Guy Chamberlin
Heisman Trophy Winner
Gently disagree, fellow Grad Assistant.There are several examples, including two important series in the Miami game, where Beck called for three consecutive rushes to Abdullah and he failed to get the crucial first down both times. Where was the outcry? Why is that any different?Solid post, Guy. However, I felt the need to attempt to answer the bolded. It is different because we're good at running. At this point, we're not as hot at passing. TA sails some passes due to poor mechanics and makes questionable decisions, ala the pick on the throw to Bell being discussed above.To me anyway, it just seems much more logical to use a run-something we're really solid at-on that second and ten, get 4 or 5, and get us into a manageable 3rd down where we can use the full arsenal. This is what happened on this possession in question here.
People don't freak out when we hammer the run because we're a proficient running offense. TA throws a great deep ball, which is partially set up by our success rushing. It's safe to say he'd be an awful fit in a Leach TT Air Raid offense because he's simply not a great pure thrower. Yet.
When we run, we're leaning on a strength. Obviously, we can't do that forever, but it's a heck of a lot safer than asking TA to Peyton Manning us down the field.
Overall, I actually feel Beck is improving as an OC and could develop a great offense if given the right opportunity. For me, it comes down to hiring someone to tutor our QBs and making sure our OL coaching is on point, and I'll continue to beat that drum.
Running is not a heck of a lot safer. An incomplete pass leaves us in the exact same place as a run for no gain (or a loss) and believe it or not, we have a few of those every game, and more than a few in others. We are just as likely to fumble the ball as throw an interception.
We're solid at running the ball. Except when we're not. McNeese State exposed that. So did MSU. In fact, most teams come out with a scheme to stop Ameer first. Which they do for a quarter or two. When it becomes clear we are able and willing to beat them passing the ball, it loosens the line for Ameer. Passing helps the running game as much or more than running helps the passing game.
It's weird that Armstrong gets criticized for throwing a lovely long ball, and Beck criticized for calling it. We opened the game with a play-action to Ameer and an absolute dart of a pass for 12 yards that set the tone. Tommy had a couple great crossing pattern bullets, a touch pass to Cotton in the end zone exactly where it had to be, a dump off to Abdullah on a third check down, and another improvised outlet pass all the way across the field, something only the strong-armed can do. People have locked into their critique of Tommy, and only look at the evidence to support it.
I think some people here consider the forward pass a sign of weakness all by itself.
For the record, Nebraska is averaging 8.0 yards per pass attempt and 6.2 yards per rushing attempt. I wouldn't make the argument we should pass even more, but it would be better than the argument we should just stick with the running game.
Passing the ball is something we're solid at, too, and I think we've got a great ratio at the moment.
Also, we've got one of the better 3rd down conversion rates in the NCAA. How does that happen with a bad play-caller?
Never thought I see the day Husker fans complained about averaging 300 yards rushing, 200 yards passing and 41 points a game.
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