I think they’re already doing that seeing as how 10 of the 18 completions went to tight ends. Maybe we need to utilize wide receivers to knock those safeties out of the box. They only caught 4 balls. Until Iowa can do that successfully I think the running game continues to look like it did on Saturday.
Definitely, that is why this offense so desperately needs man-beaters on the edges.
Go back and re-watch the first two plays of the game. This is exactly what it looks like to spread out the defense and make those linebackers cover in space. First of all it was set up by a first down run out of basically the same formation (on the run All went in motion but on the pass he staying on the left side of the line) because that motion and the OLB not running with All showed that the defense was in zone coverage in the middle and man on the edges. Depending on how you define the box, there were really 6 defenders in the box with the safety dropped down at the edge and on OLB on the slot. Knowing that the OLB on the right side was in zone coverage and the OLB on the left side was going to be accounted by All, this left a whole host of possibilities. Anderson was 1-on-1 with the corner in press coverage and easily ran by him. That was the TD of course. But on the opposite side we had Vines against a corner in press coverage as well and ran a route down the seam that had help over the top with the safety. That was covered up. But, Wetjen was in the slot and ran an out pattern that was wide open too because the safety help was helping the corner on Vines. Our OL did a fabulous job of protecting and occupying against the 3 defensive linemen, and at the end Johnson leaked out in to the flat on Wetjen's side. Now to defend this, if Utah St. had sent the OLB to rush the passer, All would have stayed in and blocked him or atleast chipped him. Either way he was accounted for. If they had sent one of the MLB's then Johnson would have picked him up.
This is it. While everyone is thinks with having two elite tight ends that 12 personnel is going to be the key to success, I think this 11 personnel is going to be the key to the season. There is a ton to love here. First of all Anderson can run by guys. We think Kaleb Brown can too. Wetjen is a very nice addition with his speed. Lachey and All will account for all of the snaps, either in 11 or 12. Ragaini can play in that slot.
Now against future opponents, lets say the corners can match up 1-on-1 with all of our receivers and the safety can handle the slot. Then the pass rush is going to force the RB and the TE to stay home, basically leaving everyone covered up. But what that leaves is all kinds of room to run for the QB. That is why it is crucial to have a QB with legs because it will put him on a safety or a LB 1-on-1.
I am not picking this play because I have my homer glasses on. I picked it because I thought the final 3 quarters was us just working on stuff to put on film. Otherwise, how do you coach a linemen on how to block against 8 or 9 man fronts if you don't do it. And they will have to do it in the B1G because if you can run the ball at the end of the game when everyone knows you are going to run the ball you win, A LOT, of games, maybe all of them. How do you know to teach timing to the lineman, receivers and backs if you don't run a screen when everyone knows you are going to run a screen. You have to remember the mantra of KF because he has always been the same; that great execution cannot be defended. This may sound cliche, but not everyone has same system. Some coaches think that deception and out-thinking their opponent is the way to go. Not here.
