Harasymiak Said Knowing RU's Run Game Was Helpful

Caliknight · Sep 10, 2026

His offense is fatally flawed in the RZ. You can't dink and dunk when the field is shrunken. Defenses know that so the stack to the box anticipating runs, which we invariably do. Combine that with head coach who's entire philosophy is don't turn the ball over at any cost, and you get an offense that is impotent once it gets past the 20. Runs and fades and that's all they worry about.

Knight Shift · Sep 10, 2026

kupuna133 said:
Preaching to the choir. I’ve pointed out Kirk’s issues in the red zone for years. Serviceable between the 20’s. Awful in the red zone. But his offense prior to Rutgers is noticeably different than what is run here. Rarely utilizes his TE’s now. Scared to take advantage of the center of the field. And screens have disappeared from his play calling sheet.

To use TEs, the team has to have TEs. Last year was the first year in recent member we had serviceable tight ends that were no injured. Never understood why that position did not get more emphasis in recruiting.

Caliknight · Sep 10, 2026

The use of TE's typically means you are throwing the ball in the middle of the field. Schiano is entirely against that. It might lead to something other than a punt or fg. Chicken and egg. Why would a great TE come to a place that doesn't use the TE?

kupuna133 · Sep 10, 2026

Caliknight said:
The use of TE's typically means you are throwing the ball in the middle of the field. Schiano is entirely against that. It might lead to something other than a punt or fg. Chicken and egg. Why would a great TE come to a place that doesn't use the TE?

Ding ding ding. Exactly why I keep saying Kirk is adverse to attacking the middle of the field. A TE dump, A waggle, slant, in route. Are all too risky for the brain trust. Scary because how many times have we seen DB’s squat in the flats and predict the 15 yard out and jump the route over the years.

Ru-baby · Sep 10, 2026

Kirk had some similar luck on Minn for a brief bit. He ended-up at Penn St and got exposed for the same problems RU ad Minn had and have - cant score in red zone////////////

For all the Ibrahim Minnesota success, you have the PSU failure.

Having
Athan
Strong
Duff
Sheffield
Raymond

was an embarrassment of O riches that many OCs would have excelled with. Just read the above offensive weapons. Should have done more instead of throw and hope Duff and Strong can fight the ball away. Never got the ball to Sheffield in space or on an end around. Yes the D has been awful but the O has scored more mainly because of a surge in talent and not due to KC.

Bueller · Sep 10, 2026

kupuna133 said:
Preaching to the choir. I’ve pointed out Kirk’s issues in the red zone for years. Serviceable between the 20’s. Awful in the red zone. But his offense prior to Rutgers is noticeably different than what is run here. Rarely utilizes his TE’s now. Scared to take advantage of the center of the field. And screens have disappeared from his play calling sheet.

Greg had the red zone problem before Kirk was even on the team

2008

Taking offense

"This strategy may not help Rutgers score in the red zone. The team’s problem this year (on offense at least) is that it doesn’t have a lot of trouble moving the ball between the twenties, but can’t seem to move the football past that point.

Taking offense

Your best source for quality Rutgers Scarlet Knights news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

www.onthebanks.com

Same problem over and over - a battleship between the 20s and a Lego inflatable in the red zone

2007: Notes: Rutgers bombs in red zone

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Mike Teel's right thumb was packed in ice, but it wasn't the nagging digit on his throwing hand that was bothering Rutgers' junior quarterback after last night's 38-19 loss to Connecticut.

It was the ongoing red-zone failures, with Rutgers' offense managing four field goals, one touchdown and coming up empty one time for its six trips inside the Huskies' 20-yard line.

"It's tough when you go out and execute the way that you want to and the way you're supposed to ... something's got to give. We've got to get something fixed and get it quick," Teel said. "We're not executing. The bottom line is we're not doing the things we did to get us in that position (of being in the red zone). When you get in the red zone you can't have stupid mistakes that are going to set you back."

https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/2007/11/notes_rutgers_bombs_in_red_zon.html

When Teel says "we're not executing " in red zone he is inadvertently highlighting GS's "if you execute you win" which is a 20th century mode. NIL and portal can't fix goofy offenses

kupuna133 · Sep 10, 2026

Bueller said:
Greg had the red zone problem before Kirk was even on the team

2008

Taking offense
"This strategy may not help Rutgers score in the red zone. The team’s problem this year (on offense at least) is that it doesn’t have a lot of trouble moving the ball between the twenties, but can’t seem to move the football past that point.

