Hennon2000

Long time reader, first time poster... I wanted to share some thoughts on the offensive and defensive game plans for this game: Offense IMO the Ducks advantage is at the pass catching level (Sadiq, Johnson, Benson, Mclellan, Moore & Bryant is the strength) -Play tempo/hurry-up offense ~60% of the possessions for the first half. This would ideally accomplish three things. 1. Increase the number of possessions over the course of the game, thus increasing the opportunites for the six above. 2. Neutralize the IU sim pressure a bit. 3. Get Dante into a groove early. I noticed in the TT game this was used early on in the first half, then was abandoned once we got up 13-0 (which was wise). In addition, the only TD we scored against IU was in a quick four play tempo package. We've had success doing this, and I'm hopeful Drew and Will put this into motion tomorrow. There is tons of risk with this strategy as well, thus one must be prepared to modify out of this. If the defense can get stops and/or turnovers, then this strategey will really work. If you get behind by 10 points and your defense is struggling to get stops, I'd modify out of this until you close the gap or get some stops. -Run tons of the quick passing game (10-20 yard routes), then take shots. -Pass/run splits ideally will be 50/50, yet I'm open to the idea of going pass heavy early to loosen up the d-line. -Take the FG's when available, point will be a premium. -Don't go for a 4th and short on the Ducks side of field. Near midfield, 4th and 1, we should go. Anything longer I'd prefer to see a punt. Defense -Stop the run, including Mendoza scrambles and designed draws. Our linebackers must tackle much better than they did in the first game. -Don't leave Theran Johnson alone on any of their receivers, help with Canady or Flowers, Thienaman, etc.. He struggles with tackling in space as well. -Play clean! No PI calls. IU's offense is deadly efficient (much like our Ducks in 2023). They will move the ball and score some points, we just cannot help them. We helped them out too much the first ime around. Coaching - Dan needs to work the officials ahead of the game hard. Like another poster on here mentioned, Cignetti did this big time in the first game. He needs to be on the officials before the game starts to watch for 1. IU O-line holding and 2. IU defense roughing Dante. Thoughts?