Offense questions..

[TV-]

I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert in offensive schematics/play-calling .. but to those of you who are, I have some questions.

Running game - i know we’ve improved in the Franklin era, but is run blocking still the weak link? The second half of last season was the first time in ten years where I felt like we could legitimately impose our will in the run game. That was short lived and may have had more to do with the defenses we were playing. Perhaps I’m expecting too much but with what I saw last year from 2 freshman backs and the Oline returning.. I thought this run game would be a real threat even for the tougher defenses in the nation.

Passing game - why do we struggle to get the ball to our playmakers (especially in big games)? Yeah our receivers aren’t good. KLS is a #2 at best. But we have TE talent and RBs who should be match up nightmares in the passing game.

Offensive tempo - why do we not change it up? I’ve absolutely come to hate the “check with me” pre snap that we do. I’m sure there’s a game of chess being played between MY/JF and the opposing DC - but, we must not be very good at it. Ball control seems to be an emphasis for us this year but why is there no change in tempo to keep the defense off balance? I’m not even saying to do this for entire drives, just seems like we could mix it in a couple plays here or there

Play-calling - I’ve kinda touched on this already but why can’t we impose our will and get the ball to our playmakers regardless of what the defense is doing? We’ve all heard Franklin talking about “taking what the defense gives you” in recent years but I think we’ve leaned into that mindset too much. Unless they’re egregiously overplaying a run/pass, they shouldn’t be dictating every offensive play call we make. Ryan day schemed up a handful of plays to get Harrison the ball at all costs. Franklin/Yurcich let OSU dictate who we were going to give the ball to.

TIA

 

[s1uggo72]

I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert in offensive schematics/play-calling .. but to those of you who are, I have some questions.

Running game - i know we’ve improved in the Franklin era, but is run blocking still the weak link? The second half of last season was the first time in ten years where I felt like we could legitimately impose our will in the run game. That was short lived and may have had more to do with the defenses we were playing. Perhaps I’m expecting too much but with what I saw last year from 2 freshman backs and the Oline returning.. I thought this run game would be a real threat even for the tougher defenses in the nation.

Passing game - why do we struggle to get the ball to our playmakers (especially in big games)? Yeah our receivers aren’t good. KLS is a #2 at best. But we have TE talent and RBs who should be match up nightmares in the passing game.

Offensive tempo - why do we not change it up? I’ve absolutely come to hate the “check with me” pre snap that we do. I’m sure there’s a game of chess being played between MY/JF and the opposing DC - but, we must not be very good at it. Ball control seems to be an emphasis for us this year but why is there no change in tempo to keep the defense off balance? I’m not even saying to do this for entire drives, just seems like we could mix it in a couple plays here or there

Play-calling - I’ve kinda touched on this already but why can’t we impose our will and get the ball to our playmakers regardless of what the defense is doing? We’ve all heard Franklin talking about “taking what the defense gives you” in recent years but I think we’ve leaned into that mindset too much. Unless they’re egregiously overplaying a run/pass, they shouldn’t be dictating every offensive play call we make. Ryan day schemed up a handful of plays to get Harrison the ball at all costs. Franklin/Yurcich let OSU dictate who we were going to give the ball to.

TIA

I'll attempt play calling. Very few if any play callers are willing to run the ball down someones throat. Why ? IDK maybe they worry about not being creatative enough, maybe they get bored, but for some reason calling like 10 straight running plays, even if working is some kind of NCAA violation.

 

[bbrown]

I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert in offensive schematics/play-calling .. but to those of you who are, I have some questions.

Running game - i know we’ve improved in the Franklin era, but is run blocking still the weak link? The second half of last season was the first time in ten years where I felt like we could legitimately impose our will in the run game. That was short lived and may have had more to do with the defenses we were playing. Perhaps I’m expecting too much but with what I saw last year from 2 freshman backs and the Oline returning.. I thought this run game would be a real threat even for the tougher defenses in the nation.

Passing game - why do we struggle to get the ball to our playmakers (especially in big games)? Yeah our receivers aren’t good. KLS is a #2 at best. But we have TE talent and RBs who should be match up nightmares in the passing game.

