2008 Woodie Awards
Spread offense vs the front seven
In the first of two parts, The BG News dissects the Falcon offense against No. 25 Pittsburgh's defense
By: Chris Voloschuk
Issue date: 8/28/08 Section: Sports
On Saturday, the most intriguing matchup at Heinz Field could be BG's offense against Pitt's defense.
Last year, the Falcons' spread system accounted for a plethora of points - 30.2 per game - and a total of 45 touchdowns. Quarterback Tyler Sheehan had an experienced line in front of him, and a myriad of options at the running back and receiver positions to get the ball to.
This season, it should be much of the same. All of the team's top offensive players from 2007 at the skill positions are back, the only exception being sophomore running back Willie Geter, who will serve a one game suspension. Receivers Corey Partridge, Freddie Barnes, Marques Parks and the team's "slash" player, Anthony Turner, are all healthy and ready to play.
The only major question mark when it comes to the offense will be the line. With the loss of starters Kory Lichtensteiger, Kevin Huelsman and Drew Nystrom to graduation, tackles Brady Minturn and Jeff Fink, as well as center Ben Bojicic, will take over. Veteran holdovers, guards Brandon Curtis and Shane Steffy, will be counted on to lead the way.
The revamped line will definitely be tested in Pittsburgh. Last year, the Panthers were one of the top run-stuffing teams in the country, holding opponents to 130.4 yards per game on the ground. In total, the Panthers only surrendered 297.6 yards a game of total offense - good for 10th-best in the country.
Pitt middle linebacker Scott McKillop will anchor the defense. His 151 total tackles last season were tops in the nation. The defensive line is big on the inside with Mick Williams (6-1, 285) and Rashaad Duncan (6-2, 295), and will make Bojicic work early.
"Ben's going to get tested," said BG head coach Gregg Brandon. "Those two big inside guys for Pitt are just like two big fire hydrants."
Junior cornerback Aaron Berry could also make an impact in the secondary. With that said, Pitt's biggest defensive weakness could be in the backfield, where, outside of Berry, there isn't a whole lot of in-game experience.
No matter the personnel match ups, Brandon said the key to the game for the Falcons will be playing smart on offense.
"The first thing we've got to do is take care of the football," Brandon said. "That's something we've addressed in the spring, and something we continue to address in the fall. When we take care of the football, we win games … If we've got to throw it 50 times, we'll throw it 50 times. It's nice to be able to have the weapons to do that."
By the Numbers:
[more info]
Last year, the Falcons' spread system accounted for a plethora of points - 30.2 per game - and a total of 45 touchdowns. Quarterback Tyler Sheehan had an experienced line in front of him, and a myriad of options at the running back and receiver positions to get the ball to.
This season, it should be much of the same. All of the team's top offensive players from 2007 at the skill positions are back, the only exception being sophomore running back Willie Geter, who will serve a one game suspension. Receivers Corey Partridge, Freddie Barnes, Marques Parks and the team's "slash" player, Anthony Turner, are all healthy and ready to play.
The only major question mark when it comes to the offense will be the line. With the loss of starters Kory Lichtensteiger, Kevin Huelsman and Drew Nystrom to graduation, tackles Brady Minturn and Jeff Fink, as well as center Ben Bojicic, will take over. Veteran holdovers, guards Brandon Curtis and Shane Steffy, will be counted on to lead the way.
The revamped line will definitely be tested in Pittsburgh. Last year, the Panthers were one of the top run-stuffing teams in the country, holding opponents to 130.4 yards per game on the ground. In total, the Panthers only surrendered 297.6 yards a game of total offense - good for 10th-best in the country.
Pitt middle linebacker Scott McKillop will anchor the defense. His 151 total tackles last season were tops in the nation. The defensive line is big on the inside with Mick Williams (6-1, 285) and Rashaad Duncan (6-2, 295), and will make Bojicic work early.
"Ben's going to get tested," said BG head coach Gregg Brandon. "Those two big inside guys for Pitt are just like two big fire hydrants."
Junior cornerback Aaron Berry could also make an impact in the secondary. With that said, Pitt's biggest defensive weakness could be in the backfield, where, outside of Berry, there isn't a whole lot of in-game experience.
No matter the personnel match ups, Brandon said the key to the game for the Falcons will be playing smart on offense.
"The first thing we've got to do is take care of the football," Brandon said. "That's something we've addressed in the spring, and something we continue to address in the fall. When we take care of the football, we win games … If we've got to throw it 50 times, we'll throw it 50 times. It's nice to be able to have the weapons to do that."
By the Numbers:
[more info]
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
S.D. Lucke
posted 8/28/08 @ 10:27 AM EST
Falcons get shot down and put up on mantles and walls in Pittsburgh in the fall. You boys are WAAAAY over your heads if you think your spread offense with your inexperienced line is gonna lead you to victory! Shady and the Panthers offense are going to mow your boys over like the grass at Heinz field, while McKillops Marauders are gonna crush you clowns on defense. (Continued…)
JR
posted 8/28/08 @ 5:08 PM EST
Don't be so ignorant. The offense will crush those kittens (talk about cute!) just wait til the Falcons see you on the field. That is, if you show up considering you are wondering around a BG news website. (Continued…)
Post a Comment