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Date Posted: 09/ 7/15 12:25:37pm Mon
Author: The Future
Subject: O-line
In reply to: 'gate73 's message, "Re: Navy game comments" on 09/ 7/15 9:27:34am Mon

So much is asked of Colgate's O-line in this offensive philosophy. There is very small percentage of the field that you are asking the defense to defend. Against teams of equal or lesser talent, Colgate's offense typically prevails. It controls the clock and rarely makes mistakes. The #1 precursor to victory is turnover margin. Colgate wears other teams down by saying, "This is what we are going to do and you can't stop us." and has an offense that doesn't turn the ball over. That will win you a lot of games. Against teams with better talent, Colgate offense sacrifices the #2 precursor to victory (plays over 20 yards) by consistently running the read option. Colgate doesn't dominate the line of scrimmage the way it does agains lesser programs and doesn't run plays designed to go over 20 yards. I think, in many ways, this explains Colgate's consistent winning over the past 20 years and lack of big wins (and often getting blown out) against schools with better programs over the past 12. Colgate beats teams it should and doesn't beat teams it shouldn't. Teams of equal talent like Holy Cross make enough mistakes (like not running the ball in the 4th quarter with a lead) for Colgate to win the majority of these contests.

Colgate threw the ball more than 20 yards once against Navy (the TD to Quazza). RBs averaged over 4 yards a carry and the line didn't give up any sacks--which is pretty impressive against a team of that quality--but it also only scored one touchdown. The (only?) way for Colgate to win a game like that is to have more plays of 20 plus yards--even just the threat of Colgate running these plays would probably help.

It's impossible to see what receivers are doing down the field watching a game on TV but it seems like Colgate almost never runs play action with receivers running go routes to open up the middle of the field for everybody else--especially on traditional running downs like second and short. It seems like the threat of Colgate going for a big play and working receivers on different levels and occasionally going for the big play would really help Colgate's entire O--particularly against good teams. Even running a series where the offense goes into hurry up for five plays would put the D on its heels, confuse them, and not let them catch their breath.

So much is asked of the O-line given the methodical nature of Colgate's offense. Making the offense a little less predictable (especially against the toughest opponents) would probably help them and the rest of the offense. Or, maybe not. I'm just some dude on the internet who knows less about coaching than just about everybody (other than the guy calling plays at the end of Holy Cross games).


Here is an interesting article about the high school coach who never punts and is also looking to change what his players do when they have the ball in open space. It also where I got the precursor to victory stats:
http://www.courant.com/sports/football/hc-jacobs-column-football-rules-0822-20150821-column.html

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Replies:

[> [> [> [> [> [> Re: O-line -- The Lone Haranguer, 09/ 7/15 1:24:44pm Mon

Question: in an early season game against a foe such as Navy, Syracuse, Air Force, etc., how much do we "open our kimono" to our Patriot League opponents?


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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> Re: O-line -- pigskin, 09/ 7/15 2:06:31pm Mon

>Question: in an early season game against a foe such
>as Navy, Syracuse, Air Force, etc., how much do we
>"open our kimono" to our Patriot League opponents?

There's plenty of time to switch up our O before league games start, I wouldn't worry about that. Our game plans have changed in the past and I would guess this is all part of the strategy of the long season.

I have to agree with The Future on one thing. Why not use the hurry up offense once in a while to confuse the opponent? It wouldn't hurt to change the pace of things. Also I don't like the long count we were using vs. Navy. Gives them much too much time to settle into their defensive schemes. Would much rather see a quick count - keep the D off balance.


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[> [> [> [> [> [> [> [> Re: O-line -- 'gate73, 09/ 7/15 4:17:18pm Mon

>>Question: in an early season game against a foe such
>>as Navy, Syracuse, Air Force, etc., how much do we
>>"open our kimono" to our Patriot League opponents?
>
>There's plenty of time to switch up our O before
>league games start, I wouldn't worry about that. Our
>game plans have changed in the past and I would guess
>this is all part of the strategy of the long season.
>
>I have to agree with The Future on one thing. Why not
>use the hurry up offense once in a while to confuse
>the opponent? It wouldn't hurt to change the pace of
>things. Also I don't like the long count we were using
>vs. Navy. Gives them much too much time to settle into
>their defensive schemes. Would much rather see a quick
>count - keep the D off balance.

It seemed like we were using long counts before the snap frequently. Was that meant to draw the defense offsides? Didn't seem effective (but the coaches know more than I ever will). Also, where was Afriyie after the first few minutes? Was he hurt? He seems to be quite an athlete.


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