What will the 2023 Gopher Offense look like?

[hungan1]

PJ & KC need not ride one RB for a chunk of the running attack next season but figure out who can legitimately be the dynamic runners to get production.

It could be a one-headed, two-headed, or three-headed monster. Get the most mileage out of the most productive runners. If the incoming guys put the Gophers' running attack at a high level, they should utilize them.

The wrinkle that I'd like to see is a pass-catching RB and other utilitarian plays.

I am excited about the pass-catching TEs next season.

If KC and PJ are true to their offensive philosophy, they will tailor the offense to the type of talent at their disposal and not be too conservative.

I'd like for them to have a more killer instinct instead of opting to milk the clock. I was cringing that they would let Syracuse beat them at the last second with their minimalist approach. It worked. But it was too close for comfort.

That may not work against Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin with the infusion of new coaching, QBs, and other talents they will have at their disposal.

They may not be able to rely on the strengths of their defense against these teams alone.

Play to win. Don't play to risk losing. I hate it when that happens in the final moments of the game.

 

[btowngopher]

I think they may let AK pass more, but I don’t see them ever changing the clock milking strategy. I don’t particularly mind it. It can back fire from time to time, but so can a more aggressive strategy.

 

[Tvans022]

PJ during his weekly radio show with Grim and JG called out what I've been barking about for week's on Twitter. He coaches to his strengths. Whatever gives him the best chance to win. MN had (2) 1k yard receivers in Johnson and Bateman for the first time. If he's sooooooo conservative that doesn't happen. Point being, if we have the skill we'll play to it.

 

[upnorthkid]

Something I think would be much more helpful as an addition and would actually make PJs eat the clock/pound you/win the 4th quarter would be the intermittent addition of tempo plays. Occasional quick snaps eliminate the ability of the defense to sub and allow you the simple ability to hurry to the line and force the defense to set, and then you can call the play/shift/etc once the d is locked in. USC does this consistently at tempo spots on the field (around midfield). It lets you control matchups as well as grind down certain guys who are stuck on the field more, neutralizes pass rush, and makes teams play more base. There’s a reason teams don’t get into their set until late against us and it’s because we don’t ever snap the ball quickly aside from rare occasions on 2nd or 3rd and short,

The next addition step would be a quick passing game with utilization like it’s a run game. Jackson has shown he can be dynamic with the ball, CRAB is a great blocker, Brockington has shown some speed and the young backs seem to be more perimeter guys. The key is the ability to get the ball there rapidly and Athan has the arm strength to do so. It lets you box count teams which is the difficulty this team has is they end up running into stacked boxes too often as we don’t hurt teams quickly enough on the perimeter.

The tools are there for the offense to be more dynamic and multidimensional next year and I think it fits the “plus” players we have much better than the style we ran this year

 

[kg21]

Whatever causes more big plays. We need the home run way more often. You can't just grind it out and win big. It works some games and not in others. We need to pass with some big plays happening.

I think we spread out more with more wide receiver sets.

 

[kg21]

PJ during his weekly radio show with Grim and JG called out what I've been barking about for week's on Twitter. He coaches to his strengths. Whatever gives him the best chance to win. MN had (2) 1k yard receivers in Johnson and Bateman for the first time. If he's sooooooo conservative that doesn't happen. Point being, if we have the skill we'll play to it.

With Johnson and Bateman.....we still were at the bottom of passing attempts in college football. It's unreal to think about.

 

[gophernut1]

As was evident in the game against Purdue and in the 2nd half of the Syracuse game, the other RB's we have are good but they are not MO. They don't have the vision or the power to break through arm tackles that Mo did. In 2023 the running game will depend upon making teams pay for playing their safeties up with scheme. I think it will be to our advantage to spread the field out more (fewer 2 TE sets) and it wouldn't surprise me to see BSF spread out a lot more. I see a repeat of 2019, where passing seemed to open up the running attach but with even more passing vs running because I believe that will be our more effective way to move the ball in 2023 (we don't have a Mo).

