Christmas Gift Idea For Getsey?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Looking at the OL situation for 2005, and reflecting back on 2004:

We're losing Borrieci, Conley, Grzeskowiak and Piccirillo to graduation. That's 80% of the line, and those guys probably took 70% of the offensive snaps.

As far as I know, next season's OL candidates include:

Brewster (RS-Fr.) - No experience.

Crouch (Jr.) - Starter in 2004, but no threat to the All-MAC Teams

Donaldson (Jr.) - Back up

Gruber (RS-Fr.) - No experience

Hein - (Sr.) - Back up

Kaplan (So.) Back up

Schepp (So.) Back up

Walker (So.) No Experience

Willis (Jr.) Little Experience

Bates (True Fr.)

Huebner (True Fr.)

Allenman (Jr.) Converted DL - Not much Experience

I'm no Anthony Munoz, but does that spell disaster for 2005?

I'm sure a guy or two can be brought in from the JUCO ranks, but OL's need time to develop (as a group), and everyone is new. Also, the OL had its share of troubles the past two seasons, but none of the backups seemed to be able to pressure the starters for their jobs? The OL coach has got his hands full for the next 9 months.

Beyond Getsey, how does Biggs get his yards in 2005?

In games vs. the "better" teams on our schedule last season (Penn State, UVA, NIU, Marshall and Miami), we had 139 carries for 253 yards. A paltry 1.8 yd/carry. No 100 yard games.

Against the "lesser" opponents (MTSU, Can't, Buffalo, UCF, Ball State and OU) we had 241 carries for 835 yards. A respectable 3.5 yards per carry. All 6 games over 100 yards.

Biggs proved he's a hell of a back if he gets some holes. Can he get some in 2005? Does anyone have any insight on this one? It seems like we could really struggle on the offensive side of the ball next season unless some rabbits are pulled out of the hat on Signing Day. That, or we play Buffalo and UCF 11 times.

[Z-P]

"Pro" observation Cap.

As a unit, non's more important on a team than the O-line. Nothing works if they don't "Git-Er-Dun".

I've got to admit that I've been surprised Uecker didn't do a better job developing these guys than he did with their predecessors. Maybe he got "flat" about his job like I think the whole (previous) staff did. I know he can do it............and he should have had these guys tuned up and performing. Looking back at the split to Ashland and Wayne, maybe Paul and Uecker wanted the ground attack, and Lee, Stacey and (who coached wideouts?) wanted the spread air attack..........

I think the Payne-Hendry-Biggs chain of backs has been a pretty good one. Each was different in a way, and each was effective. Hendry and Biggs would have looked even been better with more effective line play. Brandon had the benefit of that great O-line his frosh, soph and junior years.

As far as big competition production which you brought up, I think Hendry had 110 against Wisconsin or something like that. I seem to recall Brandon and Bobby with fair averages at Ohio State...............Bobby had about 100 against Virginia...........he didn't play at Maryland or Iowa. Both of those guys did pretty well in big venues....................so I was surprised at your analysis of this past year.

I still say that our destiny was cast in the summer of 03 when the previous staff bailed on any kind of O-line run blocking schemes and practice. I personally heard players talk about how at camp that summer, they did NO run blocking at all. Everything was that mess to accomodate the stable of receivers and Charlie. That was what killed us last year, and it probably hurt our guys (O-line) this year because they missed out on a whole season of training so to speak.

I only bring up the past because it effected us this season IMHO on the O-line.

Where's "The Dude" for an opinion here?

And another thing.............man I hope the Browns don't get hold of Charlie. They really have a way of wrecking a QB.

I'm totally looking forward to next season. I've got faith in this crew and admin.

They'll be earning their ticket to a bowl real shortly.

[GP1]

G-P, Excellent work. Good reading here in my cell, I mean, my hotel room.

Anyhow, the past staff ran a roll out passing game. This type of offense can help to hide a lot of poor offensive line play by moving the QB away from the pressure. This year, we did not see a line used to the type of play JDs offense requires.

I'm confident the line will be better next year. One starter back and Hein coming back is a good start. Hein was a good back up and with more reps in practice he should be even better next year. The transfer from Pitt has playing experience, although on defense, in a big conference. He is athletic and should adjust well. Two more spots.....Kaplan is a giant with talent. He could impress next year. One more spot........There are quite a few back ups on the list above. Surely one of them can make a contribution and we can develop depth around the others.

As far as Charlie being picked by the Browns, I only have this to say. There is probably not another QB in the draft more practiced at running for his life than Charlie. He would be a perfect fit for that team.

[Dr Z]

And another thing.............man I hope the Browns   don't get hold of Charlie.  They really have a way of wrecking a QB.

Don't worry Z-P, when is the last time you have seen the Browns make a good pick?

Charlie will be picked by a team that has done their homework.

If the Browns wanted a good "MAC" QB they would have picked Big Ben.

I'm hoping Charlie will be picked by a team I can root for because the NFL team I root for won't.