Sunday Morning QB- UAB

[Coach34]

1. Great job the by the defense. They did what they were supposed to when playing an 0-4 team. We still struggle at DE a little- but nothing we can do about that right now except bring in better players. Looking forward to see what Wilson cooks up for Alshon- Banks will need some help. I think our front will be fine vs SC's- LB's have to tackle well though.<div>
</div><div>2. Clausell is still young and should improve- but Jesus Christ he is terrible right now. It scares the piss out of me that he was our best option at LT the last couple of weeks. That was as bad of a half as I've watched a college lineman play in that 1st half. Carmon moving there for the 2nd half made a huge difference in protection and creating some running lanes.</div><div>
</div><div>3. The OL as a whole just has to be simplified. Saulsberry was pulling left and there wasnt anybody- instead of turning upfield and finding someone- he turns a damn circle because nobody is there and gets in the way of the RB- you cant do that. It's those small kinds of things hampering the offense. 1 player screwing up screws the play.</div><div>
</div><div>4. QB- It's time to pass the torch. Ralph was the right QB for our team last season- and we went 9-4 because of it. But this team's dynamic is totally different than last season. Last season- OL was a strength and had very few injuries. This year- its a complete weakness with inexperience and constant shuffling. And it cant handle a run game thats necessary to make Chris Relf successful at the QB position. It's that simple. We didnt run the veer, and only ran the option twice- without those plays- there really is no reason for Relf to be the QB. He had 194 carries last season- so far in half a season- he's had 71 carries- nowhere close to last season's pace-</div><div>
</div><div>It's time to change the way we practice- simplify the running game for the OL and work more on pass protection and blitz pick-ups. The WR's this season can handle more of an intricate passing game, as can the RB's. We need to put Tyler at QB and move forward. You saw the excitement of the WR's when he came in the game- and their play picked up because of it.</div><div>Going into yesterday, Tyler had 6 career TD passes and 7 INT's...while yesterday's showing against a nobody was very good- we have to remember- it was against a nobody. SC is going to be a much tougher test. We have to protect and we also have to incorporate the quick slant to help him get rid of the ball quick and avoid blitzes.</div><div>
</div><div>Relf needs to move to the short yardage QB and possibly goalline situations. He simply hasnt been the same QB since Auburn- and we cant afford to wait any longer.</div><div>
</div><div>5. Malcolm Johnson- why is he just now playing? He was a hoss in the Spring Game- and is just now getting on the field. Why cant Heavens and Bump see the field at the same time? They could both be the inside WR's when we get in trips. Maybe with Tyler in there, some of this will start happening more.</div><div>
</div><div>Big game this week- and should be alot of anticipation this week on what we will do offensively. Hopefully Dan doesnt get Jackie stubborn and leave Chris in there, much like Jackie did with Madkin. It was time then, and it's time now.</div>

 

[Coach34]

