Jay is getting at the root of the problem. Winners win, losers lose. The talent has to have confidence in its play. When programs sink under the waves in terms of wins/losses, it can be hard to right that ship. I think we began to see the turnaround on D this year. Just better overall play and more importantly, emerging confidence in play. It is nice to see that group come back largely intact with a crack at another season. On offense, the pieces on the Oline are coming together. I really think the key to the whole thing is getting reliable play from a couple of running backs. The B1G is a tough league in terms of running defense. Being able to rely on getting the needed yards to be on schedule for down and distance is critical. I'll feel a whole lot better when it's third and three and everyone in the stadium, including the opposing D, doesn't know it's going to be Adrian carrying the ball.
I agree. Part of the reason Adrian/Luke ran the ball so much last year was because we didn’t have consistent RB play. A young OLine also struggled with blocking schemes for running and pass protection. Our Oline is only going to get better. I’m hoping Stepp/Ervin JR/Morrison step into a consistent production role. I think it will have to be one of those three considering the others have had shots at it and haven’t been able to do it.
- Rahmir Johnson is too small to take the beating and isn’t a between the tackles back.
- Marvin Scott showed flashes but will need to become more consistent.
- Ronald Thompkins just didn’t execute like we need him to - his off the field issues also cost him playing time.