(01-10-2014 04:35 PM)HyperDuke Wrote:  DQ was not DQ of the past this season. Do you think our O line was significantly better in 2011 & 2012 than 2013? Not an argument, just curious about your thoughts.

I think so, at least for 2011- pre ODU injury nightmare of course. That thrust two shorter, underweight freshman into the rotation. I think in 2012 it fell off a bit but was masked by Thorpe's ability to run( some would argue tuck & run). This year, I was definitely lulled into a false feeling of security w/ all the returning experience. I think I may have confused experience w/ talent. I know the coaches all said the O-lineman were stronger this year....but was it usable explosive football strength?...not so sure.

(01-10-2014 05:13 PM)JMU_71 Wrote:  I think when you become a more pro style offense with more passing your run blocking inevitably suffers.

Yes, Longhorn is right your O-line has to be smart. they have to now the defense and call out the Defenses every play, so that each player knows his blocking assignment.

While I do think that O-line play this year was not great, I do put a portion of the blame on Birdsong for two things: 1. holding onto the ball too long; and 2. not working through his progressions.

I will say the O-line did not look like they got as much push up front this year as in recent years, but again I think that may have to do with the implementation of a new offensive scheme as well.

Always good to hear your opinion on football matters. Hot Rod as well. You guys have valuable insight for us armchair coaches.

(01-10-2014 06:08 PM)olddawg Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 04:35 PM)HyperDuke Wrote:  DQ was not DQ of the past this season. Do you think our O line was significantly better in 2011 & 2012 than 2013? Not an argument, just curious about your thoughts.

I think so, at least for 2011- pre ODU injury nightmare of course. That thrust two shorter, underweight freshman into the rotation. I think in 2012 it fell off a bit but was masked by Thorpe's ability to run( some would argue tuck & run). This year, I was definitely lulled into a false feeling of security w/ all the returning experience. I think I may have confused experience w/ talent. I know the coaches all said the O-lineman were stronger this year....but was it usable explosive football strength?...not so sure.

Cool. That's essentially my sense as well. A bit stronger in 11 & 12; I just don't think the difference was what resulted in that DQ numbers dip. Cheers.

(01-10-2014 12:44 PM)Dukes2004 Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 12:40 PM)HyperDuke Wrote:  

(01-10-2014 11:51 AM)boozeANDammo Wrote:  Matt was a gamer, fo sho. Never seen an O-line gel like that over the course of a season, at any level. Had some issues to start but by the time we got around to Furman, all cylinders were hitting. Still think about that FU game... how the hell we pulled that one out... wow.

Probably one of the more memorable games of my time at JMU. Still remember the Lehigh fans ribbing us sarcastically with "Good luck @ Furman!" walking out after the first round game.

Despite some of the most egregious ball-spotting I've ever seen by that SoCon crew, that game was incredible.

What a game and an experience. That team played with so much heart, from the lines to the skill players. That team expected to win games and did what it took to win.

Complete with the 80s sounding theme music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbnlHsAQio