O line play was absolutely atrocious

Elkaggie · Post by **Elkaggie** » October 16th, 2021, 8:58 pm

I have no words to explain how horrible they are. False starts, guys missing blocks, whiffing left and right, can’t pick up a blitz, can’t release the ball on the snap. My goodness that was embarrassing.

3rdGenAggie · Post by **3rdGenAggie** » October 16th, 2021, 9:03 pm

Yeah...they were ROUGH.

Yossarian · Post by **Yossarian** » October 16th, 2021, 9:22 pm

I just wonder why they block every run play like they are blocking for a screen pass. They just let the first wave of the defense come untouched into the backfield.

SLB · Post by **SLB** » October 16th, 2021, 9:26 pm

Elkaggie wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 8:58 pm
I have no words to explain how horrible they are. False starts, guys missing blocks, whiffing left and right, can’t pick up a blitz, can’t release the ball on the snap. My goodness that was embarrassing.

I know people were complaining about play calling, but the o-line was the source of the issues of the plays.

Post by **GeoAg** » October 16th, 2021, 9:58 pm

What happened to Jacob South? Is he hurt? Cole Motes played most of the game at RT

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 16th, 2021, 10:00 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:58 pm
What happened to Jacob South? Is he hurt? Cole Motes played most of the game at RT

Was he playing before this game? I saw his number on the field, but didn't see him playing.

Elkaggie · Post by **Elkaggie** » October 16th, 2021, 10:00 pm

Is Alo done for the season?

Post by **GeoAg** » October 16th, 2021, 10:16 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 10:00 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:58 pm
What happened to Jacob South? Is he hurt? Cole Motes played most of the game at RT
Was he playing before this game? I saw his number on the field, but didn't see him playing.

Started all season

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 16th, 2021, 10:17 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 10:16 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 10:00 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:58 pm
What happened to Jacob South? Is he hurt? Cole Motes played most of the game at RT
Was he playing before this game? I saw his number on the field, but didn't see him playing.
Started all season

That's the problem.

hickaggie · Post by **hickaggie** » October 16th, 2021, 11:11 pm

SLB wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:26 pm

Elkaggie wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 8:58 pm
I have no words to explain how horrible they are. False starts, guys missing blocks, whiffing left and right, can’t pick up a blitz, can’t release the ball on the snap. My goodness that was embarrassing.
I know people were complaining about play calling, but the o-line was the source of the issues of the plays

Everyone needs to realize we have a limited game manager at qb. He is gutsy and focuses late but the engine if this offense is the o line. Play calling has been fine. The O line needs to step up. Guys in the backfield every play cannot happen as teams load up on the run and underneath coverage.

Mr. Sneelock · Post by **Mr. Sneelock** » October 16th, 2021, 11:33 pm

Our O Line is the worst I have seen since Riley Nelson was our QB running for his life.

GrandPoubah · Post by **GrandPoubah** » October 17th, 2021, 2:27 pm

I have to put some of this on coaching. Edwards was moved to RT in our goal line package and a lot of subs were in. I’m all for throwing a wrinkle in there, but why would you move a 4 year starter across the line, especially when he is probably the worst drive blocker to begin with.

I know I’ve said it before, but these guys are shoulder turners. Not drive blockers.

Aggieinsider · Post by **Aggieinsider** » October 17th, 2021, 6:48 pm

I know I know the run game was off but how about the freshman Motes stepping up after being converted to o line the previous year and not giving up a sack the entire nite??

Post by **GeoAg** » October 17th, 2021, 6:51 pm

Aggieinsider wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 6:48 pm
I know I know the run game was off but how about the freshman Motes stepping up after being converted to o line the previous year and not giving up a sack the entire nite??

I thought Motes was pretty good for his first start. Anyone know what happened to South?

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 17th, 2021, 8:01 pm

As far as I can tell, @GeoAg he didn't travel with the team. I know that doesn't answer your question but hopefully it'll get answered tomorrow at the press conference.

utahcountyaggie · Post by **utahcountyaggie** » October 17th, 2021, 8:02 pm

With absolutely zero statistic evidence to back it up…..the line sure has seemed a lot better with Alo at center.
When Dolphin and Alo were splitting reps the first couple games, our line really struggled (particularly in the run game) when Dolphin was in. Against Washington State, North Dakota, and Air Force…. It seems like we did much better running the ball during Alo’s reps.

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 17th, 2021, 8:07 pm

utahcountyaggie wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 8:02 pm
With absolutely zero statistic evidence to back it up…..the line sure has seemed a lot better with Alo at center.
When Dolphin and Alo were splitting reps the first couple games, our line really struggled (particularly in the run game) when Dolphin was in. Against Washington State, North Dakota, and Air Force…. It seems like we did much better running the ball during Alo’s reps.

I'm in agreement about Alo vs Dolphin. I've been rewatching the game and Quazzy White has been making some big mistakes in run blocking.

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 17th, 2021, 8:40 pm

We had the following guys getting snaps.
Alfred Edwards LT
Dmytrick Aliifua LG
Chandler Dolphin C
Quazzy White RG/RT
Cole Moats RT
Wade Meacham RG

Aggieinsider · Post by **Aggieinsider** » October 17th, 2021, 9:04 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 6:51 pm

Aggieinsider wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 6:48 pm
I know I know the run game was off but how about the freshman Motes stepping up after being converted to o line the previous year and not giving up a sack the entire nite??
I thought Motes was pretty good for his first start. Anyone know what happened to South?

It’s reported that he might have gotten banged up during last weeks practice and showed concussion like symptoms.

Roy McAvoy · Post by **Roy McAvoy** » October 17th, 2021, 9:06 pm

GeoAg wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 6:51 pm

Aggieinsider wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 6:48 pm
I know I know the run game was off but how about the freshman Motes stepping up after being converted to o line the previous year and not giving up a sack the entire nite??
I thought Motes was pretty good for his first start. Anyone know what happened to South?

Yeah, Motes in the pass blocking was fantastic. What a way to step up when being thrown into the fire.

utaggies · Post by **utaggies** » October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 8:07 pm

utahcountyaggie wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 8:02 pm
With absolutely zero statistic evidence to back it up…..the line sure has seemed a lot better with Alo at center.
When Dolphin and Alo were splitting reps the first couple games, our line really struggled (particularly in the run game) when Dolphin was in. Against Washington State, North Dakota, and Air Force…. It seems like we did much better running the ball during Alo’s reps.
I'm in agreement about Alo vs Dolphin. I've been rewatching the game and Quazzy White has been making some big mistakes in run blocking.

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).

Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.

Also, we don't have 1st team MWC on the OL. That's a problem if you want to win the conference. I don't see much hope in sight right now even for next year. We're probably 2-3 years away from having that kind of talent on the OL. 2nd teamers? Maybe. Not dominant player there like we had in years past with Quin Ficklin.

Aggie84025 · Post by **Aggie84025** » October 17th, 2021, 10:29 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).
Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.

Is ALO expected back this week? That would help a lot

GrandPoubah · Post by **GrandPoubah** » October 18th, 2021, 1:01 am

Aggie84025 wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:29 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).
Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.
Is ALO expected back this week? That would help a lot

Watched the replay of the game, (link provided again below)... CHeck out the 42:42 mark.

Funny thing is that UNLV is in a WIDE 4-2 (at the 42:42 mark) and that 4-2 demolishes every single blocker. You could make an argument that its a 3-3, but it wouldn't be as funny with the time stamp.

I would consider it rare that every single player gets a "-" in a D1 program on a play, but that is what happens here.

Edwards and D.A. double team with little/no movement, both players pad level WAY too high, Dolphin gets put on his back, Q barely makes it out to the LB on the pull and would have been out of position had Tyler been able to get that far, Motes didn't have his best block of the game (will give him a pass with first start). I'm sorry, but this is simply inexcusable.

We wonder why Bonner can't throw down the field or why we abandoned the pass in segments.....its hard to thrown when you are dropping 7 vs the pass. You have to be able to run vs. 6 in the box (and there may be only 4 truly in the box).

4 vs 7 = not good odds, but still may be better than trying to run with these guys up front. I know...smae ole same ole. Personally, our guys cannot be this bad! How is it humanly possible?

FloridaAggie13 · Post by **FloridaAggie13** » October 18th, 2021, 4:08 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 1:01 am

Aggie84025 wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:29 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).
Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.
Is ALO expected back this week? That would help a lot
Watched the replay of the game, (link provided again below)... CHeck out the 42:42 mark.

Funny thing is that UNLV is in a WIDE 4-2 (at the 42:42 mark) and that 4-2 demolishes every single blocker. You could make an argument that its a 3-3, but it wouldn't be as funny with the time stamp.

I would consider it rare that every single player gets a "-" in a D1 program on a play, but that is what happens here.

Edwards and D.A. double team with little/no movement, both players pad level WAY too high, Dolphin gets put on his back, Q barely makes it out to the LB on the pull and would have been out of position had Tyler been able to get that far, Motes didn't have his best block of the game (will give him a pass with first start). I'm sorry, but this is simply inexcusable.

We wonder why Bonner can't throw down the field or why we abandoned the pass in segments.....its hard to thrown when you are dropping 7 vs the pass. You have to be able to run vs. 6 in the box (and there may be only 4 truly in the box).

4 vs 7 = not good odds, but still may be better than trying to run with these guys up front. I know...smae ole same ole. Personally, our guys cannot be this bad! How is it humanly possible?

Wow, that was indeed atrocious! The entire OL gets blown up, and blown up bad, by four DL playin wide splits. They were almost conceding the run on that play.

Thanks for sharing.

frankiesaysrelax · Post by **frankiesaysrelax** » October 18th, 2021, 7:14 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 1:01 am

Aggie84025 wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:29 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).
Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.
Is ALO expected back this week? That would help a lot
Watched the replay of the game, (link provided again below)... CHeck out the 42:42 mark.

Funny thing is that UNLV is in a WIDE 4-2 (at the 42:42 mark) and that 4-2 demolishes every single blocker. You could make an argument that its a 3-3, but it wouldn't be as funny with the time stamp.

I would consider it rare that every single player gets a "-" in a D1 program on a play, but that is what happens here.

Edwards and D.A. double team with little/no movement, both players pad level WAY too high, Dolphin gets put on his back, Q barely makes it out to the LB on the pull and would have been out of position had Tyler been able to get that far, Motes didn't have his best block of the game (will give him a pass with first start). I'm sorry, but this is simply inexcusable.

We wonder why Bonner can't throw down the field or why we abandoned the pass in segments.....its hard to thrown when you are dropping 7 vs the pass. You have to be able to run vs. 6 in the box (and there may be only 4 truly in the box).

4 vs 7 = not good odds, but still may be better than trying to run with these guys up front. I know...smae ole same ole. Personally, our guys cannot be this bad! How is it humanly possible?

You can see how frustrated Tyler Jr. is right after that play. I noticed that when watching live, but the dude came out in the second half running with some anger.

He almost had a huge run the play right after but got caught from behind.

AggieFBObsession · Post by **AggieFBObsession** » October 18th, 2021, 7:23 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 1:01 am
Edwards and D.A. double team with little/no movement, both players pad level WAY too high, Dolphin gets put on his back, Q barely makes it out to the LB on the pull and would have been out of position had Tyler been able to get that far, Motes didn't have his best block of the game (will give him a pass with first start). I'm sorry, but this is simply inexcusable.

UNLV could've had 4 in the box all night and shut our running game down while also having 7 more DBs shutting the passing game down with Thompkins getting double teamed. IMO, their coaching staff is not that good. Even though Friel couldn't pass more than 10 yards, they shouldn't have had any trouble shutting our offense down.

Stucki · Post by **Stucki** » October 18th, 2021, 9:30 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 2:27 pm
I have to put some of this on coaching. Edwards was moved to RT in our goal line package and a lot of subs were in. I’m all for throwing a wrinkle in there, but why would you move a 4 year starter across the line, especially when he is probably the worst drive blocker to begin with.

I know I’ve said it before, but these guys are shoulder turners. Not drive blockers.

That play was an unbalanced line. The tight end was lined up in the LT spot and Edwards was lined up at a tight end outside of Motes.

Alo has been a much better run blocker than Dolphin.

Part of our problem against UNLV could be that their line is actually quite good.

GrandPoubah · Post by **GrandPoubah** » October 18th, 2021, 9:33 am

Stucki wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 9:30 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 2:27 pm
I have to put some of this on coaching. Edwards was moved to RT in our goal line package and a lot of subs were in. I’m all for throwing a wrinkle in there, but why would you move a 4 year starter across the line, especially when he is probably the worst drive blocker to begin with.