Taking offense

Your best source for quality Rutgers Scarlet Knights news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.

www.onthebanks.com

Same problem over and over - a battleship between the 20s and a Lego inflatable in the red zone

2007: Notes: Rutgers bombs in red zone

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Mike Teel's right thumb was packed in ice, but it wasn't the nagging digit on his throwing hand that was bothering Rutgers' junior quarterback after last night's 38-19 loss to Connecticut.

It was the ongoing red-zone failures, with Rutgers' offense managing four field goals, one touchdown and coming up empty one time for its six trips inside the Huskies' 20-yard line.

"It's tough when you go out and execute the way that you want to and the way you're supposed to ... something's got to give. We've got to get something fixed and get it quick," Teel said. "We're not executing. The bottom line is we're not doing the things we did to get us in that position (of being in the red zone). When you get in the red zone you can't have stupid mistakes that are going to set you back."

https://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/2007/11/notes_rutgers_bombs_in_red_zon.html

When Teel says "we're not executing " in red zone he is inadvertently highlighting GS's "if you execute you win" which is a 20th century mode. NIL and portal can't fix goofy offenses

Agreed. Schiano never saw a field goal he didn’t want to kick.
I’m talking about the difference in playcalling strategy Kirk showed in Minnie and what he does here and to a lesser extent State Penn. red zone offense has always been a Schiano problem. Kirk appeases the boss with the plain vanilla in the red zone and aversion to attack the middle of the field.
Kirk regularly employed Te’s and screens at both State Penn and Minnie. They are non existent in his playcalling at RU.

BillyC80 · Sep 10, 2026

For years I’ve been yelling at the tv: “Our offense has no deception!” And now, seeing that quote from GS, I know it’s never gonna get better with him.

Bueller · Sep 11, 2026

kupuna133 said:
Agreed. Schiano never saw a field goal he didn’t want to kick.
I’m talking about the difference in playcalling strategy Kirk showed in Minnie and what he does here and to a lesser extent State Penn. red zone offense has always been a Schiano problem. Kirk appeases the boss with the plain vanilla in the red zone and aversion to attack the middle of the field.
Kirk regularly employed Te’s and screens at both State Penn and Minnie. They are non existent in his playcalling at RU.

People complained about KC not using TEs at both Minn and PSU. I cant even believe PSU even offered KC a job knowing how invisible TEs become to him. Its long seemed to me that the best coaches at all levels use TEs a lot (think KC Chiefs). Langan was looking good at TE in 2022 with 31 receptions for 300 tough yards and a TD. KC arrives in 2023 and Langan goes to 14 receptions, 122 yds and no TDs . Langan was a wasted weapon imo.

Alas Schiano made Tyler Kroft a blocker after a great 2013 with 600 yds and 4 TDs. In 2014 he had 270 yds and 0 TDs. DC Jefferson had only 560 yds and 2 TDs in 4 years. TE is usually problem in RU's low calorie offense. I know for Schiano the lousy OLs cause TEs to become blockers but KC seems to dismiss TEs as a weapon. Its hard to believe GS thinks KC is one of best OCs in cfb.

A PSU site was leery of KC

4. Tight End Use

'We’ll keep this one short: Ciarrocca has a dreadful history of using the tight end in the passing game. During his time at Minnesota, his leading tight end has ended the year with 9 (2017), 3 (2018), and 4 (2019) receptions. With Pat Freiermuth — and all the talent that is behind him — that isn’t going to cut it in Happy Valley.

Of course, I am sure this was something that was discussed between Franklin and Ciarrocca. You don’t recruit tight ends the way Penn State has and then hire an offensive coordinator that plans on completing ignoring them. And from Ciarrocca’s vantage point, you don’t take the Penn State job with the intention of not using one of the most talent-rich positions on the roster. Still, something to keep an eye on though, as incorporating the tight ends into the passing game will be something new for Ciarrocca."

