Offense

[Jhollenbeck41]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

 

[c3o]

I believe it was an off day. I believe that some lack of consistency lead to lackluster play-calling. I believe our QB was a bit shell-shocked. I believe our OL is weak but hopefully will make progress. Not worried about our stable of RBs. A little worried about our WR2 and beyond. Happy with our TEs from the small sample I've seen.

I think the only issue is that we believed we would come out of the gate and pound a lesser opponent. We didn't. We aren't there yet

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

I believe it was an off day. I believe that some lack of consistency lead to lackluster play-calling. I believe our QB was a bit shell-shocked. I believe our OL is weak but hopefully will make progress. Not worried about our stable of RBs. A little worried about our WR2 and beyond. Happy with our TEs from the small sample I've seen.

I think the only issue is that we believed we would come out of the gate and pound a lesser opponent. We didn't. We aren't there yet

But are we really not there yet? Because we came out last year and pounded Minnesota, realistically we did. I can give several examples that show we're much farther along than what happened on Saturday. Soooo what's the logic there? I think it was just an off day by everyone and that does happen in sports in all reality. Some days your team just doesn't have it and has to grind something out. That was Saturday. All will be fine.

 

[c3o]

But are we really not there yet? Because we came out last year and pounded Minnesota, realistically we did. I can give several examples that show we're much farther along than what happened on Saturday. Soooo what's the logic there? I think it was just an off day by everyone and that does happen in sports in all reality. Some days your team just doesn't have it and has to grind something out. That was Saturday. All will be fine.

Nah, we aren't there yet. We did pound Minnesota but we also went 4-8 along the way.

I agree with much of your OP. We just might have different expectations. And I also agree it was an off day and we will be fine. But we need a couple more good recruiting cycles to get to where we are contending for titles. I'll gladly be proven wrong! I'm just an armchair idiot

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

Nah, we aren't there yet. We did pound Minnesota but we also went 4-8 along the way.

I agree with much of your OP. We just might have different expectations. And I also agree it was an off day and we will be fine. But we need a couple more good recruiting cycles to get to where we are contending for titles. I'll gladly be proven wrong! I'm just an armchair idiot

Let me re-phrase that. No, we aren't close to "back" yet. Not even close. Saturday doesn't happen if we're "back". But I also have a hard time with the phrase "we just aren't there yet" because of what we showed against some pretty solid teams last year....Ohio State. My expectations are as high as anyone's expectations. And if everyone is being really brutally honest, all the expectations are the same. Bring a natty, or 2-3, back to Lincoln while Frost is here.

 

[Harry Caray]

We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year.

Disagree with this. We lost a 1000 yard receiver and a 1000 yard rusher. Noa and Mills are not near as good as Morgan and Ozigbo.

 

[c3o]

Let me re-phrase that. No, we aren't close to "back" yet. Not even close. Saturday doesn't happen if we're "back". But I also have a hard time with the phrase "we just aren't there yet" because of what we showed against some pretty solid teams last year....Ohio State. My expectations are as high as anyone's expectations. And if everyone is being really brutally honest, all the expectations are the same. Bring a natty, or 2-3, back to Lincoln while Frost is here.

Oh, I am with you. At times this scheme and team look really good.

 

[BuckysBoys1]

New centers....lame play calls....bad snaps.....bad passes......bad running game= bad game! I believe they will be much better in every phase on Saturday.

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

Oh, I am with you. At times this scheme and team look really good.

That's what I'm saying. So for the people who are all of the sudden questioning everything, they've seen the evidence of when everything clicks. Doesn't make any sense to me. Just has to be more consistent is all. Takes time and reps.

 

[RedCap_rivals330392]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

Fans always over react - whether it's being too positive or too negative. Happened often under Osborne as well. Just part of the game.

 

[huskerssalts]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

This....the few times I chimed in on the S Bama game it was to remind us of this. Even the greatest offensive NFL teams have off games. It happens everywhere. Martinez didn’t kick *** one or two games last year...he had a solid SEASON. He didn’t suddenly go backwards and he’s definitely not a fluke (a fluke is a good game or two and that’s it) and like you said...Frost didn’t suddenly lose his offensive mind. Frost knows what he’s doing when it comes to QBs, Offenses and play calling. There is no “BUT...BUT...BUT...this or that....”. Plain and simple...it was an OFF GAME. End of story. When it comes to our offense and Adrain Martinez, I’m not worried one bit. Not even a little bit.