1. Great job the by the defense. They did what they were supposed to when playing an 0-4 team. We still struggle at DE a little- but nothing we can do about that right now except bring in better players. Looking forward to see what Wilson cooks up for Alshon- Banks will need some help. I think our front will be fine vs SC's- LB's have to tackle well though.<div>
</div><div>2. Clausell is still young and should improve- but Jesus Christ he is terrible right now. It scares the piss out of me that he was our best option at LT the last couple of weeks. That was as bad of a half as I've watched a college lineman play in that 1st half. Carmon moving there for the 2nd half made a huge difference in protection and creating some running lanes.</div><div>
</div><div>3. The OL as a whole just has to be simplified. Saulsberry was pulling left and there wasnt anybody- instead of turning upfield and finding someone- he turns a damn circle because nobody is there and gets in the way of the RB- you cant do that. It's those small kinds of things hampering the offense. 1 player screwing up screws the play.</div><div>
</div><div>4. QB- It's time to pass the torch. Ralph was the right QB for our team last season- and we went 9-4 because of it. But this team's dynamic is totally different than last season. Last season- OL was a strength and had very few injuries. This year- its a complete weakness with inexperience and constant shuffling. And it cant handle a run game thats necessary to make Chris Relf successful at the QB position. It's that simple. We didnt run the veer, and only ran the option twice- without those plays- there really is no reason for Relf to be the QB. He had 194 carries last season- so far in half a season- he's had 71 carries- nowhere close to last season's pace-</div><div>
</div><div>It's time to change the way we practice- simplify the running game for the OL and work more on pass protection and blitz pick-ups. The WR's this season can handle more of an intricate passing game, as can the RB's. We need to put Tyler at QB and move forward. You saw the excitement of the WR's when he came in the game- and their play picked up because of it.</div><div>Going into yesterday, Tyler had 6 career TD passes and 7 INT's...while yesterday's showing against a nobody was very good- we have to remember- it was against a nobody. SC is going to be a much tougher test. We have to protect and we also have to incorporate the quick slant to help him get rid of the ball quick and avoid blitzes.</div><div>
</div><div>Relf needs to move to the short yardage QB and possibly goalline situations. He simply hasnt been the same QB since Auburn- and we cant afford to wait any longer.</div><div>
</div><div>5. Malcolm Johnson- why is he just now playing? He was a hoss in the Spring Game- and is just now getting on the field. Why cant Heavens and Bump see the field at the same time? They could both be the inside WR's when we get in trips. Maybe with Tyler in there, some of this will start happening more.</div><div>
</div><div>Big game this week- and should be alot of anticipation this week on what we will do offensively. Hopefully Dan doesnt get Jackie stubborn and leave Chris in there, much like Jackie did with Madkin. It was time then, and it's time now.</div>

 

[JacksonDevilDog]

nm

 

[MSUArrowCS]

the play you mentioned where Ballard is facing Saulsberry while trying to run and pointing as if to say "Block somebody, dubmass". How does a 5th-year player get that damn confused?

 

[57stratdawg]

than they are run blocking. Both QBs had plenty of time to pass yesterday. Seems like they only had 1 sack or so, and not many hurries beyond that.

Having said that UAB is probably the worse pass rush we'll see all year. South Car will be a real test for them.

 

[PickleHead]

Tough call

 

[Coach34]

for the remainder of the season- we also have Green working the middle

 

[gdogg]

great synopsis.</p>

 

[Mullenation]

Ellis is going to dial it up so hard at Russell, I just don't see us having a chance. Connor Shaw is going to have a good game.. which could open it up more for Lattimore (like he needs it). I hope I'm wrong, but I'm thinking it could get ugly.

 

[eurotrash]

Coach, you obviously know the game and know more about it than the most people who post here (especially on game day). How about a new, regular post where by Friday you pick out a few key matchups or keys to winning that you think will have a major impact on the game. I'm not trying to flatter you or set you up for a bunch of ******** posts from idiots after the game has been played. That will happen and it's inevitable, but who cares. I think you can do it and let others agree or disagree, add their own views, etc. before kickoff.

 

[skb124]

Not saying you are wrong but I think its funny that you just assume Connor Shaw is going to have a good game. Why? Because he did against Kentucky? Kentucky is the worst team in the SEC and Shaw just now won the starting job. Its not like he is Tyler Wilson

 

[Coach34]

.

 

[jbulldog]

not so much the part about Clausell, but the part about moving Carmon there in the 2nd half was a huge reason for our success. TR at QB was an obvious good move but those other things often go unnoticed by many. After watching the first half again today, I certainly would not want to see my grade if I were Clausell.<div>
</div><div>As for Relf, I really hate to see us abandon him, and I do not think we will....totally. He will play some but TR will be playing more. He appears ready, and the only way to find out is put him in there vs SC. I wonder if there is any chance that both would be on the field at the same time. </div>

 

[basedog]

Relf starting Saturday. I think he will be on a short lease and I think we go with who is hot until someone steps up in this game to lead us to some scoring. I think we need to go to the two headed QB unless Russell does what he did Saturday, and that's throwing the ball with touch and timing passes. All of a sudden our receivers where open and that is because of the rythem Russell has with the wide-outs giving them a chance to not only catch the ball but get up the field.

All is not lost with Relf unless Russell shows consistency which I think he can and will do. Like 34 said we need to let Relf be the short yardage QB and make the other teams prepare for the two headed QB.