Offensive tempo - why do we not change it up? I’ve absolutely come to hate the “check with me” pre snap that we do. I’m sure there’s a game of chess being played between MY/JF and the opposing DC - but, we must not be very good at it. Ball control seems to be an emphasis for us this year but why is there no change in tempo to keep the defense off balance? I’m not even saying to do this for entire drives, just seems like we could mix it in a couple plays here or there

Play-calling - I’ve kinda touched on this already but why can’t we impose our will and get the ball to our playmakers regardless of what the defense is doing? We’ve all heard Franklin talking about “taking what the defense gives you” in recent years but I think we’ve leaned into that mindset too much. Unless they’re egregiously overplaying a run/pass, they shouldn’t be dictating every offensive play call we make. Ryan day schemed up a handful of plays to get Harrison the ball at all costs. Franklin/Yurcich let OSU dictate who we were going to give the ball to.

TIA

I can answer your #3. We do. If we get a nice play they will hurry to the LOS and run the next play. Which is why you didn't see it much on Sat.
Listening to Jack at the games I don't think he's a big fan of the check with me offense. I often hear him say just get to the Line and run the play.
It was obvious on Sat. that something was going on with OSU and the defense changing their defensive signals at the very last minute.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Another good question is are the first 15 plays scripted?

 

[Ceasar]

I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert in offensive schematics/play-calling .. but to those of you who are, I have some questions.

Running game - i know we’ve improved in the Franklin era, but is run blocking still the weak link? The second half of last season was the first time in ten years where I felt like we could legitimately impose our will in the run game. That was short lived and may have had more to do with the defenses we were playing. Perhaps I’m expecting too much but with what I saw last year from 2 freshman backs and the Oline returning.. I thought this run game would be a real threat even for the tougher defenses in the nation.

Passing game - why do we struggle to get the ball to our playmakers (especially in big games)? Yeah our receivers aren’t good. KLS is a #2 at best. But we have TE talent and RBs who should be match up nightmares in the passing game.

Offensive tempo - why do we not change it up? I’ve absolutely come to hate the “check with me” pre snap that we do. I’m sure there’s a game of chess being played between MY/JF and the opposing DC - but, we must not be very good at it. Ball control seems to be an emphasis for us this year but why is there no change in tempo to keep the defense off balance? I’m not even saying to do this for entire drives, just seems like we could mix it in a couple plays here or there

Play-calling - I’ve kinda touched on this already but why can’t we impose our will and get the ball to our playmakers regardless of what the defense is doing? We’ve all heard Franklin talking about “taking what the defense gives you” in recent years but I think we’ve leaned into that mindset too much. Unless they’re egregiously overplaying a run/pass, they shouldn’t be dictating every offensive play call we make. Ryan day schemed up a handful of plays to get Harrison the ball at all costs. Franklin/Yurcich let OSU dictate who we were going to give the ball to.

TIA

I recognize this is almost too easy to cherry pick, but... When we/the staff say as an offense we are content to "take what the defense gives us".... Can you imagine Manny Diaz allowing an offense to dictate what his defense is going to do? It illustrates our mindset on offense. We are passive and reactive as opposed to attacking.

 

[mr.michigan]

I'll attempt play calling. Very few if any play callers are willing to run the ball down someones throat. Why ? IDK maybe they worry about not being creatative enough, maybe they get bored, but for some reason calling like 10 straight running plays, even if working is some kind of NCAA violation.

Last year I posted on this board after the Ohio State/Penn State game that Penn State needs to stop trying to be Ohio State. Its never going to happen but Franklin is obsessed with it, Yurcich doesn't have it in him to run a run heavy scheme and not only do they continue to lag behind Ohio State, losing to them year after year with no end in sight, they, like Ohio State, except only worse, are a terrible matchup for Michigan. In order to be a great running team in 2023 you have to commit to it big time in the way you coach the offensive line. They have to be coached to be ultra physical. Penn State isn't that and top of that, unlike in years past, the qb is zero threat in the run game. I'm a big fan of Kaytron Allen. I truly think he'd win the Heisman at Michigan. 9 f'ing carries? A joke...period

 

[ILLINOISLION]

We had a solid run to start the game and should have run the ball until they stopped us.