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

This....the few times I chimed in on the S Bama game it was to remind us of this. Even the greatest offensive NFL teams have off games. It happens everywhere. Martinez didn’t kick *** one or two games last year...he had a solid SEASON. He didn’t suddenly go backwards and he’s definitely not a fluke (a fluke is a good game or two and that’s it) and like you said...Frost didn’t suddenly lose his offensive mind. Frost knows what he’s doing when it comes to QBs, Offenses and play calling. There is no “BUT...BUT...BUT...this or that....”. Plain and simple...it was an OFF GAME. End of story. When it comes to our offense and Adrain Martinez, I’m not worried one bit. Not even a little bit.

you may be right ..probably are

but we were 4-8 last year and played like a 4-8 team the initial game this year .... as Frost has been quoted as saying .. we are a 4-8 team until proven otherwise ... we didn't really prove otherwise last week

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

you may be right ..probably are

but we were 4-8 last year and played like a 4-8 team the initial game this year .... as Frost has been quoted as saying .. we are a 4-8 team until proven otherwise ... we didn't really prove otherwise last week

We're a 1-0 team now. We should probably build on that.

 

[Ewooc]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

I think the whole issue with Martinez was the Oline play. They offered little protection and constant wondering if the ball was going to fly over his head. I think all that threw him out of sync. The O-line is young and inexperienced, yes they will improve with time and reps. How long with that take? Im guessing more than a game or 2. The offense could struggle until the line gets things figured out. Lets hope the D can carry us until at least Ohio St, then the Offense can start to click.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

We're a 1-0 team now. We should probably build on that.

I’m a fan. I don’t really build week to week. I just cheer on the team and discuss what I see or saw on the field.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

I think the whole issue with Martinez was the Oline play. They offered little protection and constant wondering if the ball was going to fly over his head. I think all that threw him out of sync. The O-line is young and inexperienced, yes they will improve with time and reps. How long with that take? Im guessing more than a game or 2. The offense could struggle until the line gets things figured out. Lets hope the D can carry us until at least Ohio St, then the Offense can start to click.

Didn’t the online return 3 starters? Center and LG are young and inexperienced.

 

[Solana Beach Husker]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

I find it strange that you use the word logic. Logic is generally based on data...so using data...

1. USA has been one of the worst teams in college football for an extended period of time. Somewhere around 110-120 best over recent history.

2. Our offense is lead by a 19 year old qb who has only played 11 games since his junior year in HS...he has a career record of 4-7 with his most impressive performance coming at home against a Minnesota team who immediately fired their defensive coordinator and Illinois who happened to field one of the worst defenses in power 5 football.
3. Our offense on Saturday had a freshman center who was injured during his most formative practice time.
4. Our offense only had one healthy wr with any experience, our #2 was a true freshman
5. The starting rb just joined the team a month before and is adjusting to a completely new offense.
6. Scott Frost has one winning season with a group of guys recruited following BCS runs by a different coach..Frost was an offensive coordinator at a program that has had one of the best offenses for the better part of 15 years...Frost is certainly not the variable responsible for the extended offensive success at Oregon.
7. History and precedent would dictate that our problems in four of five offense groups was not random luck or an "off day" but is a sign of system issues created by the fact that Frost has lost 34 kids in 18 months...most of which would be upperclassman this year...having multiple true freshman , true sophomores, or grad/juco transfer leading your offense is a recipe for inconsistency at best or just bad offense at worst. We saw the worst on Saturday...

Fanatics by nature lead with feelings and heart...there is no mental reason to believe this offense will be decent until mid-season at least...except for the fact that young players are playing better than ever in college football history... and we are playing a whole bunch of bad defenses. Maybe Adrian and Mo make massive jumps and end up being All-American players...relying on the above though is quite a leap of faith and there is no evidence to support such faith.

