It's gonna continue to be a catch 22 with CW unless Uconn's anemic running game changes. That one play was a killer. But Uconn was outrushed 192 to 47 which forces the QB to make plays. The play before the pick an OL took a penalty to put Uconn into a long yardage situation meaning he has to throw the ball long and even then it took a great play by the D to reach up for int. But what other options does this offense have when you need 15 yds? Hand it off to McCombs for a 2 yard gain ? I keep hearing CW should throw it away, when the OL breaks down(which is often) last time I checked you don't get a first down or yardage for that. So maybe he should keep throwing it away and they can keep punting it back and give up more points. The other thing is trying to roll out for a run option but I don't think he's that great a runner. I also counted at least 3-4 drops that stopped drives for Uconn.
Uconn needs to find some other way to pick up yards from the backs..... screens passes, sweeps, something... unless they find a RB that who doesn't keep falling down and can give them a 100 yd game. ( Williams when he's back from suspension ? the true FR Marriner ? )
SNY's John Silver had some thoughts on the offense:
* The run game continues to under perform. A little better for the offensive line, but Lyle McCombs had 38 yards rushing on eight carries with one 16 yard run and Max Delorenzo added 23 yards on six carries. I think they need to split carries at RB. McCombs just isn't getting enough yardage on first down and I like him better on second and third down. Huskies need more of a power back in there. Perhaps it's also a bit of the no huddle offense, but UConn may want to revamp and get the fullback and maybe a couple of tight ends out there and get back to some power football. I would like to see that."
he also added:
"Speaking of playmakers, the Huskies don't have any without Shakim Phillips. He wasn't able to go and the problems that caused were immense. Geremy Davis had some plays and with four catches for 52 yards, and Deshon Foxx added 60 yards, but nothing lethal. John Green didn't get a catch and no other wide receiver had a catch. Where were playssupposed to come from? "
So unless this offense changes CW focusing on using his best offensive weapons, Davis and Phillips, could be moreof the same risk-reward. PP could put in Boyle which doesn't sound like an option from what I've been reading from him. That still wont change the running game or give Uconn playmakers though. It also sounds like Cochran's father thinks he should transfer from Uconn so I don't think he will ever get a shot.
Son's future at UConn comments from Jack Cochran
But here's Silver's recap from SNY:
Postgame thoughts: Michigan escapes
This post was edited on 9/23 8:54 AM by the Blades