An offensive formation where the running back is lined up standing right next to the quarterback makes it easier for the defense. That puts two ball handlers in the same spot. The only time in our history where we had success playing out of that formation is when we had receivers that could bring down a "jump ball" downfield with a quarterback that was like Pribula, and we even had the likes of Barkley, Sanders, and now Singleton and Allen. All we did was heave it into one on one and make everyone else play the QB/RB run.
Now we have a passer but plant the running threat in the same spot. A pass blitz and a run blitz become the same thing. I am stunned by the number of plays where the back is handed the ball flatfooted and must wait for some kind of hole to develop. Meanwhile the linebackers are just waiting in the gaps, if not crashing the mesh point. It is idiotic if you don't have something that can quickly go off tackle, that is also a running threat, and/or receivers that will beat man coverage.
Kaytron Allen is the only back we have able to drag a pile of people from that starting point disadvantage, but that doesn't mean Singleton should not be highly successful with what he can deliver. We just don't use him well with this offense.
Not sure I can stomach reviewing that game, but I think I remember seeing a pitch play for once. It was quickly stuffed. No blocking. It wasn't like the old toss sweep. No sweep.
This offensive system has to go. Both Yurcich and Franklin have to go. They have an offensive playbook that doesn't fit the people they were able to recruit. Now they are ruining the careers of some of the superstars they did successfully recruit, and probably the prospect of attracting those types of players in the future.
In short, I think this year, despite the prospect of losing only two games, will set the program back for many years.