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

www.blackshoediaries.com

kupuna133 · Sep 11, 2026

Bueller said:
People complained about KC not using TEs at both Minn and PSU. I cant even believe PSU even offered KC a job knowing how invisible TEs become to him. Its long seemed to me that the best coaches at all levels use TEs a lot (think KC Chiefs). Langan was looking good at TE in 2022 with 31 receptions for 300 tough yards and a TD. KC arrives in 2023 and Langan goes to 14 receptions, 122 yds and no TDs . Langan was a wasted weapon imo.

Alas Schiano made Tyler Kroft a blocker after a great 2013 with 600 yds and 4 TDs. In 2014 he had 270 yds and 0 TDs. DC Jefferson had only 560 yds and 2 TDs in 4 years. TE is usually problem in RU's low calorie offense. I know for Schiano the lousy OLs cause TEs to become blockers but KC seems to dismiss TEs as a weapon. Its hard to believe GS thinks KC is one of best OCs in cfb.

A PSU site was leery of KC

4. Tight End Use
'We’ll keep this one short: Ciarrocca has a dreadful history of using the tight end in the passing game. During his time at Minnesota, his leading tight end has ended the year with 9 (2017), 3 (2018), and 4 (2019) receptions. With Pat Freiermuth — and all the talent that is behind him — that isn’t going to cut it in Happy Valley.

Of course, I am sure this was something that was discussed between Franklin and Ciarrocca. You don’t recruit tight ends the way Penn State has and then hire an offensive coordinator that plans on completing ignoring them. And from Ciarrocca’s vantage point, you don’t take the Penn State job with the intention of not using one of the most talent-rich positions on the roster. Still, something to keep an eye on though, as incorporating the tight ends into the passing game will be something new for Ciarrocca."

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense
Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

www.blackshoediaries.com

Yep marriage made in heaven. Like I’ve said all along. Te’s non existent, no screens and afraid to utilize and target the center of the field. We are in agreement.

RUTrack94 · Sep 11, 2026

RU#1fan said:
That’s why Schiano will probably go 2-10 this season

what’s the 2nd win coming from? but seriously, maybe AJ will be successful and make the plays (3 years learning the O)

RUChet · Sep 11, 2026

And why did Kirk boy exploit knowing how JH likes to defend?

shouldn’t we have had an advantage to neutralize theirs?

mdk02 · Sep 11, 2026

Bueller said:
People complained about KC not using TEs at both Minn and PSU. I cant even believe PSU even offered KC a job knowing how invisible TEs become to him. Its long seemed to me that the best coaches at all levels use TEs a lot (think KC Chiefs). Langan was looking good at TE in 2022 with 31 receptions for 300 tough yards and a TD. KC arrives in 2023 and Langan goes to 14 receptions, 122 yds and no TDs . Langan was a wasted weapon imo.

Alas Schiano made Tyler Kroft a blocker after a great 2013 with 600 yds and 4 TDs. In 2014 he had 270 yds and 0 TDs. DC Jefferson had only 560 yds and 2 TDs in 4 years. TE is usually problem in RU's low calorie offense. I know for Schiano the lousy OLs cause TEs to become blockers but KC seems to dismiss TEs as a weapon. Its hard to believe GS thinks KC is one of best OCs in cfb.

A PSU site was leery of KC

4. Tight End Use
'We’ll keep this one short: Ciarrocca has a dreadful history of using the tight end in the passing game. During his time at Minnesota, his leading tight end has ended the year with 9 (2017), 3 (2018), and 4 (2019) receptions. With Pat Freiermuth — and all the talent that is behind him — that isn’t going to cut it in Happy Valley.

Of course, I am sure this was something that was discussed between Franklin and Ciarrocca. You don’t recruit tight ends the way Penn State has and then hire an offensive coordinator that plans on completing ignoring them. And from Ciarrocca’s vantage point, you don’t take the Penn State job with the intention of not using one of the most talent-rich positions on the roster. Still, something to keep an eye on though, as incorporating the tight ends into the passing game will be something new for Ciarrocca."

