movers and TD threats. Turbo, Chandler & Bond may be swing/screen targets.
I hope we throw more to open up the run. Maybe 55% pass, 45% run. We'll see how flexible Cig is......
@thehoosierhuddle My only thought was with Beebe coming off an injury, they might sub for him more just to develop someone and lighten his load since they pretty well know what they have in him and Turbo. I don't expect we'll see it much until the B10 and maybe not until NB or OSU, but I really hope they give Turbo more chances with screens and like that swing pass from Saturday. That was so smooth and I think we're better off having our backs running the ball on screens and dump offs as much as possible versus Hoover running. Hoover's got fine mobility and I think when he knows he can pick up a first down or TD, he'll tuck it and run, but otherwise I think he'll move more in the pocket to extend plays than Mendoza did.
I'm hoping we see lots of bombs, swings & screens. I see Becker & Chandler as our best deep threats. Chandler is dynamic. Also, Preston averaged almost 17 yds/catch at Tulane. Morris & Marsh are chain movers and TD threats. Turbo, Chandler & Bond may be swing/screen targets. By the end of the year, Schott may be targeted a couple of times a game over the middle.
I hope we throw more to open up the run. Maybe 55% pass, 45% run. We'll see how flexible Cig is......