Foote: UL's Issues on Third Down may be more alarming than you think

[zephyr]

I will agree with the fact that our running game is not what it was, and needs improvement. I just didn't speak to that because of Napier's comment on passing.
Continuing on the running game thought, a change needs to be made as the starting RB. I have said it many times before, I like Chris Smith, he has many positives, but I don't think he should be getting the bulk of the carries. At the moment, M. Johnson looks the best to me. He can break tackles and won't go down easily.

I never thought Chris Smith would be a high usage guy. He needs to be in that Raymond Calais role IMO. I like Montrell a lot but I'm hoping his vision improves as he'll likely get more touches moving forward as it seems he's missed on some cutback lanes but nonetheless, the running game needs to improve and the line needs to block better.

[zephyr]

Presented without comment. Let’s see where this goes…

https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana...0cf806ac6.html

I think you were mistaken on your podcast about this issue. You mentioned we had 53 3rd down attempts but its actually 93. We've converted 53 of those via the pass game and only 34 for the rushing game.

[cajun4life]

I think you were mistaken on your podcast about this issue. You mentioned we had 53 3rd down attempts but its actually 93. We've converted 53 of those via the pass game and only 34 for the rushing game.

Where are you getting the 93 attempts?

Texas 4-13
Nicholls 5-14
Ohio 6-12
GaSo 3-14

That doesn’t equal 93 by my math.

[zephyr]

Where are you getting the 93 attempts?

Texas 4-13
Nicholls 5-14
Ohio 6-12
GaSo 3-14

That doesn’t equal 93 by my math.

You are right. I was looking at the number of first downs and the breakdown by run and pass. My bad.

[cajun4life]

You are right. I was looking at the number of first downs and the breakdown by run and pass. My bad.

Either way it’s not good lol.

[ManAboutTown]

I think you were mistaken on your podcast about this issue. You mentioned we had 53 3rd down attempts but its actually 93. We've converted 53 of those via the pass game and only 34 for the rushing game.

Thanks for listening though

[Turbine]

I think the problem on 3rd down comes down to a lack of trust in the offensive line.

Justified or not, accurate or not, one thing is true. With each passing day, the offensive line is getting further and further away from the D.J. Looney effect.

[JMV JustMyView]

I think the problem on 3rd down comes down to a lack of trust in the offensive line.

Justified or not, accurate or not, one thing is true. With each passing day, the offensive line is getting further and further away from the D.J. Looney effect.

That is definitely something to consider.

[LifeTimeCajun]

I think the problem on 3rd down comes down to a lack of trust in the offensive line.

Justified or not, accurate or not, one thing is true. With each passing day, the offensive line is getting further and further away from the D.J. Looney effect.

Im not real sure this offensive line will be good enough as banged up as it is. That will in turn put more pressure on the entire offense to move the ball. I kinda think it will be up to QB1 to pass the ball a little more affectively and shoulder a little more burden to open up the run game. In the modern day offense we should be able to scheme our way to a better run game. To me, and im no coach, it seems to be much easier to block guys in space and let the backs use their vision rather than trying to up the middle

[tdncz]

Actually I think it's a more than a little alarming. But the article simply documents it. Thus one of the most glaring reasons we had to come from behind in 6 games last season to win.

With 20 returning starters, a full spring and in person summer sessions, it's extremely concerning at this point that the trend continues.

This
100%
No reason why a team with 20 returning starters should be playing this way.
I watch CCU and am envious at the caliber of football THEY are playing

[tdncz]

EDIT:
There ARE a few reasons - just no legitimate reasons