 

[jeans15]

The QB needs to lead no.offense better


The played his energy level...no passion.

 

[c3o]

The QB needs to lead no.offense better


The played his energy level...no passion.

This post gave me autism

 

[John_J_Rambo]

I find it strange that you use the word logic. Logic is generally based on data...so using data...

1. USA has been one of the worst teams in college football for an extended period of time. Somewhere around 110-120 best over recent history.

2. Our offense is lead by a 19 year old qb who has only played 11 games since his junior year in HS...he has a career record of 4-7 with his most impressive performance coming at home against a Minnesota team who immediately fired their defensive coordinator and Illinois who happened to field one of the worst defenses in power 5 football.
3. Our offense on Saturday had a freshman center who was injured during his most formative practice time.
4. Our offense only had one healthy wr with any experience, our #2 was a true freshman
5. The starting rb just joined the team a month before and is adjusting to a completely new offense.
6. Scott Frost has one winning season with a group of guys recruited following BCS runs by a different coach..Frost was an offensive coordinator at a program that has had one of the best offenses for the better part of 15 years...Frost is certainly not the variable responsible for the extended offensive success at Oregon.
7. History and precedent would dictate that our problems in four of five offense groups was not random luck or an "off day" but is a sign of system issues created by the fact that Frost has lost 34 kids in 18 months...most of which would be upperclassman this year...having multiple true freshman , true sophomores, or grad/juco transfer leading your offense is a recipe for inconsistency at best or just bad offense at worst. We saw the worst on Saturday...

Fanatics by nature lead with feelings and heart...there is no mental reason to believe this offense will be decent until mid-season at least...except for the fact that young players are playing better than ever in college football history... and we are playing a whole bunch of bad defenses. Maybe Adrian and Mo make massive jumps and end up being All-American players...relying on the above though is quite a leap of faith and there is no evidence to support such faith.

also logical: don't overreact to a sample size of 1

that was conveniently missing from your list, I noticed

 

[huskerssalts]

you may be right ..probably are

but we were 4-8 last year and played like a 4-8 team the initial game this year .... as Frost has been quoted as saying .. we are a 4-8 team until proven otherwise ... we didn't really prove otherwise last week

I won’t disagree on that, we have to prove it now...but that still doesn’t mean our offense will suddenly disappear. We all can take that to the bank.

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

also logical: don't overreact to a sample size of 1

that was conveniently missing from your list, I noticed

I find it odd that the “don’t overreact to the sample size of 1” applies to the offense but the defense is suddenly fixed based on one game where we still gave up 21 to a team that only scored 21 pts on the road twice the entire year in 2018 and was also starting a new QB. Hopefully things get ironed out this week - it is a huge game for Frost and the program - a loss is devasting to any momentum this program may have had.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

Martinez played well on the road as a true frosh against wisconsin, ohio st, and iowa. Not worried about this kid.

 

[John_J_Rambo]

I find it odd that the “don’t overreact to the sample size of 1” applies to the offense but the defense is suddenly fixed based on one game where we still gave up 21 to a team that only scored 21 pts on the road twice the entire year in 2018 and was also starting a new QB. Hopefully things get ironed out this week - it is a huge game for Frost and the program - a loss is devasting to any momentum this program may have had.

I would say it does apply to everything we saw week 1, yes

 

[timnsun]

I find it odd that the “don’t overreact to the sample size of 1” applies to the offense but the defense is suddenly fixed based on one game where we still gave up 21 to a team that only scored 21 pts on the road twice the entire year in 2018 and was also starting a new QB. Hopefully things get ironed out this week - it is a huge game for Frost and the program - a loss is devasting to any momentum this program may have had.

Goes both ways, don’t it? You are fixating on offensive problems, but defensive success doesn’t count, huh? 14 of the 21 points were off of turnovers, as I recall, one in our red zone. We got 5 turnovers, but that doesn’t count.

I find it odd as well that you talk about our sucky offense because of one game but won’t give credit to our defense for one game.

 

[Spectrumalaska]

I do not know about the defense being fixed, but they sure looked faster than I had seen in years.

The offense is not as bad as it seemed, and, alas, the defense is probably not as good as it did look.

