Raiola played well. The advanced statistics back it up in addition to the eyeball test.

[Pepe Silvia]

My takeaway from this thread is that I feel really bad about our running game if Cincy was playing consistently with 3 deep safeties and dropping 8 into coverage. If we can't go for over 150 against Cincy and that scheme, we've given the blueprint for the rest of the B10 to defend us.

EJ played well but that's not going to cut it the rest of the season.

First, having a monster at NT makes this strategy much more effective against the run

Second, it's not like those 8 guys are dropping into coverage on run plays. Cincy was being aggressive with having them playing downhill on runs and short passes.

We need guys who can break tackles and make people miss to turn those plays into big gains, but it didn't happen last night. I'm not convinced we have the kind of skill talent to do that consistently

 

[Baron Winnebago]

I can't be the only one asking if Lateef starts next week

 

[Ext. 55]

I can't be the only one asking if Lateef starts next week

 

[Mavsker]

Our run game issues was a lot due to the type of runs. Everything slow developing which allowed Cinci to crash hard with their LB’s and Safeties. Would have been nice to see more RPO plays as the few we ran were very effective.

I was thinking about this too....wondering if we are holding some RPO cards in our pocket for Michigan 👀

 

[Blakejc]

Re: run game. Damon Benning said EJ missed more than a couple holes and the tackle play and perimeter blocking was bad. Sooo, that’s a bad combination.

 

[doublewing]

Their game plan was to sell out on defending a passing game they knew they could only contain in that manner.

We have to realize their run game defense is better than their pass defense. They knew if they played tight to the ball out WRs would eat them alive and we would make them look foolish.

On the couple occasions they played tight we pulled off 20 yards completions.

I’d love for RB1 to go off for 150+ too.

In fairness he did have what, like 135 total yards in the game.

He puts up those numbers all year and we have our first 1,000 yard rusher in what, 10 plus years? In turn he also comes in with 300 yards receiving?

In 2025, those are pretty big time numbers. At least in my eyes.

Its nothing against EJ. He played a very good game. It's the run game in general. They clearly don't have someone else they're confident in yet and as others noted, the perimeter blocking wasn't up to par.

Bottom line for me: it needs to improve. It was good enough to win against Cincy but we'll face off against much better defenses.

 

[Ext. 55]

Its nothing against EJ. He played a very good game. It's the run game in general. They clearly don't have someone else they're confident in yet and as others noted, the perimeter blocking wasn't up to par.

Bottom line for me: it needs to improve. It was good enough to win against Cincy but we'll face off against much better defenses.

Yeah that’s fair. I felt like we should have seen more contribution from an RB2 as well.

 

[doublewing]

Second, it's not like those 8 guys are dropping into coverage on run plays. Cincy was being aggressive with having them playing downhill on runs and short passes.

When they're aggressive on the downhill runs, we really need to mix in some playaction. There were plenty of times when DR was under center in 12 personnel. Would have loved to have seen us to match that aggression with something over the top.

 

[TampaBaySkers]

I was hoping for a more adventurous offense.

Any guesses which team was the best?

Army

 

[biscuitgaze01]

When they're aggressive on the downhill runs, we really need to mix in some playaction. There were plenty of times when DR was under center in 12 personnel. Would have loved to have seen us to match that aggression with something over the top.

 

[stonesak]

Last night was Dylan's 14th game as a college QB.

 

[Ext. 55]

If I hear these trolls talk about cover 3 one more fucking time as a reason not to throw the ball downfield imma blow gasket. Have a fucking pair of balls and start throwing the fucking ball like your arm suggests you can. If you cant hit your WRs that are OVER TOP of your cover 3, you aint elite, your not even good, you’re average.

 

[KidsSeeGhosts]

A trend has developed with Dana & Dylan...

Obv the defensive scheme and taking what was open. Pony gonna pony

 

[doublewing]

That's a great play. Just not what I was referring to - playaction when we're under center, 12 personnel. We've got some athletic TE's and were consistently running out of that set. Let's take advantage of that and keep defenses honest.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

If Hunter doesn't jump for that he walks in for a TD

 

[TampaBaySkers]

If Hunter doesn't jump for that he walks in for a TD

I was yelling the same thing during that play.no reason to jump

 

[HughJanus]

Any guesses which team was the best?

Army

Perfection.

 

[Cash68847]

First, having a monster at NT makes this strategy much more effective against the run

Second, it's not like those 8 guys are dropping into coverage on run plays. Cincy was being aggressive with having them playing downhill on runs and short passes.

We need guys who can break tackles and make people miss to turn those plays into big gains, but it didn't happen last night. I'm not convinced we have the kind of skill talent to do that consistently

I wish we would have threw a million at their d tackle. He is legit.

 

[PonyBoy]

Obv the defensive scheme and taking what was open. Pony gonna pony

9 games, Bidentard.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

I wish we would have threw a million at their d tackle. He is legit.

swap him with Jeudy and we win by 30 last night