 

[hungan1]

Something I think would be much more helpful as an addition and would actually make PJs eat the clock/pound you/win the 4th quarter would be the intermittent addition of tempo plays. Occasional quick snaps eliminate the ability of the defense to sub and allow you the simple ability to hurry to the line and force the defense to set, and then you can call the play/shift/etc once the d is locked in. USC does this consistently at tempo spots on the field (around midfield). It lets you control matchups as well as grind down certain guys who are stuck on the field more, neutralizes pass rush, and makes teams play more base. There’s a reason teams don’t get into their set until late against us and it’s because we don’t ever snap the ball quickly aside from rare occasions on 2nd or 3rd and short,

The next addition step would be a quick passing game with utilization like it’s a run game. Jackson has shown he can be dynamic with the ball, CRAB is a great blocker, Brockington has shown some speed and the young backs seem to be more perimeter guys. The key is the ability to get the ball there rapidly and Athan has the arm strength to do so. It lets you box count teams which is the difficulty this team has is they end up running into stacked boxes too often as we don’t hurt teams quickly enough on the perimeter.

The tools are there for the offense to be more dynamic and multidimensional next year and I think it fits the “plus” players we have much better than the style we ran this year

If you have ever watched a Gopher practice, they seemed crisp. They can easily incorporate a lot of what you just said. It will be exciting for the players also.

 

[Bad Gopher]

I've been thinking about this. There's going to be a lot of focus and pressure on AK to drive the offense and make a lot of plays. The running attack is unlikely to be nearly as formidable, so it falls on the passing game...and the passer. Eat your Wheaties, young man.

 

[upnorthkid]

If you have ever watched a Gopher practice, they seemed crisp. They can easily incorporate a lot of what you just said. It will be exciting for the players also.

I think they will do more of the quick hitters with Athan. Within the first drives against cuse they ran a couple outs and a TE stick or two (they also did this vs PSU). It’s clear the O will be different with Athan (or he’s just more willing than Tanner to try fit the ball or throw those routes). Will be fun to watch. I’m sure we’re going to give the ball away more, but think our explosive play number and percentage will go up pretty drastically

 

[hungan1]

I've been thinking about this. There's going to be a lot of focus and pressure on AK to drive the offense and make a lot of plays. The running attack is unlikely to be nearly as formidable, so it falls on the passing game...and the passer. Eat your Wheaties, young man.

Jacob Knuth and Cole Kramer, you better get ready. Athan Kaliakmanis will have a big target on his back.

The big question mark for me is how the Offensive Line will look. They must protect the QB and develop good run-blocking and pass-blocking protection schemes.

I would love for the Gophers to get a seasoned OL in the Transfer Portal before it shuts down on January 18, 2023. They signed five OLs in the 2023 recruiting class. It is great. They still need an experienced OL to help with depth.

IMHO, the running attack will get better as the season progresses.

 

[Vandy]

I think they may let AK pass more, but I don’t see them ever changing the clock milking strategy. I don’t particularly mind it. It can back fire from time to time, but so can a more aggressive strategy.

I think it will a lot tougher to milk the clock without Mo.... but I am looking forward to seeing what Evans can do.

 

[Replacement Gopher]

PJ & KC need not ride one RB for a chunk of the running attack next season but figure out who can legitimately be the dynamic runners to get production.

It could be a one-headed, two-headed, or three-headed monster. Get the most mileage out of the most productive runners. If the incoming guys put the Gophers' running attack at a high level, they should utilize them.

The wrinkle that I'd like to see is a pass-catching RB and other utilitarian plays.

I am excited about the pass-catching TEs next season.

If KC and PJ are true to their offensive philosophy, they will tailor the offense to the type of talent at their disposal and not be too conservative.

I'd like for them to have a more killer instinct instead of opting to milk the clock. I was cringing that they would let Syracuse beat them at the last second with their minimalist approach. It worked. But it was too close for comfort.

That may not work against Purdue, Illinois, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin with the infusion of new coaching, QBs, and other talents they will have at their disposal.

They may not be able to rely on the strengths of their defense against these teams alone.

Play to win. Don't play to risk losing. I hate it when that happens in the final moments of the game.

Agreed, but we have written the exact same post after the past three years. I hope I am wrong, but don’t believe it will ever happen.

 

[Replacement Gopher]

Something I think would be much more helpful as an addition and would actually make PJs eat the clock/pound you/win the 4th quarter would be the intermittent addition of tempo plays. Occasional quick snaps eliminate the ability of the defense to sub and allow you the simple ability to hurry to the line and force the defense to set, and then you can call the play/shift/etc once the d is locked in. USC does this consistently at tempo spots on the field (around midfield). It lets you control matchups as well as grind down certain guys who are stuck on the field more, neutralizes pass rush, and makes teams play more base. There’s a reason teams don’t get into their set until late against us and it’s because we don’t ever snap the ball quickly aside from rare occasions on 2nd or 3rd and short,

The next addition step would be a quick passing game with utilization like it’s a run game. Jackson has shown he can be dynamic with the ball, CRAB is a great blocker, Brockington has shown some speed and the young backs seem to be more perimeter guys. The key is the ability to get the ball there rapidly and Athan has the arm strength to do so. It lets you box count teams which is the difficulty this team has is they end up running into stacked boxes too often as we don’t hurt teams quickly enough on the perimeter.

The tools are there for the offense to be more dynamic and multidimensional next year and I think it fits the “plus” players we have much better than the style we ran this year

Agreed, it is amazing we never go up temp. Even when we are losing in the fourth quarter.

 

[RememberMurray]

Jacob Knuth and Cole Kramer, you better get ready. Athan Kaliakmanis will have a big target on his back.

The big question mark for me is how the Offensive Line will look. They must protect the QB and develop good run-blocking and pass-blocking protection schemes.

I would love for the Gophers to get a seasoned OL in the Transfer Portal before it shuts down on January 18, 2023. They signed five OLs in the 2023 recruiting class. It is great. They still need an experienced OL to help with depth.

IMHO, the running attack will get better as the season progresses.

Your points about the o-line are excellent.

On an optimistic note, this coaching staff seems to excel in developing that position group. Callahan has been a standout.

 

[MGGopher]

It'll look like what you saw against Wisc and Syracuse prior to AK going out. As another poster said above, they'll play to their strengths and do exactly what it takes to win and nothing more. They'll never go away from RPO, inside/outside zone, etc...but you'll likely see slightly more straight dropback pass and a more diverse route tree with deep outs, long digs, etc.

 

[CentralGopher]

Definitely closer to 50-50 pass run ratio. Would be surprised to see any two te sets since we haven’t this year. I didn’t see any rb’s in the bowl game beyond Williams and Potts so would guess it will be rb by committee or Potts and someone else with Williams the 3rd down back.

 

[Dustin]

It'll look like what you saw against Wisc and Syracuse prior to AK going out. As another poster said above, they'll play to their strengths and do exactly what it takes to win and nothing more. They'll never go away from RPO, inside/outside zone, etc...but you'll likely see slightly more straight dropback pass and a more diverse route tree with deep outs, long digs, etc.

Agreed. The WR upgrades are not accidental, 2/3 of Jackson, Spencer, and Crooms will have > 800 yards and 8 TDs

 

[highwayman]

As was evident in the game against Purdue and in the 2nd half of the Syracuse game, the other RB's we have are good but they are not MO. They don't have the vision or the power to break through arm tackles that Mo did. In 2023 the running game will depend upon making teams pay for playing their safeties up with scheme. I think it will be to our advantage to spread the field out more (fewer 2 TE sets) and it wouldn't surprise me to see BSF spread out a lot more. I see a repeat of 2019, where passing seemed to open up the running attach but with even more passing vs running because I believe that will be our more effective way to move the ball in 2023 (we don't have a Mo).

Potts and Williams proved, especially near the end, that they are VERY average. Poor "backward facing" attempts to get through the line. With Mo in there, the end of the game would not been in doubt.

Lets see what Evans and Taylor will do for us.

