I don't want this to come off as a I hate IKM or Sargent thread not even remotely. I like them both and want them to continue to be used. That said I feel with our style of running game and play calling Toren Youngs size and ability is a better fit for getting the bulk of the touches. A lot of the carries that IKM had that went for 2 or 3 yards Young can turn into 4-6 yards. It may not sound like much but when we all think about it it's a huge difference for our offense to have a 2nd and 5 instead of a 2nd and 7 or 8 right? See our running game isn't designed to gash teams for huge chunks (although it's nice when we get them) but our runs are usually designed to get 4-6 yards to 'stay on schedule' I think we've seen enough of the team this year to be able to say that the running game is struggling and not where anyone would like it and this is my 2 cents worth of a suggestion...
Running Game
- Thread starter Hawkfnntn
- Start date
99topdawg
Well-Known Member
I got some huge chunks for you right here:
Those '15 and '16 teams had a ton of long runs. The last couple of years, not so much. Not sure where the difference lies, but a lot has changed since those years so it could be a number of factors.
As an aside, Beathard was awesome for Iowa. And there are a few Jerminic Smith highlights in there for nostalgia purposes.
Watch the Daniels run in the '16 season highlights at 3:23. That is what should happen when teams over-pursue. You run OZ a few times, and then you hit them with IZ. QB opens the same way, initial OL step is similar, RB goes the same way. But the interior pushes more vertical than trying to reach, the backside seals, the backside edge defender is concerned about the boot, and the huge cutback is there.
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I place the blame on both the Oline and our RBs. The run blocking has been down the last couple years, but I also don’t think our RBs are anything special.
Both IKM and Sargent just press every outside run to the sideline, there is no patience or no vision for a cut back. I actually noticed this during the NIU game week 1. I thought as their confidence improved the game would slow down and they would start seeing the cutbacks... but it just hasn’t happened. A lot of that vision trait is just natural.
Toren probably has the best vision and has actually made a cut here and there, but he’s the slowest of the bunch and I think Brian wants that speed factor.
Both IKM and Sargent just press every outside run to the sideline, there is no patience or no vision for a cut back. I actually noticed this during the NIU game week 1. I thought as their confidence improved the game would slow down and they would start seeing the cutbacks... but it just hasn’t happened. A lot of that vision trait is just natural.
Toren probably has the best vision and has actually made a cut here and there, but he’s the slowest of the bunch and I think Brian wants that speed factor.
Yup and we (by we I mean I) were complaining that if we had a faster actual RB instead of a FB they'd be turning those 20 yard runs into 50 yard scores...
That was then and this is now. Maybe our Oline isn't as good or maybe defenses are doing a better job against us or some combination of both. But man it's been tough sledding out there and our RBs haven't exactly had room to gash anyone. Toren Young can make his own hole to an extent that the other two guys aren't. I think he'd help offense do better if he was getting closer to 20 touches a game with the other two splitting up the rest....
I'm a tad worried because the 'easy' part of our schedule is over. At least it's not going to get any easier going forward. Between the competition and the weather cooling off and most likely becoming an issue in regards to the passing game I really wish our running game had some more teeth to it.
InGoodCo
Well-Known Member
The run game is concerning - but I think the fact that Iowa has come SO FAR in the pass game over the last few years is an equal positive. We were one of the worst teams in the country at protecting the QB - now we're one of the best. It's kind of crazy, but Iowa has looked like a pass first team as of late.
Yeah the last 3 games certainly. Many posters have been asking for it for awhile. I like it. They have mismatches with their TEs. As long as NS stays away from the end of the first half type of INTs.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
The running backs are fine. I think before the season is out, we are going to see some explosive runs by IKM.
The issues are primarily related to the offensive line, particularly the interior. We just don't move people and/or sustain blocks.
The other issue is that opposing defensive coordinators have decided to attack the LOS whenever they read zone-blocking. The running backs rarely have a reasonable lane. As is being discussed in another thread, we need to figure out what they are keying on, then scheme to make them pay.
The issues are primarily related to the offensive line, particularly the interior. We just don't move people and/or sustain blocks.
The other issue is that opposing defensive coordinators have decided to attack the LOS whenever they read zone-blocking. The running backs rarely have a reasonable lane. As is being discussed in another thread, we need to figure out what they are keying on, then scheme to make them pay.
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I think Nate’s pocket presence has improved which helps. Last year he had no feel for the rush. That TD where he stepped up in the pocket and ripped a strike to ISM is one of the better QB plays I’ve seen at Iowa in some time.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
I've always thought Toren should be the solid number two and if he's hot, give him the ball. I rewatched the game with Minnesota again. I don't think that film room will be kind to Sargent on a few runs. There were cut back lanes or he could have gotten outside on a few, but instead tried to find a seam amongst the big uglies. Our guys are not running with any patience. When was the last time you saw them allow a defense to overrun something? Like I said, a pause and cut and our running backs will finds more room. Teams sell out and try to get upfield on our running game...and they are moving as hard as possible in the direction of the action...yet no cut backs against the grain.
That being said...if there are 8 men in the box...throw it every down.
Totally agree no doubt about it. I'm pleasantly surprised with that part of the offense. I feel if they'd mix in more 1st down passing and playaction calls that should help the running game. I thought BF was a bit stubborn with his playcalling at times trying to force the run when it wasn't there.
Play action on early downs is our offenses best weapon for big plays... I thought BF tried to stubbornly run into their stacked front on early downs too much with IKM and hence the thread I started... If that's going to be your style of play go with the better option you have to make something out of nothing and push the pile.. We have the players to make teams pay for however they want to defend us. We just have to call and execute the right plays with it..