 

[cubsker_rivals142943]

72 hours from now, we'll know about both. No excuses.

 

[F5Tornado]

I'm beginning to see why South Alabama played so well against Nebraska, all you have to do is look at their coach and see what he's done over his career, Steve Campbell is flat out a damn good coach.

Looking at the USA roster it's plain to see that they have tons of athleticism, with quite a few CC players in the mix, if Campbell can keep getting good players, he's going to make that team a force in their conference for years to come. Campbell flat out brought a very well coached team to Lincoln and gave Nebraska a much needed wake up call and punch in the chops.

 

[oldjar07]

Goes both ways, don’t it? You are fixating on offensive problems, but defensive success doesn’t count, huh? 14 of the 21 points were off of turnovers, as I recall, one in our red zone. We got 5 turnovers, but that doesn’t count.

I find it odd as well that you talk about our sucky offense because of one game but won’t give credit to our defense for one game.

Even if our defense really is improved, I don't think we can count on 5 turnovers every week. It helped us get by South Alabama, but we're going to have to win games at some point being even or negative on turnovers.

 

[timnsun]

Even if our defense really is improved, I don't think we can count on 5 turnovers every week. It helped us get by South Alabama, but we're going to have to win games at some point being even or negative on turnovers.

No doubt... at the same time, our offense likely won’t suck as bad as it did Saturday, meaning we will be better able to win when even or negative.

 

[Spectrumalaska]

As an old man in Alaska, I liked what I saw in the defense.

 

[TarheelHuskerFan_rivals]

Offense has been a strong point in every single Scott Frost offense everywhere he has been. Even here in year one. No doubt, were not going to be awful on offense this year.

I came away encouraged because I know because of Frosts entire coaching career that the offense will be good.

Look at every other piece of the team. The defense looked really good. Best tackling we have seen in years. Special teams looked improved minus our backup place kicker.

We weren't making stupid penalties constantly like years past.

We improved in every area outside of offense which is the area that we have the least to worry about under this staff.

We have the coaches, the scheme and the players to be an above average to elite offense.
I think we have a good year and still are a contender for the west.

 

[red scowl]

I understand there's been a lot of threads about this and lot of criticism about Saturday, but without any logic, in my opinion. Here's my question. And it's for everyone. How is it even remotely possible, based on last year's offensive results, that people can question whether or not this improve off of Saturday, or question Frost's play calling, or really question anything offensively? It's not like Frost lost his play calling mojo over the off season. Not possible that Adrian just now sucks for no reason. Not even talking about the O-Line. Pretty obvious what those flaws were, and really all that is needed is reps to improve that. Chemistry, inexperience, and few talent issues that 2021 and 2021 O-Line recruits should be able to fix. Play call, scheme, skill player talent, should not be questioned I don't think. We had half the skill player talent that we now have this year. Everybody has an off day sometimes, it happens. Everything will be fine.

I guess I'd like to hear some thoughts on why people are all of the sudden questioning things offensively, even though we all know it will all work out in the end?

It will be alright. Did you watch our defense? You have to stay away from coaches like 'TruHusker' .

Frost said he was scheme- ey in this game. I think he wanted to make it an oline fight. I think he wanted to know his team better.

We'll be ok.

 

[Hoosker Du]

Didn’t the online return 3 starters? Center and LG are young and inexperienced.

Yeah, but when 2 of the 5 struggle like the newcomers did last week...well, we saw that it can blow up an entire offense. We'll just have some growing pains for a while with those 2 guys in there.

 

[inWV]

Didn’t the online return 3 starters? Center and LG are young and inexperienced.

I don't do the post-game play by play breakdown, although I will look at video if someone puts it up. The Oline has a chance to be good to very good, but clearly they weren't on the same page last week. Jaimes and M. Farniok enter their third season as starters and Wilson started a good chunk of last year. Farniok and Wilson were Hon Mention in the B1G last season. Jurgens, W. Farniok and Hixson played their first collegiate game last Saturday, but all three are talented guys that have had access to great strength and conditioning. They will need to be better or the CU game may go in the L column. The faster the Oline gels, the quicker the offense can work with the rhythm it needs to be lethal.