 

[leib0039]

Just based off of transfers, we certainly appear heading towards a more pass first scheme. I dont mind the idea but history is against that I would say. The B1G is housed in the cold, MN/WI/IA/MI/NY those places are windy/cold most of the year, that makes it tough to pass. I would say the only team who has really done it well is OSU and they just have such high end talent they kind of overwhelm other teams. Maybe Purdue has always been a bit pass first but that would be about it. Like it or not in November in Iowa City or Madison you just arent likely to be able to throw for 400 yards, you need big boys up front and a physical run game as your base.

 

[upnorthkid]

Agreed. The WR upgrades are not accidental, 2/3 of Jackson, Spencer, and Crooms will have > 800 yards and 8 TDs

that would be a little surprising to me given I'd presume CRAB is also going to factor in pretty heavily. Would more think we'll see 4 guys with 500+ yards and one guy with a bigger number (BSF, CRAB, Jackson, Spencer, Crooms, Wright, Brockington should all factor in/make catches

 

[btowngopher]

that would be a little surprising to me given I'd presume CRAB is also going to factor in pretty heavily. Would more think we'll see 4 guys with 500+ yards and one guy with a bigger number (BSF, CRAB, Jackson, Spencer, Crooms, Wright, Brockington should all factor in/make catches

The offense has always funneled targets to a select few players. I can’t see 5 guys getting over 500. We didn’t even have 3 over 500 in 2019.

 

[upnorthkid]

The offense has always funneled targets to a select few players. I can’t see 5 guys getting over 500. We didn’t even have 3 over 500 in 2019.

Because you had two dominant guys. I don’t think we have that next year but a bunch of contributors and a qb who’s shown he’ll spray it around

 

[Five Toes]

Because you had two dominant guys. I don’t think we have that next year but a bunch of contributors and a qb who’s shown he’ll spray it around

I love how the WR room took a big step forward when the coaches opened things up. I expect a much more balanced/modern offense this coming year. Rossi has proven his side will always give the team a better than 50% chance to win against any and all teams on the schedule.

 

[hungan1]

You have to be able to launch a good running attack in the Big Ten regardless of the passing game.

 

[hungan1]

If Athan gets stronger and masters the progression reads with his strong arm and scrambling ability, he will be very dangerous for opposing defenses.

We'll see if his accuracy improves over where he is at this stage career-wise. KC has a ton of work in quarterback development with a couple of very intriguing QBs.

 

[spermophilus]

Just based off of transfers, we certainly appear heading towards a more pass first scheme. I dont mind the idea but history is against that I would say. The B1G is housed in the cold, MN/WI/IA/MI/NY those places are windy/cold most of the year, that makes it tough to pass. I would say the only team who has really done it well is OSU and they just have such high end talent they kind of overwhelm other teams. Maybe Purdue has always been a bit pass first but that would be about it. Like it or not in November in Iowa City or Madison you just arent likely to be able to throw for 400 yards, you need big boys up front and a physical run game as your base.

I think this theory is overstated. I have been a proponent of the running attack, but the direction we are heading is wise. With a healthy AK, we will be much more dynamic. If we are to take the next step, this is it.

 

[btowngopher]

Because you had two dominant guys. I don’t think we have that next year but a bunch of contributors and a qb who’s shown he’ll spray it around

I think if healthy Jackson and CrAB could dominate the ball, we’ll see though I could see that changing too.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

just a guess on my part, but I think we could see something closer to the running attack from 2017-2019, when there were 2 or 3 backs sharing the work-load on a regular basis. The year with Smith, Mo and Brooks all getting carries would be my template.

Potts will get his chance, but if he doesn't produce, Evans will certainly have more opportunities - or we could see one of the true FR getting carries.

In a perfect world, I would like to see Athan running more as a regular part of the offense, but coming off the injury, I could also see Fleck pulling in the reins to try and keep Athan healthy.

whatever happens with the RB's, MN under Fleck is not going to start throwing the ball 60% of the time. I would really be surprised if it passed 50/50.

 

[MNVCGUY]

One thing we can all rest easy in is knowing that no matter what the 2023 offense looks like we will have some posters here that hate it and complain about it all the time.