[NU Sports] tangibles, intangibles, the big play and playcalling

[Brad Wilson]

I agree with everything Chuck said on this. 
 
But:
 
even if you have every intangible going for you, if the other guy is bigger, faster, and more athletic, he's going to win most of the matchups.
 
In the past, successful NU teams have always had the Philmores, Bateses, Andersons, etc. to provide the little extra needed to turn a good play into a big one. Peterman, Sutton and Long did this well for the last several years for us.
 
Now, we have nobody who can do so. Our skill position players simply cannot match up with the bigger, faster and more athletic defenders. This applies in reverse on defense (with the exception of McManis, and look what happened when he was out) and doubly so when Smith and Phillips are hurt. 
 
For an example, look at Saturday's game. Both Sparty's Blair White and NU's Zeke Markshausen set career records for receiving in a single game. Zeke caught 16 passes, White 12. 
 
Zeke's went for 6.93 yards a catch. White's for 15.5 a catch, and White made two big plays that killed us. 
 
That's the difference between NU and Michigan State, Minnesota, Syracuse, etc, etc, etc.
 
Now, I love Markshausen. His work ethic and dedication and persistence and ability to get open make him one of my favorite players. He's the new Brian Musso or Jon Schweighardt -- the guy who gets the tough yards, is always open, has the superglue hands. I love the guy. He's an Academic All-American candidate. He's a huge part of what NU football is all about and we are extraordinarily lucky to have him.
 
BUT
 
Musso and Schweighardt had the home run guys to complement them -- they were NOT the main receiving threat. 
 
When Zeke Markshausen is the main receiving threat, there's not going to be many big plays.
 
I have been beating up Mick McCall all season (ask my friend who I watch NU with) but there's not a whole lot he can do when his team lacks separation speed against athletically superior defenses. (Yes, NU needs better players, but I don't want to get into recruiting now.)
 
And this leads directly to playcalling. As frustrated as I am with McCall's calls, what else can he do? What are the better options? We can't run, we can't throw deep. Doesn't leave much.
 
I hope there's a home run threat wrapped in purple under Fitz's Christmas tree.
 
Brad Wilson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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