The Bodda Getta

Great read, thanks for the link.

I think comparing the sacks and things like that to Cam or Todd is a little hard to do. Cam is far more difficult to sack to begin with, no matter what, but really there is more than OL play that goes into it. Some QBs no when to throw it away, some try to run too far before getting rid of it and get run down. Some QBs move up and around within a crumbling pocket well, some tuck it and drop. So all that's hard to determine what caused what when it comes to sacks, and how the QB and OL play a part in it.

However, I did really like the part about passing 1st down vs passing on 3rd down. It's so true that NEVER passing on first down does make defending the run on 1st down easier. And when we don't get much on 1st, it makes 2nd more difficult. And if we don't get much on 1st and 2nd, we end up in an obvious 3rd down passing situation, which makes it tough on the QB.

But I also wonder if Gus has a reason for that. I wonder if his uptempo offense, which is designed to wear down the defense, but also designed to catch them unsettled and not ready, is more effective at running during those scenarios. I wonder if the defensive line not being settled, with linebackers still getting into position and trying to call defensive plays make running the ball easier, hence the lean towards running on first down the vast majority of the time.

I do know that last year we ran more on 1st down than anyone except one or two programs (Navy? Georgia Tech?).

Interesting stuff for sure. Thanks again for the link.

StatTiger makes a great point with the actual numbers. Hopefully all the critics take the time and read.

I wasn't questioning BT or the running backs. JMO but we got a couple of O linemen who just couldn't handle a couple of their D linemen. It's either a talent issue up front or a couple of our o-line guys had a bad game. Maybe a little of both. Ingram and Clowney are two really good players. But, bottom line, BT was constantly under pressure when he was in an obvious passing down.

Trotter is performing well for the most part. The kid has a strong arm and reasonable running ability. However, because Malzahn's offensive ideology of run most of the time and pass it deep every once in a while to stretch the field, Trotter gets itchy to show his arm strength and what he brings to the Auburn offensive table. Seeing that Trotter is not much of a runner, when the pass play is called, he often overlooks the route that may be open for 5 or 8 yards and forces the ball into a tight spot in an attempt to get praises from his coaches, teammates, and fans by stretching the field. In turn, he may throw an interception. After he throws an interception or a near pick, he still overlooks the 5 or 8 yard route that is open while waiting for the deep route to open, and he takes a sack or throws it away causing the offensive possession to stall. He is the best QB we have right now. What he should do is settle down and take what the defense is giving him. The defense will eventually loosen, and he will be able to satisfy his inner ego by displaying his arm with a deep ball.