Offense? where?

LongTimeCatFan · Post by **LongTimeCatFan** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 5:48 pm

BAC wrote:

All of the Bailey critics could be perfectly right -- I don't pretend to know one way or another. However, I have enough faith in the direction the program as a whole has gone under Kramer to trust him to know whether or not he needs to fire his offensive coordinator. I imagine things are a little more complicated on the inside of the program than simply calling plays like a video game and then letting everything run on autopilot until it is time to choose the next play from the pulldown menu.

It used to be said that the best coaches were in the stands. Today, that statement has to be expanded to include the internet as well.

Hey BAC I'm back, I've been doing this teaching thing and have been busier that a one legged man in an a** kicking contest but have managed to make it to the games unless I was coaching my own team. I'm sure you missed me.

Your comments hold a lot of truth and coaching is completely different than playing. You have to pick out weaknesses in the other team and exploit them; you have to use the momentum to gage what play pattern you will use; you have to look at your players ability; you have to look at the down marker; and the story goes on and on. The fact is that you have 30 seconds to make a decision from the end of the play until you give a play call. There are two categories of coaches here -- naturals and technicals. Naturals go on experience and "gut feeling" and technicals only use the scouting reports. You can only be good if you are one or the other. To be a great coach, you have to use both. I'm not saying that Bailey doesn't do that, but you have to admit that there seems to be a problem. The problems I see are making crutial decision like kicking a field goal from the the 20 when it is 4th and 3 and they've been stopping our run or running on 3rd and long or passing on 3rd and short when our run has been effective. Those decisions are so blatently obviously the wrong choice. The other complaint is that he doesn't "mix it up" enough. The general rule to keep a defense honest is to run at least one "trick" play every other offensive series or about every 8-14 downs that aren't punts. We only see one trick play per half currently and sometimes not at all. Calling the right trick play depends on what the defense is giving you. For example, if they are blitzing a lot, run a screen. This is called capitalizing on weaknesses left by the defense. I just don't see this happening on a consistent basis. I mean the reason the no huddle works is because it forces a defense into a "base" formation and allows you to capitalize on one weakness. Some of you mentioned that we need to execute better and that our execution has improved. (forgive me for paraphrasing) I completely agree with that statement. So if our execution is improving then why are we still struggling as we have been for the last couple years? I'll be the first to say that it is great to have a football team that has accomplished so much. But are we content with where we are or do we want to improve? Most of you will always say that there is room for improvement. So we have the talent, we are executing, where is the next logical place to look. Our offensive co-ordinator has peaked to his ability. I believe this is the best he can do and should be commended for getting us to where we are today. However, if we want to take this to the next level, we need someone upstairs that has more capacity upstairs. Just like you BAC, you replace your computer at your job probably every other year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the point is that you continue to do more and more things with your computer and pretty soon you need an upgrade. Same thing applies here. Enough said.

94VegasCat · Post by **94VegasCat** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 8:43 pm

to keep a defense honest is to run at least one "trick" play every other offensive series or about every 8-14 downs that aren't punts. We only see one trick play per half currently and sometimes not at all. Calling the right trick play depends on what the defense is giving you.

HONEST QUESTION HERE:

Are you refering to mis-direction plays such as counters and traps or do you mean reverses and half back passes?

BobcatLionFan · Post by **BobcatLionFan** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:03 pm

Some one mentioned trick plays and not being able to go to the next level.

The first offensive play at NAU was missdirection left with the entire OL pulling, then throw back right to the TE for 37 yards. I believe that is what was meant by a trick play that MSU doesn't do.

Bailey's offense kept NAU off balance all day with open receivers everywhere. Taking advantage of an NAU defense out of position and/or trying to react to the last couple of plays and not being ready for the current play.

Would be scarey if they ever take the next step. Oh my, I think they did.

Great play calling by Bailey, got to give credit where credit is due where you like to or not.

CARDIAC_CATS · Post by **CARDIAC_CATS** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 12:21 pm

Its funny reading this post again after this weekend. You wanted offense, YOU GOT IT!

LongTimeCatFan · Post by **LongTimeCatFan** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:05 pm

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

The rectal-cranial inversion has been reversed!

Its about time. Bailey did do an excellent job in NAU, and he covered each of my complaints. He did such a great job on this game, it is hard to find any critizism. However, you know me.... 4th and goal score 7-0, I don't care how close you are to the end zone, you kick it. However, the gamble paid off and we got the 6 so it worked out.

If we can keep up momentum like that through the rest of the season and the post season, there isn't a defense out there that could stop us. It sure feels good to be on top for once.

Post by **SonomaCat** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:08 pm

I've got to argue the "always kick it" thought. If you don't have enough faith to move the ball six inches, you're sending a bad message to your team and the opposition.

I guess I'm glad the OC and the OC critic are in their respective positions instead of visa versa.

LongTimeCatFan · Post by **LongTimeCatFan** » Mon Nov 01, 2004 6:50 pm

I've got to argue the "always kick it" thought. If you don't have enough faith to move the ball six inches, you're sending a bad message to your team and the opposition.

I guess I'm glad the OC and the OC critic are in their respective positions instead of visa versa.

I think it was too early in the game to make the decision to go for it. I do see what you are saying about perception, but I still think you kick it. As for the last part..... I am too. Again, hat's off to Bailey and his crew. They have really got it together.

Offense? where?

How much longer do we keep Don Bailey