Watch the absolute explosion in his legs when he runs. None of our current RB's run like that. They're all slashers. Barnett needs to be the tough yardage guy.
Illinois 48, Southern Illinois 10 Postgame
Here’s the key with the JB love (and this is 100% typed with the same enthusiasm y’all have after seeing him run yesterday):
1. It was SIU’s backups, who he should definitely be able to run over.
2. Can he pass block yet? If not, he will be a “it’s a run” tipoff to the D every time he comes in.
#1 doesn’t concern me as much. He may not be able to trample the soul of a tOSU DB like he did the SIU kid on the last play…but that sort of tenacious running is a state of mind and will help him at least find ways to fall forward.
#2 is an unknown in live game reps and if he whiffs and Houser gets crushed, he’ll restrict our offensive playcalling options.
1. It was SIU’s backups, who he should definitely be able to run over.
2. Can he pass block yet? If not, he will be a “it’s a run” tipoff to the D every time he comes in.
#1 doesn’t concern me as much. He may not be able to trample the soul of a tOSU DB like he did the SIU kid on the last play…but that sort of tenacious running is a state of mind and will help him at least find ways to fall forward.
#2 is an unknown in live game reps and if he whiffs and Houser gets crushed, he’ll restrict our offensive playcalling options.
The flip side is he will cost a lot more next year. Play’em if you got’em. Pass blocking may be a problem tho
Barnett needs to start getting 10-12 carries a game . let’s find out if he then needs 15-18 per
Overall decent game. I have concerns about the linebackers in pass coverage lots of wide open 8 yards gains. I also think the 2 minute offense is a work in progress. They were able to sneak in a field goal at the end of be half, but that was after sputtering out on the previous drive.
10-12 is plenty. I would like to see the backs get involved in the passing game.
blackdog
- Champaign
For context Laughery has had 10 carries once in 3 games, Valentine has had 11 and 18. Even if Barnett is a lot more involved there just don't seem to be enough available carries to get 10-12 consistently.
unless he can average 6-7 yards per carry
we need to find that guy who can average 85-100 yards per game. Brets preferred & traditional game plan includes a team rushing attack that eats clock by averaging 200 yds per game
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This. The ol' "We'll give 'em a free 7 to 8 yards every pass play" defense was back yesterday. Frustrating. Overall, the tackling did seem better. Lower level team, I get it, but it was still a definite improvement.
That’s the aspect of the offense that it seems Lunney shies away from and I’m not sure why. Having the RB as either a safety valve or calling some designed HB screens is something I feel has been very absent from our offense the past few years and would help immensely in relieving pressure on Luke and now Houser. Plus getting Valentine and Laughery in space with blockers set up seems like what we should be doing. Not doing this is probably the biggest aspect of Lunney’s play calling that I just don’t understand.
Hit valentine on the wheel route or just find ways to get him in space. I do think it’s hurt is not having a big back to wear down the defense.
I know we've had some success running Valentine up the middle, but i feel like we would do better getting him outside in space.
And have more control of the clock.
He needs to be able to run between the tackles to be on the field. He needs to get the holes and stop hesitating
Barnett is the guy you feed the rock to in the 4th quarter when the Defense is tired and worn down. Then occasionally throw in a play action pass to the TE to mix things up.
Chances are we beat Duke if we had used Barnett instead of Valentine to bleed the clock in 4Q of the game
Chances are we beat Duke if we had used Barnett instead of Valentine to bleed the clock in 4Q of the game