 

[57stratdawg]

RB screens this week.

 

[Coach34]

we have to change the way we practice for Tyler to be the QB. Work the quick slant- work on QB's seeing the blitz, WR's working more on running routes and receiving drills for timing- and less on the run game. Working Relf to be a dropback passer is a waste of valuable practice time<div>
</div><div>Doing a little for each keeps us from being as good and crisp and we could and need to be</div>

 

[Cousin Jeffrey]

The thing is, there were two defenders on the outside to block in the direction he was pulling. But instead, he turns around and gets in the RB's way.

 

[poolot]

<div>
</div><div>4. QB- It's time to pass the torch. Ralph was the right QB for our team last season- and we went 9-4 because of it. But this team's dynamic is totally different than last season. Last season- OL was a strength and had very few injuries. This year- its a complete weakness with inexperience and constant shuffling. And it cant handle a run game thats necessary to make Chris Relf successful at the QB position. It's that simple. We didnt run the veer, and only ran the option twice- without those plays- there really is no reason for Relf to be the QB. He had 194 carries last season- so far in half a season- he's had 71 carries- nowhere close to last season's pace-</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

 

[basedog]

I don't think we need to change how we practice except like you say we would need to throw more in practice. I really don't think we would change a lot except we would throw more with Russell and I do think it would open up our ability to run more successfully.

I do think we will see both from here on out unless like I said before, TR performs like he did against UAB. I think Mullen has enough experience in handling the two headed QB plus we are half way through the season now and I hate to think or say this but our o-line is gonna get one of them hurt.

 

[Phil Wenneck.sixpack]

Another slow start, possibly getting behind early then Russell comes into a situation like we've already seen a million times where a defense doesn't mind bringing the heat with a lead. If TR is to start (and I hope like hell he does), he needs first team reps, game planning, and like you said, being able to get the timing down on slants, etc during a full week of practice. And not only that, the O-Line has to adjust to certain differences. I know Mullen doesn't want a controversy and what not but the time's come to try something new and if that's truly what happens, TR deserves the chance to prepare as a starter.

 

[woozman]

Johnson is going to have a long week prepping for our offense after yesterday.

 

[SnakePlissken]

5. Malcolm Johnson- why is he just now playing? He was a hoss in the Spring Game- and is just now getting on the field.

He has had some health issues and is just now getting in game shape. Here is an excerpt from a recent article from Paul on 247.....

"So far this year, Johnson has played in three games and has one catch
for 22 yards. He missed the first couple of games and is just now
regaining his form on the field.
</p>

There is a good reason for that, he said. In fall camp and early
this season, MSU coaches were cautious with Johnson's health due to some
things the trainers were noticing.
</p>"They were checking on my muscle-protein tests and they were
abnormal," said Johnson. "When you're out there practicing, my numbers
are going to be naturally high. It showed me I have to take care of my
body and that you can't take nothing for granted cause it can be taken
away from you"

 

[eurotrash]

so it might provide a little more excitement to watch a couple of players or play calling, etc. This could generate serious discussion and analysis that sometimes happens only after the game. Of course it involves the risk of being incorrect about some things, which some on this board are far-too-happy to point out, but my guess is we'll have more predictions that actually come true.

 

[bulliegolfer]

As far as this weekend is concerned, were going to have to have a few turnovers coming our way. Can't see us beating them straight up.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

I fully expect us to move to a two QB situation. Perhaps Relf on short yardage, and the short Red Zone.

I noticed earlier this year that Russell is now passing and playing QB from a more athletic position...not standing up like a statue.
His passes look crisp, and with a purpose.

Against good teams, withTR in, it has been jail break blitz, so I hope we can figure out how to pass block.

 

[gravedigger]

just asking.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

the 17 is this?

 

[hulkbuster]

Take pressure off the O line by going to a 3-5 step drops. Stops, Outs, stick routes, crossers will be what I lived off of until the went nickle or cover 3 or any 2 high saftey look on D, then gash em' w/ Vick or Darius. SC is very beatable for us. Don't get worried about the score in that kentucky game. They did alot of trick formations & plays of that nature to hurt Kentucky. We gotta play Tyler though.