Early 2013 Preview from SBNation

[johnnyzip84]

Link

[ZachTheZip]

That was a very in-depth review. I like it.

[GP1]

Good review. The one point that sticks out to me is the lack of big plays last year and the need to improve.

I hate to harp on this point because I think it is being corrected, but it is easier to hit on big plays when you put yourself in position to get big plays. Last year, we did not have a QB that could gain any yards running so we were constantly playing from long down and distances. When the other team know you have to pass, they can defend against the pass. Therefore, a big play is less likely to happen.

When do big plays happen? After a nice gain on first down. If we pass on first down and there is nothing there, then the QB runs for six yards, there is a good opportunity for a play action pass. Second and four means the defense has to defend run and pass so there are better match-ups down field.

The Zips will get more big plays this year as a result of having a QB that can effectively get yards with his feet making it favorable to hit deep passes.

[Dr Z]

Well written for someone not close to the progrum. Bill Connelly

Nice find JZ.

I thought this point was an interesting one:

...let's just say that you probably aren't going to find two coordinators with a wider age range than Milwee and defensive coordinator Chuck Amato (though Utah's Brian Johnson and Dennis Erickson come close); at 66, Amato is more than twice Milwee's age, which is pretty fantastic.

[johnnyzip84]

The writer missed a few of the newcomers (C.J. Mizell and Deon'Tae Moore come to mind), but I was really surprised by the level of detail otherwise. He also seemed to have a pretty accurate pulse on the current situation.

GP1, I don't think you can overstate that point. I absolutely agree, with the only concern being that I hope KP16 becomes adept at protecting himself. Unless a Prather or Franco develops out of the blue, I think we might see true FR Tommy Woodson as the backup QB.

Dr Z, the age difference between Milwee and Amato is quite remarkable. TB made it a point during the pizza party to state how pleased he was to hold onto the entire staff, even though they received plenty of inquiries. This might be another silver lining to a 1-11 debut.

[Blue & Gold]

The writer missed a few of the newcomers (C.J. Mizell and Deon'Tae Moore come to mind), but I was really surprised by the level of detail otherwise. He also seemed to have a pretty accurate pulse on the current situation.

I think we're still crossing our fingers that C.J. Mizell graduates from JUCO. I don't think it's a done deal as of yet.

[johnnyzip84]

I think we're still crossing our fingers that C.J. Mizell graduates from JUCO. I don't think it's a done deal as of yet.

Very true B&G, but he IS listed in the recruiting class so I thought the writer might at least make mention of him. It's clearly nitpicking on my part I admit Whether C.J. gains eligibility or not is certainly a huge unknown heading into the season, but as TB stated when discussing his 2013 class he does have "friends" in the Tallahassee area

[Blue & Gold]

Very true B&G, but he IS listed in the recruiting class so I thought the writer might at least make mention of him. It's clearly nitpicking on my part I admit Whether C.J. gains eligibility or not is certainly a huge unknown heading into the season, but as TB stated when discussing his 2013 class he does have "friends" in the Tallahassee area

[Lee Adams]

Good review. The one point that sticks out to me is the lack of big plays last year and the need to improve.

I hate to harp on this point because I think it is being corrected, but it is easier to hit on big plays when you put yourself in position to get big plays. Last year, we did not have a QB that could gain any yards running so we were constantly playing from long down and distances. When the other team know you have to pass, they can defend against the pass. Therefore, a big play is less likely to happen.

When do big plays happen? After a nice gain on first down. If we pass on first down and there is nothing there, then the QB runs for six yards, there is a good opportunity for a play action pass. Second and four means the defense has to defend run and pass so there are better match-ups down field.

The Zips will get more big plays this year as a result of having a QB that can effectively get yards with his feet making it favorable to hit deep passes.

Maybe some 'big plays' on defense at critical times in the game would help. That doesn't necessarily have to be a pick or recovery. But more of those are sorely needed. Making a stop on 3rd down when you have the opponent inside their 30-40 yard line obviously helps the offense. The defense is sorely in need of a ball hawk in the secondary who can take away part of the field from the offense. Not sure that we have seen one yet. A linebacker who can make plays at or behind the line is needed.

If the defense improves in 'getting off the field' by making plays,this team could show significant improvement.

[GP1]

Maybe some 'big plays' on defense at critical times in the game would help.

Good post.

I'd like to see it start up front with a solid pass rush from four people staying in their rush lanes and forcing a rushed pass into a heavily covered field. Better yet, get a deflection at the line that results in an INT. Sacks are good, but you still don't have the ball. Ints are better because they frequently result in better field position than a sack that results in a punt. It's harder to return a punt for a TD than an INT because once the int is made, it become 11 vs 6 because the five fat slobs on the offensive line can't move quickly enough against the returner to tackle him.

You're right though Lee. We need some big plays that result in quick points from the defense this year. I've seen enough of the pressure being put on us. Let's put the pressure on them for a change.

[akzipper]

Our success will be based on how well the defense does. We really don't seem to be much improved on defense so I'm not expecting many wins. I think our offense definitely played well enough last season to put us in position to win. But they basically had to score on every possession just to keep up.