One good thing about OL concerns...

[MedDawg]

is that we FINALLY make quick passes to the flat and across the middle. For many many years under Bellard, Sherrill, and Croom, I watched other teams throw quick slants, etc. for easy 6-yard gains, and wondered why we never did. Last year we were able to do that, and this year with an experienced QB and talented WR's we should be even more successful at it.

We also are more successful at throwing to the flat than ever before. We were usually unsuccessful before because the QB would overthrow the RB or the WR's wouldn't block. Now we have a more accurate QB, innovative schemes using RB's/flankers/WR's, and much better blocking WR's. Plus the better QB and WR's keep the safeties from creeping up.

So even if we can't clear running lanes up the middle, we have the capability for a highly successful quick passing game. (As long as our coaches realize that running up the middle isn't working and we stop trying.) If our OL can at least pass block decently, then our long passing game will be there, too.

 

[Hammer Down]

is that we FINALLY make quick passes to the flat and across the middle. For many many years under Bellard, Sherrill, and Croom, I watched other teams throw quick slants, etc. for easy 6-yard gains, and wondered why we never did. Last year we were able to do that, and this year with an experienced QB and talented WR's we should be even more successful at it.

We also are more successful at throwing to the flat than ever before. We were usually unsuccessful before because the QB would overthrow the RB or the WR's wouldn't block. Now we have a more accurate QB, innovative schemes using RB's/flankers/WR's, and much better blocking WR's. Plus the better QB and WR's keep the safeties from creeping up.

So even if we can't clear running lanes up the middle, we have the capability for a highly successful quick passing game. (As long as our coaches realize that running up the middle isn't working and we stop trying.)

I agree with the theory, but remember, if you cannot run the ball up the middle, you cannot be an elite team. Oregon is about as good a team as there is as far as spreading you out and utilizing space/speed/finesse. Ohio State throttled them because they had the size up the middle.

If our OL can at least pass block decently, then our long passing game will be there, too.

I think this more on Prescott than anything else. I would say he absolutely has to develop this aspect, but then again, when you are running the ball half the time and taking those hits, it is sort of hard to be accurate on every throw. That is a trade-off. There has only been a few quarterbacks who could pull this type of thing off for a whole season, Tebow and Newton being the main ones. So unless they are just uber-talented/tough like those two, you walk a thin line between developing a skill and straying away from the strength of the player.

 

[57stratdawg]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Rankins over the next few months. Warren and Senior seem to have a pretty firm grip on the OT jobs. I don't think a redshirt year is 100% out of the equation if the other two stay healthy.

 

[Hammer Down]

Where is Jocquell Johnson in this deal? I have not read one single article or gone to a single practice, so clue me in. I take it Justin Malone is at one guard and Jamal Clayborne is at center. Who is the other guard? Where is Cole Carter and Devon Desper? Those guys are 4th year players, it is about time to see them contribute.

 

[57stratdawg]

He's at C now. Looking like a depth kind of kid.

 

[NCDawg.sixpack]

Doesn't seem like that we ever do very well with JC offensive linemen. At least it doesn't seem as if we have since the Sherrill years. We sign a 4 star JC OL and looks as if we are considering having to redshirt him. We have another 4 star OL (non-juco)that appears be on 3rd team. Guess stars don't really mean that much when you get on the practice field.

 

[57stratdawg]

I think Rankin is a different situation than other JUCO OL we've signed because he's facing a situation where might not have to play. Don't get me wrong, it's still a long way to go, I'm just saying Warren and Senior were 1OTs all Spring, they'll be #1 on Saturday, they'll likely be #1 entering August. I think it says more about those two guys than Rankin.

Honestly, the OL depth for the next couple years is probably the best any of us have ever seen at MSU. I've bitched about Hevesy for years, but the last two classes have been better in terms of landing targets, and 2016 could be damn good with Champion, Parker, and Lashley leading the way.

 

[121Josey]

Can't throw quick passes (past the LoS) if you can't run the ball.

 

[GloryDawg]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Rankins over the next few months. Warren and Senior seem to have a pretty firm grip on the OT jobs. I don't think a redshirt year is 100% out of the equation if the other two stay healthy.

Me personally think only Freshmen OL should red shirt and that just to give time to mature.

 

[57stratdawg]

Well in theory there are 3 senior OTs on next year's team assuming DRobinson is on the roster come the fall. If there are meaningful SEC games left, I have a hard time seeing them walk Robinson out there if one of the other guys get hurt though.