Our QB was never a threat to run….not once.

Would have loved to come out in the first series with Pribula or even the first series in the second half to give tOSU something to think about, maybe force them to take a time out. He’s been productive in every appearance. It was a crime he wasn’t given at least a chance to play later 3rd quarter or 4th quarter. Dumb *** decision by Franklin and the coaching staff to stick with Allar when he OBVIOUSLY was having a poor game.

 

[Midnighter]

Here ya go:



An excerpt:

• This offense has enough talent that it should’ve been able to push Ohio State and at least move the ball against Jim Knowles’ defense. This is a roster with a five-star quarterback, a five-star running back, a first-round pick left tackle and countless four-star prospects in the trenches and in the receiving corps. But Penn State finished with less than half as many yards (240) as it had against the Buckeyes last year (482).

• If Penn State has two of the best running backs in the country, why didn’t it use them more? Singleton had nine carries for 48 yards. Kaytron Allen had nine carries for 26 yards. Penn State was rotating the backs every two series rather than sticking with one over the other. Singleton ripped off a rush for 20 yards and followed with one for 16. The problem? His next seven carries netted just 12 yards. On the biggest stage, Penn State didn’t rely on the backfield duo.

• Drew Allar had 42 pass attempts, completing 18 for 191 yards and one touchdown. Though he had a bunch in the final minutes, it’s not like Penn State was playing from far behind and needed to throw the ball to catch up most of the game. He was sacked four times and had an off-target rate of 33.3 percent, per TruMedia — twice his rate for the season.

• On fourth-and-4 at its own 43 with under 8 minutes left, Penn State kept the offense on the field. It didn’t convert, as Allar threw back-to-back incompletions. Trailing 13-6 with an offense that showed all game it couldn’t do much of anything, Penn State effectively threw in the towel by going for it. Why?

“At that point right there, if you punt and they obviously are able to run the game out,” Franklin said. “You have to be aggressive. You may not get the ball back.”

Penn State’s defense was the offense’s only hope. It felt for most of the game a defensive touchdown — and there was one was wiped off the board — was more likely than the offense finding the end zone. Penn State wanted to be aggressive there, so why wasn’t it aggressive earlier in the game on fourth down at its own 45?

 

[PSUJam]

I’m not gonna pretend to be an expert in offensive schematics/play-calling .. but to those of you who are, I have some questions.

Running game - i know we’ve improved in the Franklin era, but is run blocking still the weak link? The second half of last season was the first time in ten years where I felt like we could legitimately impose our will in the run game. That was short lived and may have had more to do with the defenses we were playing. Perhaps I’m expecting too much but with what I saw last year from 2 freshman backs and the Oline returning.. I thought this run game would be a real threat even for the tougher defenses in the nation.

Passing game - why do we struggle to get the ball to our playmakers (especially in big games)? Yeah our receivers aren’t good. KLS is a #2 at best. But we have TE talent and RBs who should be match up nightmares in the passing game.

Offensive tempo - why do we not change it up? I’ve absolutely come to hate the “check with me” pre snap that we do. I’m sure there’s a game of chess being played between MY/JF and the opposing DC - but, we must not be very good at it. Ball control seems to be an emphasis for us this year but why is there no change in tempo to keep the defense off balance? I’m not even saying to do this for entire drives, just seems like we could mix it in a couple plays here or there

Play-calling - I’ve kinda touched on this already but why can’t we impose our will and get the ball to our playmakers regardless of what the defense is doing? We’ve all heard Franklin talking about “taking what the defense gives you” in recent years but I think we’ve leaned into that mindset too much. Unless they’re egregiously overplaying a run/pass, they shouldn’t be dictating every offensive play call we make. Ryan day schemed up a handful of plays to get Harrison the ball at all costs. Franklin/Yurcich let OSU dictate who we were going to give the ball to.

TIA

I think the loss of Juice Scruggs and Brenton Strange to the 2nd round of the draft are hugely overlooked when criticizing our 2023 run game. Their replacements are really a disappointment this season.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Another question…. Why did we not run any 5 out sets?

