The offense worked. We were one of only 5 teams in the conference that gained over 5,000 yards. We had 500 more yards than Wisconsin and Penn State, and 1,000 more than Iowa despite those three playing an extra game. And only Ohio State averaged more yards per game.
We were in the top 5 for passing yards per game and despite the troubles were
5th in rushing yards. Infact our rushing yards per game just beat Ohio State (181 to 180) for 4th in the Big Ten. We were 6th in scoring just beating out Wisconsin in both points and points per game.
We reached the endzone 53 times, about 4.4 times per game. Which is pretty solid but not elite. and enough to win most games. The problem is that we only got points on 41 of those trips. That is one redzone trip per game that got no points.
We had problems in the play calls from time to time, our line was prone to multiple mistakes in short bursts the tackles were awful and we couldn't run when we had to... and we were still a top 5 offense in the conference and if they could just not fck up one extra drive a game they would be really good. I don't think Whipple changes everything. I think he gives it a few new additions, maybe adds a concept or two to the picture but the things that are the biggest adjustments that will make the difference is 3 Things. a kicker that can get 3 points, a line that can hold for 3 seconds and a quarterback that doesn't look like he is shooting a 3 when trying to throw in the Redzone.
That said almost every one of those is a huge upgrade, the only one I could argue is the secondary being better. I think it's possible because I think it will get more picks than last year but I think it gives up a little more too. I think I have to say that is a slight decline but could see how it ends up either way.
NU reached the end zone 19 times total against Fordham, Buffalo and Northwestern, the only 3 wins on the season. So the offense worked really well against that bunch.
The majority of the other things you mention, I would agree with. NU went after players in the portal that may be able to elevate those areas and turn some of the losses into wins.
I'm hoping if Thompson starts turning it over at least Whipple will consider making a change to either Purdy or Smothers. Playing AM last year, with all the mistakes and his injury is a reason why the offense sputtered so much. Not that the QB backups could have elevated the team, but the point is to at least give them a chance.
If NU is prone to the 3 second rule due to the OL's inability to give any QB some time remains a real concern on the offense. Luckily, NU comes out of the game against 3 cupcakes, so maybe they can begin to put a decent OL together with the talent available.
Without question, a solid kicking game, with consistency can mean the difference in winning and losing close games. Last year was one of the biggest **** shows I've ever seen in all 3 phases of the game. It may have made the difference in several games.
NU has to get out of the mindset of just letting subpar performers that seem to "own" a position. Maybe Mickey will be that way with the WR's, but I think not. None of us really know enough about the other offensive coaches to make a prediction of how willing they will be to make changes.
Last year it was non-stop mistakes with AM, CTB on punt returns, the kicking game, the first part of the season with Piper at LG. At the end of the day, NU has been a mistake machine since Day 1 of the SF regime.
As fans in a big money conference we should at least expect decent football. NU will lose but if they play really well and get beat that's football. Under SF, NU has mastered the ability to beat themselves, it would be nice if they would start making teams beat them for a change.
