One thing that has happened is Scott has recruited size, at many positions, but specifically the OL.
I have seen others allude to this, but curious what your thoughts are.
Basic math and the current league we are in, would say get big linemen. But at some point, when a guy becomes too big, and isn't athletic enough to keep a smaller DE or LB out of the backfield, I start to wonder if we took size over athleticism, too much. I guess a players wingspan plays into that too.
I'm not an OL guy, but just trying to use some common sense here. Bigger is usually better, until it's not.
I think SF chose size over athleticism.
If NU is going to rely on Hixson at LG, Sicht at RG and Benhart at RT, we are going to have our ass handed to us on a regular basis. All 3 are way too slow, and lack aggression.
However, they make up for being "really young" by being "really slow." Or until NU hires a competent line coach.
I've delved in this issue about 6 different times in several threads and continue to not generate a response, or little response. Big slow, non moving linemen destroy the entire offensive potential. To watch this line try to use a pulling guard and tackle from left to right or right to left would be laughable.
If they really want to run the ball, personnel changes have to be made. I know SF will likely NEVER move Cam away from center. But, if he did, NU could run something like this: Hixson to Center, Cam to LG, Teddy to LT, Nouilli or Bando at RG, and Corcoran at RT. Yes, that means that Piper, Sicht and Benhart no longer start.
If NU wanted to get physical for a SERIES OR TWO you could put Teddy at TE lined up next to the tackle, and then take Garrett Nelson or Damian Jackson and slot them on the right side as TE. You gotta know that Nelson or Jackson are going to hit something that moves. At the very minimum you then force future teams to at least practice against this type of physical attack. You could also tailor this to which T needs the most help because of an outstanding defender lined up against that side.
Plus you still have 1 RB and 2 wideouts. NU had great success over the years when they went into their 2 TE sets and against some of the great teams NU played it was done so because their D was so dominant.
I know this sounds a lot different that what we've seen for 3+ years. But, my point is, "how is this been working for us?" Finally take a look at becoming a physical team again and the next thing you know NU may be able to recruit some of those type monsters that are not on the list for Bama, Clem, OSU, etc.
I can very well get blown outta the water here, and I understand it, but this is an Opinion forum and I'm offering a contrary opinion and not on the site to try to win any arguments.
If you've been a coach for over 50 years you learn this is a "fix it if it's broken" strategy. What NU has been doing is NOT working and it will NOT work. Other than some practice time, what is the down side?