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Another question…. Why did we not run any 5 out sets?

Or run any full house backfields…..or run Pribula?

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Or run any full house backfields…..or run Pribula?

Because having Pribula on the field with a package of plays would stunt Allar’s growth. That is what I was told a while back when I started such a thread. God forbid we put a really good athlete on the field for 6-8 plays a game, god forbid we force an opposing DC to have to prepare for such a thing!

 

[Meat Lab]

Here ya go:



An excerpt:

• This offense has enough talent that it should’ve been able to push Ohio State and at least move the ball against Jim Knowles’ defense. This is a roster with a five-star quarterback, a five-star running back, a first-round pick left tackle and countless four-star prospects in the trenches and in the receiving corps. But Penn State finished with less than half as many yards (240) as it had against the Buckeyes last year (482).

• If Penn State has two of the best running backs in the country, why didn’t it use them more? Singleton had nine carries for 48 yards. Kaytron Allen had nine carries for 26 yards. Penn State was rotating the backs every two series rather than sticking with one over the other. Singleton ripped off a rush for 20 yards and followed with one for 16. The problem? His next seven carries netted just 12 yards. On the biggest stage, Penn State didn’t rely on the backfield duo.

• Drew Allar had 42 pass attempts, completing 18 for 191 yards and one touchdown. Though he had a bunch in the final minutes, it’s not like Penn State was playing from far behind and needed to throw the ball to catch up most of the game. He was sacked four times and had an off-target rate of 33.3 percent, per TruMedia — twice his rate for the season.

• On fourth-and-4 at its own 43 with under 8 minutes left, Penn State kept the offense on the field. It didn’t convert, as Allar threw back-to-back incompletions. Trailing 13-6 with an offense that showed all game it couldn’t do much of anything, Penn State effectively threw in the towel by going for it. Why?

“At that point right there, if you punt and they obviously are able to run the game out,” Franklin said. “You have to be aggressive. You may not get the ball back.”

Penn State’s defense was the offense’s only hope. It felt for most of the game a defensive touchdown — and there was one was wiped off the board — was more likely than the offense finding the end zone. Penn State wanted to be aggressive there, so why wasn’t it aggressive earlier in the game on fourth down at its own 45?

Something I haven’t seen mentioned is PSU is 79 out of 130 FBS Teams in Total Passing Offense. At 130 is Air Force. The WR coach at Air Force is Taylor Stubblefid.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Because having Pribula on the field with a package of plays would stunt Allar’s growth. That is what I was told a while back when I started such a thread. God forbid we put a really good athlete on the field for 6-8 plays a game, god forbid we force an opposing DC to have to prepare for such a thing!

I’ve said it for years and years and years…..the easiest coaching job in CFB is the Defensive Coordinator preparing to play PSU.

 

[Nitt1300]

Because having Pribula on the field with a package of plays would stunt Allar’s growth. That is what I was told a while back when I started such a thread. God forbid we put a really good athlete on the field for 6-8 plays a game, god forbid we force an opposing DC to have to prepare for such a thing!

I took and I still hold that position. You wanted to do that when we were two or three games in.

But pulling your ineffective starter and giving the keys to the entire offense to the backup in an effort to turn a game around is different.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

I took and I still hold that position. You wanted to do that when we were two or three games in.

But pulling your ineffective starter and giving the keys to the entire offense to the backup in an effort to turn a game around is different.

Never said a thing about pulling him if he was not playing well. I said that it would be smart to have Pribula on the field for 6-8 plays to show something different to the defense. I stand by my thoughts and 2 coaches with 70 years between them agree with me.

 

[MacNit2.0]

Last year I posted on this board after the Ohio State/Penn State game that Penn State needs to stop trying to be Ohio State. Its never going to happen but Franklin is obsessed with it, Yurcich doesn't have it in him to run a run heavy scheme and not only do they continue to lag behind Ohio State, losing to them year after year with no end in sight, they, like Ohio State, except only worse, are a terrible matchup for Michigan. In order to be a great running team in 2023 you have to commit to it big time in the way you coach the offensive line. They have to be coached to be ultra physical. Penn State isn't that and top of that, unlike in years past, the qb is zero threat in the run game. I'm a big fan of Kaytron Allen. I truly think he'd win the Heisman at Michigan. 9 f'ing carries? A joke...period

Always easier when you steal signs…ask the Astros!

