[Husker] Power running plays

[Nick Chevance]

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 9:28 AM, David Strong <gbrlist at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> After further thought, indicating I didn't give my previous post enough thought, I decided that Sipple's reference to "power running plays" was not what I was thinking about when I wondered why we didn't have more *standard* (for lack of a better term) running plays.  Some running backs are not inside runners, (OJ Simpson for example) they are not built for between the tackles running and Helu may be one of them.  But there are countless running plays that are not inside plays right? Attack the ends, sweep, pitches, tosses, wide runs, the list goes on and on.  Nebraska itself has gained probably a gazillion yards running these plays over the years.  While we're certainly not the run-oriented team of the past, these plays still work and don't need to be abandoned.  Particularly when you best (only?) weapon is your running back.  Coach said yesterday after the game:
> "“First thing I want to see is … us being able to run the football consistently and knock somebody off the football,” Pelini said. "
>
> Me too.
>
> Dave

I think that as far as the line goes, run blocking is a matter of
attitude more than aptitude.  You have to want to smash someone in the
mouth.  Pass protection is more aptitude - technique and skill is
needed.  Finding a lineman who can do both equally well is difficult.
And I'm not sure we have a line that "likes" to run the ball.  The
guys we have seem to be more of the pro style, passing offense
linemen, not at all like the roadgraders we were used to.  But then,
we also seem to have some guys who can't seem to remember the snap
count.

But I'm beginning to think that if we are going to run successfully -
and by that I mean a fairly good chance at 4-5 yards a pop - we're
going to have to go to more two tight end sets, or using the fullback
more, to get that extra man on the defense on his back.  It sounds
like that's what Pelini wants.  It seems at least superficially that
the line can block, and run blocking doesn't require the control
needed in passpro, just enough time to delay the defense for the play
to get going.  Its clear that Helu doesn't need much to get loose, but
he needs more than he's getting now.  I'm just not convinced that we
can run out of the formations we use now.

Is it just me,or does it seem that our opponents seem to sense when
we're going to run?  Are we tipping our hand somehow?

I think Helu can be that inside-outside guy, and while I didn't see
much of the others this weekend (mercifully couldn't watch the whole
game), at least one has to be an inside guy exclusively - maybe use
all of them until hopefully someone develops a taste for it.

Nick
-- 
“Rene Descartes walks into a bar.
The bartender asks, "Would you like a beer?"
Descartes answers, "I think not." And promptly disappears.”
          Harlan Ellison