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense
Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

Taking a closer look at Penn State’s new offensive coordinator.

www.blackshoediaries.com

That may explain KC but how does that square with Schiano's extensive use of Clark Harris and Sam Johnson at TE earlier in Schiano 1.0?

Bueller · Sep 11, 2026

mdk02 said:
That may explain KC but how does that square with Schiano's extensive use of Clark Harris and Sam Johnson at TE earlier in Schiano 1.0?

He had good OLs and didn't need to compensate for poor blocking by converting TEs to blockers. The night of Louisville Lou Holtz called RU's OL "the best in the nation." RU''s OL recruiting has been weak and it wrecks a lot of things in B1G. Even Pacheco couldn't run behind RU lines

Bueller · Sep 11, 2026

RUChet said:
And why did Kirk boy exploit knowing how JH likes to defend?

shouldn’t we have had an advantage to neutralize theirs?

RU on offense and defense was pretty bad - couldn't block or tackle - they looked like they were on Quaaludes. They didn't look like a team ready to press an advantage. RU doesn't like to think too hard about strategy

I was listening to an interview with Cigs and he said he only wants players focuses on winning "now." He said one year in CFB now is like four years in the past and there isn't time to age into success. None of the "we're young - we'll get there" and "three years for mastery" stuff.

tico brown · Sep 11, 2026

RUShea said:
"We're not in the business of tricking people."

This is the crap that drives me insane about GS. That's so dumb. He acts like we're Saban era Alabama. You SHOULD be trying to trick people. You SHOULD be trying to scheme things.You SHOULD be trying to adjust gameplans when things aren't working. All that stuff is called coaching. It's pure insanity to do otherwise.

People still defend Schiano after this very basic faux pas in FREAKING YEAR 7!!!!!!!!!!! (PLUS 11 IN V 1.0).

mdk02 · Sep 11, 2026

Bueller said:
He had good OLs and didn't need to compensate for poor blocking by converting TEs to blockers. The night of Louisville Lou Holtz called RU's OL "the best in the nation." RU''s OL recruiting has been weak and it wrecks a lot of things in B1G. Even Pacheco couldn't run behind RU lines

This OL in '25 was a lot better than the lines blocking for Pacheco. We'll see if last week was a one off or if there has been deterioration.

Bueller · Sep 11, 2026

mdk02 said:
This OL in '25 was a lot better than the lines blocking for Pacheco. We'll see if last week was a one off or if there has been deterioration.

True. Pacheco's lines suffered because everyone knew RU couldn't throw too far. No room to breath in the box because defenders were up tight. With Duff, Strong and AK, defenses had to play the whole field. The longer I watch football the more I see the need for balance. Good run helps the pass and vice versa. A good defense helps the offense. Special teams can whip up some Easter eggs

RU848789 · Sep 11, 2026

Regardless of coaching, scheme, motivation, preparation, etc., my biggest take home was how putrid our lines were against a team we should dominate on both sides of the ball and how terrible our QB looked vs. their QB. When will we recruit a real dual threat QB like so many other teams do? We struggle against them so often, one would think Schiano would recognize that and take advantage of that skill set. My expectations for the rest of the season are very low and my motivation to attend the rest of the games is similarly low - I've been losing interest in big time college athletics for many years (NIL, insane transfer rates, ridiculous arms races that don't really benefit the educational mission of universities, etc.), so it's possible this is my last year after 46 years of attending just about every game. We'll see - I'm sure if we turn it around I'll regain some interest.

Harasymiak Said Knowing RU's Run Game Was Helpful

Hall of Famer

Heisman

Hall of Famer

All-American

All-Conference

Senior

Taking offense​

All-American

Taking offense​

Heisman

Senior

4. Tight End Use​

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense​

All-American

4. Tight End Use​

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense​

All-American

All-Conference

Heisman

4. Tight End Use​

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense​

Senior

Senior

Heisman

Heisman

Senior

Heisman

Taking offense

Taking offense

4. Tight End Use

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

4. Tight End Use

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense

4. Tight End Use

Statistically Speaking: Kirk Ciarrocca’s Offense