 

[Nitt1300]

Never said a thing about pulling him if he was not playing well. I said that it would be smart to have Pribula on the field for 6-8 plays to show something different to the defense. I stand by my thoughts and 2 coaches with 70 years between them agree with me.

Well I don't.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Well I don't.

You are entitled to your opinion… and so am I

 

[TV-]

Last year I posted on this board after the Ohio State/Penn State game that Penn State needs to stop trying to be Ohio State. Its never going to happen but Franklin is obsessed with it, Yurcich doesn't have it in him to run a run heavy scheme and not only do they continue to lag behind Ohio State, losing to them year after year with no end in sight, they, like Ohio State, except only worse, are a terrible matchup for Michigan. In order to be a great running team in 2023 you have to commit to it big time in the way you coach the offensive line. They have to be coached to be ultra physical. Penn State isn't that and top of that, unlike in years past, the qb is zero threat in the run game. I'm a big fan of Kaytron Allen. I truly think he'd win the Heisman at Michigan. 9 f'ing carries? A joke...period

100% agree. Michigan was going down the same road, prior to 2021, trying to match OSU’s style of play. Credit to them, they pivoted and moved to a more modern smash mouth style which was more successful for them. I really thought that we would put a major emphasis on the run game this off-season. I mean why wouldn’t we want to leverage our 2 best offensive players? Just seems like the obvious choice and we’ve made absolutely no improvement..

 

[blion72]

We had a solid run to start the game and should have run the ball until they stopped us.

Our QB was never a threat to run….not once.

Would have loved to come out in the first series with Pribula or even the first series in the second half to give tOSU something to think about, maybe force them to take a time out. He’s been productive in every appearance. It was a crime he wasn’t given at least a chance to play later 3rd quarter or 4th quarter. Dumb *** decision by Franklin and the coaching staff to stick with Allar when he OBVIOUSLY was having a poor game.

the lack of the QB run threat is possibly the single item that allows the DEF to key on certain tendencies. Drew ran for yardage in HS especially as a JR. He needs to be running the ball 5-10 times per game to keep the DEF honest. He is being compared to Hack, but two different situations. So far in the very limited times that Drew has run, he has gained yards.

I am not sure what to think about the WR's. many of them were highly recruited and allegedly have fast 40 times. I would say that in the tOSU game KLS appeared to be getting held badly and similar to what was being called when PSU held #18. However, not sure if we ever saw that called on tOSU.

 

[BW Lion]

Here ya go:



An excerpt:

• This offense has enough talent that it should’ve been able to push Ohio State and at least move the ball against Jim Knowles’ defense. This is a roster with a five-star quarterback, a five-star running back, a first-round pick left tackle and countless four-star prospects in the trenches and in the receiving corps. But Penn State finished with less than half as many yards (240) as it had against the Buckeyes last year (482).

• If Penn State has two of the best running backs in the country, why didn’t it use them more? Singleton had nine carries for 48 yards. Kaytron Allen had nine carries for 26 yards. Penn State was rotating the backs every two series rather than sticking with one over the other. Singleton ripped off a rush for 20 yards and followed with one for 16. The problem? His next seven carries netted just 12 yards. On the biggest stage, Penn State didn’t rely on the backfield duo.

• Drew Allar had 42 pass attempts, completing 18 for 191 yards and one touchdown. Though he had a bunch in the final minutes, it’s not like Penn State was playing from far behind and needed to throw the ball to catch up most of the game. He was sacked four times and had an off-target rate of 33.3 percent, per TruMedia — twice his rate for the season.

• On fourth-and-4 at its own 43 with under 8 minutes left, Penn State kept the offense on the field. It didn’t convert, as Allar threw back-to-back incompletions. Trailing 13-6 with an offense that showed all game it couldn’t do much of anything, Penn State effectively threw in the towel by going for it. Why?

