Big Ten Network Preview Got Me Kinda Psyched

[wildcatcoaster]

Makes me believe Aiden + Chip Kelley might actually work. Even DiNardo wasn't all that negative. Interesting that maybe NU -- like the Bears -- finally sees that you need a 21st century offense to be competitive in this new era. And they hammered the other captain obvious points.... new Ryan Field is amazing and the schedule is brutal.

 

[WestCoastWildcat]

I’m watching it now. Thought it was an excellent look at the NU program. Well worth watching. Defense has been good and helped us win close games. Depth is a concern but hopefully offense will improve with the new OC Chip Kelly. Very tough schedule. Wish we had PSU’s BT schedule. They avoid OSU, Indiana and Oregon. We play all 3 on the road. Brutal.

 

[prez77]

I’m watching it now. Thought it was an excellent look at the NU program. Well worth watching. Defense has been good and helped us win close games. Depth is a concern but hopefully offense will improve with the new OC Chip Kelly. Very tough schedule. Wish we had PSU’s BT schedule. They avoid OSU, Indiana and Oregon. We play all 3 on the road. Brutal.

Wish we had Notre Dame’s.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

Someone posted that Chiles v IU video a while back and I was really encouraged by that. He was calm under pressure, exhibited a strong arm and good mobility. Against the national champions.

Compared to someone positing Stone v OK State last year, or way back to Hilinski at SCar. Chiles just looks better, and we have some decent weapons on O.

But...our "QB misses" since 2019 loom large, so I am cautiously optimistic. Also really thin depth except at RB and DB

 

[Anon1753224198]

NU Preview video had the oline as such:

LT - Rahouski
LG - Oratokhai
C - Birsa
RG - McGuire
RT - Seagren

I assume Carsello will be swapped for Birsa when he's ready. Surprised that Rahouski won the LT job over Seagren, but maybe that's a good sign.

 

[Sheffielder]

Makes me believe Aiden + Chip Kelley might actually work. Even DiNardo wasn't all that negative. Interesting that maybe NU -- like the Bears -- finally sees that you need a 21st century offense to be competitive in this new era. And they hammered the other captain obvious points.... new Ryan Field is amazing and the schedule is brutal.

I tend to think Braun saw the need for 21st century offense from the moment he sat down in the big chair; took a calculated risk with Lujan that just unfortunately did not work out and was no doubt dragged down by transitional and personnel/talent issues that we're finally getting on top of in the new normal. I worry that we could still be a year away from functioning closer to "optimally" but the program never ceases to amaze me and I'm sure we're in for some surprises this season...hopefully more good than bad.

 

[Catmandoo78]

I tend to think Braun saw the need for 21st century offense from the moment he sat down in the big chair; took a calculated risk with Lujan that just unfortunately did not work out and was no doubt dragged down by transitional and personnel/talent issues that we're finally getting on top of in the new normal. I worry that we could still be a year away from functioning closer to "optimally" but the program never ceases to amaze me and I'm sure we're in for some surprises this season...hopefully more good than bad.

I do worry about our talent level on offense. Seems like we are still way behind the sort of skill players talent that Chip has usually had run his offense. I wonder how much he has to compromise on what he’d like to do.

 

[Deeringfish]

I do worry about our talent level on offense. Seems like we are still way behind the sort of skill players talent that Chip has usually had run his offense. I wonder how much he has to compromise on what he’d like to do.

The thing of it is though, Chiles is his guy. Chip chose Chiles. Our past transfers had good track records relative to others in NU's price range. They were more statistical choices. Chiles was chosen by a guy who, by all accounts, is one of the great offensive minds in college football. I think it is highly likely that that could be a big difference.
Add to that the fact that our talent level on O is no worse than and perhaps, better than last year and has been coached by a crew of coaches with better credentials than last years crew. I don't think the sky is the limit but if NU doesn't see a 10% improvement in scoring (not saying that much considering the low bar) I'll be shocked. Given the tougher schedule that may not show in total record but should show on the field against NU's peers and the OC schedule.

 

[Sheffielder]

I do worry about our talent level on offense. Seems like we are still way behind the sort of skill players talent that Chip has usually had run his offense. I wonder how much he has to compromise on what he’d like to do.

I'm under no false impressions that we're gonna see anything like Chip's ~2010 Oregon team on the field this season; I'm not even sure if we're going to see significant improvements in statistical rankings given this season's schedule (but if Chiles-Wilde-Komolafe turn out to be a three-headed monster...so be it!), but I think/hope Chip's impact will be plainly evident in what we see on the field - schemes, play calling decisions, etc. One specific thing I'll be looking for is an improvement in red zone offensive scoring, which were field goals about 50% of the time for us last season, and those numbers included a pair of dominant wins over cupcakes. I've grow to dread our trips to the red zone over the past few seasons.

 

[Catmandoo78]

The thing of it is though, Chiles is his guy. Chip chose Chiles. Our past transfers had good track records relative to others in NU's price range. They were more statistical choices. Chiles was chosen by a guy who, by all accounts, is one of the great offensive minds in college football. I think it is highly likely that that could be a big difference.
Add to that the fact that our talent level on O is no worse than and perhaps, better than last year and has been coached by a crew of coaches with better credentials than last years crew. I don't think the sky is the limit but if NU doesn't see a 10% improvement in scoring (not saying that much considering the low bar) I'll be shocked. Given the tougher schedule that may not show in total record but should show on the field against NU's peers and the OC schedule.

Yeah maybe. But how many of our starters would start at a top half school? I don’t think Chiles would at this moment. Maybe he’s way better this year in a good system and with good coaches, but he’s not been someone you can trust with the ball the last couple years and is a big reason his coach got fired.

I think we will be better. We really can’t be worse than we’ve been lately on that side of the ball. I just don’t know if we’ll be massively better. We’ll see

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

People talk about his ball security but he cut his INT % in half last year

 

[rmndcat]

The thing of it is though, Chiles is his guy. Chip chose Chiles. Our past transfers had good track records relative to others in NU's price range. They were more statistical choices. Chiles was chosen by a guy who, by all accounts, is one of the great offensive minds in college football. I think it is highly likely that that could be a big difference.
Add to that the fact that our talent level on O is no worse than and perhaps, better than last year and has been coached by a crew of coaches with better credentials than last years crew. I don't think the sky is the limit but if NU doesn't see a 10% improvement in scoring (not saying that much considering the low bar) I'll be shocked. Given the tougher schedule that may not show in total record but should show on the field against NU's peers and the OC schedule.

If the offense can keep the defense off the field with fewer 3 and outs, and can convert 7 points, not 3, in the red zone, that will be a significant improvement.