This game was the first time this year where I really got down on the coaching. I know we hit the two long passes for touchdowns right away against Michigan State, but I'm not sure why we kept trying to pass long time after time in the first half. I think that kept us from getting into any sort of a rhythm.
We really didn't try to establish any sort of a running attack in the first half. I think we made two first downs in a row after a while running, and then we went away from it again. We were more successful in the second half running, but I wish they'd just let one back go for a while instead of alternating the 3 of them. Most running attacks feature one back as they wear the defense down. Maybe our backs aren't big enough to do that, but I'd think it would be hard to establish the rhythm and timing you get when an offense gets rolling if you're always subbing backs.
Along the same lines, Gray now needs some continuous plays. Coming in for one down, running one play, and heading for the sidelines isn't doing much. Again, it's no rhythm and no timing. He had someone wide open (McKnight?) and missed him badly, but I would think if he had been in for a few plays his chances of completion would have been a lot better.
I've already sputtered about the play calling on their one but having a hard time letting it go. Hoese is really running hard now. With our offense and Weber, the chances of a disastrous play are much greater passing. Why resort to a pass in that situation? I'm sure most fans might come up with some dangers of a pass play down there: motion, holding, interception, or sack anyone?
Finally, we had kicked off once out of bounds. Why go back to it when we absolutely can't afford them good field position? I know you're trying to pin the returner against a sideline but are you really playing the odds right? The game before, kicking off to the corner didn't exactly pin the Michigan State returner. Just not worth the chance of giving them the ball on the 40. Of course, with the missed tackle by Simmons I'm not sure field position makes any difference with this team.
I think Studwell was the first GHer I noticed to bring up the "no identity" criticism. It was never more apparent than in yesterday's game. With bigger running backs, an improved offensive line, and a consistent quarterback I hope we can get rid of "no identity" next year. Not calling for anyone's head, not that it makes one bit of difference what I think. But as Charles Barkley said about another sport, "It ain't rocket science," so this staff should be able to figure it out.