“At that point right there, if you punt and they obviously are able to run the game out,” Franklin said. “You have to be aggressive. You may not get the ball back.”

Penn State’s defense was the offense’s only hope. It felt for most of the game a defensive touchdown — and there was one was wiped off the board — was more likely than the offense finding the end zone. Penn State wanted to be aggressive there, so why wasn’t it aggressive earlier in the game on fourth down at its own 45?

Great post complete with supporting vid clips from Audrey.

It’s beyond evident that the problem with PSU football is Franklin.

 

[BW Lion]

I think the loss of Juice Scruggs and Brenton Strange to the 2nd round of the draft are hugely overlooked when criticizing our 2023 run game. Their replacements are really a disappointment this season.

Stop making excuses for coaching incompetence

PSU has recruited well at the TE position (perhaps the best in the country) yet Theo Johnson seems incapable of throwing a block or catching a ball.

That reflects a coaching staff willing to accept laziness.

Why?

 

[PSUJam]

Stop making excuses for coaching incompetence

PSU has recruited well at the TE position (perhaps the best in the country) yet Theo Johnson seems incapable of throwing a block or catching a ball.

That reflects a coaching staff willing to accept laziness.

Why?

Harbaugh should be available after tomorrow. He doesn't accept laziness. He expects his entire staff to cheat. So, Harbaugh/Stalions 2024?

 

[BW Lion]

No amount of Franklin apologies on your part will erase the fact that scUM has run the ball down Franklin’s throat because of superior line play.

I don’t expect this year to be any different.

 

[PSUJam]

No amount of Franklin apologies on your part will erase the fact that scUM has run the ball down Franklin’s throat because of superior line play.

I don’t expect this year to be any different.

Ohio State runs down your throat.

 

[BW Lion]

2022
scUM 41
PSU 17

Yds Rushing
ScUm 418
PSU 111

Was scUM stealing signs when they ran the ball down Franklin’s throat?

I have to admit that you Fraudklin apologists are periodically entertaining.

 

[cac@PSU]

Lets not worry about Mich til we beat Indiana and Maryland

 

[leinbacker]

2022
scUM 41
PSU 17

Yds Rushing
ScUm 418
PSU 111

Was scUM stealing signs when they ran the ball down Franklin’s throat?

I have to admit that you Fraudklin apologists are periodically entertaining.

Naa, they will say Michigan has better players all around and you aren’t contributing your fair share to NIL.

 

[PSUFTG2]

I still have a hard time believing the coaching staff actually felt they were fine on offense through the first 6 games - but CJF's public comments on Tuesday would seem to imply that. IDK.

 

[LBUfanatic]

I’ve said it for years and years and years…..the easiest coaching job in CFB is the Defensive Coordinator preparing to play PSU.

I love these selective memory takes. Do you think it was easy for the Utah defensive coordinator in the rose bowl? What about putting 30+ on the board against OSU last year? This is a different team with a you big QB who clearly wasn’t comfortable on Saturday and the passing game spiraled out of control. If you watch some of the film study, PSU wanted to and did go away from its tendencies in the run blocking game in the first quarter. OSU adjusted and we didn’t and that was a major factor in the decision to throw the ball more. Does a lot of this fall on the coaches? Absolutely. But it’s not like they didn’t go into the game without scheming to confuse OSUs defense.

 

[LBUfanatic]

No amount of Franklin apologies on your part will erase the fact that scUM has run the ball down Franklin’s throat because of superior line play.

I don’t expect this year to be any different.

Boy, you see an open door and run through it Katie bar the door! I give you credit for your conviction.

 

[LBUfanatic]

I still have a hard time believing the coaching staff actually felt they were fine on offense through the first 6 games - but CJF's public comments on Tuesday would seem to imply that. IDK.

What’s he going to do, throw his players and coaches under the bus publicly? Especially this day and age with fragile egos and portal ability, what is said in press conferences is simply a facade.

 

[LionJim]

What’s he going to do, throw his players and coaches under the bus publicly? Especially this day and age with fragile egos and portal ability, what is said in press conferences is simply a facade.

A good reminder.