 

[RealTucoSalamanca]

Yeah, but when 2 of the 5 struggle like the newcomers did last week...well, we saw that it can blow up an entire offense. We'll just have some growing pains for a while with those 2 guys in there.

Then in that case the OLine will always be inexperienced. There is almost always going to be a couple of new starters. The 2020 season will be the exception

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

I find it strange that you use the word logic. Logic is generally based on data...so using data...

1. USA has been one of the worst teams in college football for an extended period of time. Somewhere around 110-120 best over recent history.

2. Our offense is lead by a 19 year old qb who has only played 11 games since his junior year in HS...he has a career record of 4-7 with his most impressive performance coming at home against a Minnesota team who immediately fired their defensive coordinator and Illinois who happened to field one of the worst defenses in power 5 football.
3. Our offense on Saturday had a freshman center who was injured during his most formative practice time.
4. Our offense only had one healthy wr with any experience, our #2 was a true freshman
5. The starting rb just joined the team a month before and is adjusting to a completely new offense.
6. Scott Frost has one winning season with a group of guys recruited following BCS runs by a different coach..Frost was an offensive coordinator at a program that has had one of the best offenses for the better part of 15 years...Frost is certainly not the variable responsible for the extended offensive success at Oregon.
7. History and precedent would dictate that our problems in four of five offense groups was not random luck or an "off day" but is a sign of system issues created by the fact that Frost has lost 34 kids in 18 months...most of which would be upperclassman this year...having multiple true freshman , true sophomores, or grad/juco transfer leading your offense is a recipe for inconsistency at best or just bad offense at worst. We saw the worst on Saturday...

Fanatics by nature lead with feelings and heart...there is no mental reason to believe this offense will be decent until mid-season at least...except for the fact that young players are playing better than ever in college football history... and we are playing a whole bunch of bad defenses. Maybe Adrian and Mo make massive jumps and end up being All-American players...relying on the above though is quite a leap of faith and there is no evidence to support such faith.

Sweet....so basically "logic" says Martinez and Frost suck. There's no evidence to support either's success, and we're in for another 4-8 season....that about sum that up?

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

Want to add another thing on this thread. Not sure how many saw Shatel's article this morning about the 94 Pipeline. I did. For those complaining about Saturday's O-Line play, and expectations that we all have, including myself. You guys obviously all probably know this, and not trying to beat a dead horse here. But, those boys were basically together for 4-5 years. Husker Power for 4-5 years, developing 4-5 years, all of it, 4-5 years. Half of our O-Line have basically only made one start. I guess I hadn't really considered that either. But, that's reality. They are just young and inexperienced. Some are not. But basically half the O-Line only has a game of starting experience and really only one full year of Husker Power. I understand we're all die hard fans and want the pipeline back badly, but we gotta be real about the situation too. For the record, I still believe this is a 9-10 win team based on what we've seen the offense be able to do with average at best O-Line play, but it's probably going to be a grind.

 

[jlb321_rivals110621]

Sweet....so basically "logic" says Martinez and Frost suck. There's no evidence to support either's success, and we're in for another 4-8 season....that about sum that up?

the logic all last year and through the summer was that first year coaches are going to struggle (thus the 4-8 season) and things would be much better in year 2.

Well we are playing one of the poorer PAC-12 teams with a first year coach without prior head coach experience whose Off Coordinator and Def Coordinator are both promoted analysts for quality - not even position coaches. Oh yeah .. there LB coach is Ross Els.

We should roll in this game if the above logic is sound

 

[Jhollenbeck41]

the logic all last year and through the summer was that first year coaches are going to struggle (thus the 4-8 season) and things would be much better in year 2.

Well we are playing one of the poorer PAC-12 teams with a first year coach without prior head coach experience whose Off Coordinator and Def Coordinator are both promoted analysts for quality - not even position coaches. Oh yeah .. there LB coach is Ross Els.

We should roll in this game if the above logic is sound

I honestly firmly agree with that. Personally, I think Martinez and Mo are going to have a monster bounce back game and we'll win by around 2 TDs. I think for where we are at as a program, that's a pretty solid score prediction in my opinion.