We're one of "7 storied programs" expected to struggle

[GatorHusker]

That to me is the key for the offense (this year and future.) If DL wants to sling the ball all over and never tries to establish a running game, I don't know that we'll ever be consistent on offense.

not singling this/you out one way or another, but part of the problem for the NU fan base is the perception regarding the running game.

I'm no expert, but from what I understand, MR/DL offense is a pass-first offense generally uses the running game as a compliment to the passing game, uses the running game to keep the defense honest in regards to the passing game, and uses the passing game to open up the running game. I don't expect them to ever walk onto the field with the plan being to establish the running game and compliment it with the passing game, and I think anybody who wants to see it happen that way, or in that order, is going to be disappointed.

MR has already said they will utilize the draw play, the screen game, the jet sweep to keep defenses from being too aggressive going after the QB. does he want some "identity runs" for the running game? yes, and he's said so. but he's not going to line up and run inside zone/outside zone the majority of the time. I think they understand how mix things up and how to milk the clock when needed and how to playcall to minimize the chances for turnovers/mistakes (see how the offense changed last year to more running and less reading defenses in the passing game) but they're going to throw the ball quite a bit.

but yes, the key will be the play at both sides of the LOS. if they can control the line, they'll have time to throw, and they'll also be able to move the ball on the ground consistently enough that teams have to respect it. likewise on the other side of the ball, if the front 7 can manage the opposing run game they should be ok.

again, not singling any particular person out, but I think we all know there's some NU fans that wont be happy if NU goes undefeated and wins a national championship unless they do it with the power running game and some option.

 

[redfred]

We will run, but I suspect it will be a different type of running game than we are used to. The qb won't be used heavily and power running will only be used against clearly inferior defenses (eg UCLA two years ago). If we can mash it, then I think we will, but defenses will be predicated on stopping the run first (that includes our defense as well), and that leaves creating running plays and short action passes. Grinding it out probably won't be in our repertoire very often.

TO used the qb run as a way of moving the defenses out of the middle. I think the current offense will used a short passing game to achieve the same result. Ball control is essential. I don't really care how it's done.

 

[Husker94]

We will run, but I suspect it will be a different type of running game than we are used to. The qb won't be used heavily and power running will only be used against clearly inferior defenses (eg UCLA two years ago). If we can mash it, then I think we will, but defenses will be predicated on stopping the run first (that includes our defense as well), and that leaves creating running plays and short action passes. Grinding it out probably won't be in our repertoire very often.

TO used the qb run as a way of moving the defenses out of the middle. I think the current offense will used a short passing game to achieve the same result. Ball control is essential. I don't really care how it's done.

I agree with you, in theory.

However, running the football, and jamming it down the defense's throat, will eliminate their will to fight faster than anything else. Nothing is more demoralizing to a defense than the inability to stop the run.

That being said, I'm not necessarily looking to return to Tom Osborne's offense where 350+ yards rushing every game is the norm, either. It would be terrific, but I know that's not Mike Riley's style.

I do however, expect a solid roughly 225 yards rushing every game. I want our OL to be physical and to be able to get that 2 yards on 4th down when required.

And, if we're playing a team where we're rushing the ball for 5-6+ yards a pop, and there's really no need to throw, don't.

 

[Dunbar]

again, not singling any particular person out, but I think we all know there's some NU fans that wont be happy if NU goes undefeated and wins a national championship unless they do it with the power running game and some option.

You can single me out - of course I'd be happy if NU won a national championship under MR's MO but it's like what j d is pointing to - consistency. The reason NU was one game away from playing in 5 straight NC games is because it took advantage of the way college football is structured and built a winning formula.

Having a devastating power rushing game is a lot easier to upkeep/maintain than having an elite passing attack. It is because of way college football is - turnover at the QB position every 4 year, at best, clock keeps running after a non-first down rush, and practice time at the top of the list.

And like 94 said - when you can mow over a seemingly equal opponent, every other opponent on the schedule starts to have doubts and that just plays into your hands.

 

[SUHnami]

You can single me out - of course I'd be happy if NU won a national championship under MR's MO but it's like what j d is pointing to - consistency. The reason NU was one game away from playing in 5 straight NC games is because it took advantage of the way college football is structured and built a winning formula.

Having a devastating power rushing game is a lot easier to upkeep/maintain than having an elite passing attack. It is because of way college football is - turnover at the QB position every 4 year, at best, clock keeps running after a non-first down rush, and practice time at the top of the list.

And like 94 said - when you can mow over a seemingly equal opponent, every other opponent on the schedule starts to have doubts and that just plays into your hands.

The other aspect too was NU accepted Prop 48 and 42 casualties. Where most other schools did not. Once those went away when we joined the Big 12 so did our dominance not long after joining.

 

[Red Ghost]

The other aspect too was NU accepted Prop 48 and 42 casualties. Where most other schools did not. Once those went away when we joined the Big 12 so did our dominance not long after joining.

The other aspect is that Tom Osborne retired.

 

[SUHnami]

The other aspect is that Tom Osborne retired.

Oops I left out that aspect. However he wasn't going to be around forever. He left as a National Championship coach. Can't ask for better than that.

 

[redfred]

I agree with you, in theory.

However, running the football, and jamming it down the defense's throat, will eliminate their will to fight faster than anything else. Nothing is more demoralizing to a defense than the inability to stop the run.

That being said, I'm not necessarily looking to return to Tom Osborne's offense where 350+ yards rushing every game is the norm, either. It would be terrific, but I know that's not Mike Riley's style.

I do however, expect a solid roughly 225 yards rushing every game. I want our OL to be physical and to be able to get that 2 yards on 4th down when required.

And, if we're playing a team where we're rushing the ball for 5-6+ yards a pop, and there's really no need to throw, don't.

Without a doubt you are correct, but two things give me pause.....1) It takes a tremendously physical line to accomplish the above, and 2) It is easy to stack the box and turn the power game into a numbers game.

In this day and age few O-lines anywhere can step up and shove the ball down the other teams throat. True it would be easier if we played all Pack 12 teams. It might even be doable if we played Big 12 teams exclusively. But the Ten and the SEC, and even the ACC, have run stuffers that are hard to put down.

Also if a team knows you are going to run there are schemes designed to handle a heavy dose of constant running. The 3-4's real strength is run stopping. I know we are hoping for some pass rush out of this scheme, and we may get it with the right linemen and some savvy blitzes, but running against jammed up interior linebackers is no easy task.

I would love to run teams into the ground, but in the Ten it isn't going to be easy.......especially as the long season wears on.