RE: Unofficial Kent State Game Thread
Benz was not the problem. Again this is definitely beating this same point into the ground over and over again, but it was the offensive scheme that was the problem. The most original thing that the offense attempted to do on Saturday was bring in Gillette as a change-up and have him run three QB runs. That was the extent of what it looked like the offense worked on for two weeks. When the game hit 24-7, the reason you started to see Benz looking a bit more rattled was the same exact reason you saw Gillette look rattled against Illinois State, they were forcing plays, trying to make something happen. (Of course I understand how this would drive some of you nuts, as I know how much you appreciate the run, run, run, punt philosophy) This was in spite of their offensive coordinator handicapping them the entire time as well. Outside of the one run that EMU scored their first touchdown on, how much success did EMU have running the ball at all? Not much. No Quarterback is going to have any success if they can't run the ball at all. That's the biggest difference between our team last year and this year's team, we had a running game to depend on and this year offensively, we've had NOTHING to depend on. The offensive line not blocking and the lack of a running game is not the fault of either QB. I think some of the problem is the fact that EMU has been trying to run these stretch runs all year trying to get the line to set some blocks up but it isn't working. I'd rather see us try to do more straight ahead running then these stretch plays that have failed miserably all year. Also, I honestly wouldn't mind seeing us rotating QB's a bit more often, especially if you start letting Gillette throw some and then have Benz run a bit more as well. Or hell, what if you had both QB's on the field at the same time?
Second off, I still maintain that the defense is not the problem with this team. I'll admit my case is hurt a quite a bit when EMU scored to make it 10-7 and then the defense goes out there and allows Kent State to move down the field on them killing the momentum at 17-7. However, then when you come out in the second half and give up a kickoff return for TD, more anemic play on offense and are down 24-7. The defense then goes out and stops Kent State and then Kent pulls off that fake punt which forces the defense back out there again on a quick change and Kent scores two plays later. Even at 31-7, the defense gives EMU's offense another opportunity when Cotton intercepts the pass and puts into plus territory in the 3rd quarter. Then incomplete pass, personal foul, incomplete pass.. and EMU is forced to punt. At that point, I don't quite know what else the defense can do.. and Kent just puts it in the hands of their speedster and he scores.
So honestly.. my assessment. We have an offense that can't run which leads us to being unable to pass as effectively. We have a special teams unit that gives up big plays and causes big plays against ourselves. Then we have a serviceable defense that is trying everything in their power to keep things close but then ultimately ends up wearing out in the second half. Bottom line. Our offense is pathetic and uncreative. Our special teams outside of our punter are hurting us and our defense is adequate. That's why we're 0-5.
Someone at one point made a suggestion of making a couple of the posters on this board in charge. I'm sure we could put together a team of 3 or 4 people here who could do the same amount of work that our offensive coordinator is doing(which from the looks of things is nothing). I'm going to be coming back for the game next week hoping and praying that some miracle will happen over the course of the next few days. I'm honestly glad that I stayed here for the homecoming for the school that I teach at currently here in Louisville, rather than my own(then again, they've also won 4 state championships in 5 years...)
It's also 27 days and counting until the EMU Basketball home exhibition opener. As much as it pains me to say as a much larger football fan than basketball, I'm ready for basketball season.
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