I know I’ve said it before, but these guys are shoulder turners. Not drive blockers.
That play was an unbalanced line. The tight end was lined up in the LT spot and Edwards was lined up at a tight end outside of Motes.

Alo has been a much better run blocker than Dolphin.

Part of our problem against UNLV could be that their line is actually quite good.

Check the 42:42 mark

Coloraggie · Post by **Coloraggie** » October 18th, 2021, 9:43 am

Yossarian wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:22 pm
I just wonder why they block every run play like they are blocking for a screen pass. They just let the first wave of the defense come untouched into the backfield.

But we never seem to run a screen pass. You would think how bad the OL is then the defense would never suspect screen when they weren't blocked. You could easily sneak all 5 linemen out and hit a screen to a RB. Of course, maybe the OL wouldn't block for the screen either but the LBs would at least have pylons to run around first.

Post by **Aglicious** » October 18th, 2021, 1:11 pm

Coloraggie wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 9:43 am

Yossarian wrote: ↑
October 16th, 2021, 9:22 pm
I just wonder why they block every run play like they are blocking for a screen pass. They just let the first wave of the defense come untouched into the backfield.
But we never seem to run a screen pass. You would think how bad the OL is then the defense would never suspect screen when they weren't blocked. You could easily sneak all 5 linemen out and hit a screen to a RB. Of course, maybe the OL wouldn't block for the screen either but the LBs would at least have pylons to run around first.

^This! There are ways to neutralize an aggressive D-line or to help your out-manned OL. Move the pocket, have planned roll outs, throw screens. We lack creativity in play design and in-game calls. There is almost never pre-snap motion or misdirection in our offensive play. It is just line up, stand still, snap the ball and hand-off up the gut or quick throw.

travelingagg · Post by **travelingagg** » October 18th, 2021, 3:02 pm

AggieFBObsession wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:26 pm

utaggies wrote: ↑
October 17th, 2021, 10:15 pm

Dolphin had three penalties called on him — two false starts and one holding. Two of them came back-to-back before halftime when we had a first and 10 at the UNLV 15 yard line. Before you could say “shoot yourself in the foot” we had a third down and 35 yards to go at the UNLV 40-yard line — effectively taking ourselves out of FG range (Coles missed on a 52-yarder).
Yeah. I saw that too. At least with Alo there I expect fewer mistakes. That said, the OL is an issue on the offense and is going to be the biggest reason for our yo-yo season. Why yo-yo? You shouldn't be able to beat Wazzu, then squeak by UNLV then beat Air Force and then get blanked by BSU. So, yo-yo.

Also, we don't have 1st team MWC on the OL. That's a problem if you want to win the conference. I don't see much hope in sight right now even for next year. We're probably 2-3 years away from having that kind of talent on the OL. 2nd teamers? Maybe. Not dominant player there like we had in years past with Quin Ficklin.

And not to forget Tyler Larsen.

GrandPoubah · Post by **GrandPoubah** » October 18th, 2021, 11:52 pm

Last comment on this thread for the week --

One thing I noticed from the UNLV game is that it looks like the OL Coach, James, writes down every play as its being called. Given the speed of our offense, one would think any deviation from field focus would present obstacles to visualize the play prior to the snap and ultimately digest the play as it unfolded to determine what occurred (what went right and what went wrong).

Seemingly, this is something an analyst or G.A. should be doing?? I'm surprised that the Oline coach is focused so much on this tracking.

I've never seen a D1 Oline coach do this before....Anyone know if we use iPads on the sidelines to review plays? I haven't noticed.

El Sapo · Post by **El Sapo** » October 19th, 2021, 11:07 am

GrandPoubah wrote: ↑
October 18th, 2021, 11:52 pm
Last comment on this thread for the week --

One thing I noticed from the UNLV game is that it looks like the OL Coach, James, writes down every play as its being called. Given the speed of our offense, one would think any deviation from field focus would present obstacles to visualize the play prior to the snap and ultimately digest the play as it unfolded to determine what occurred (what went right and what went wrong).

Seemingly, this is something an analyst or G.A. should be doing?? I'm surprised that the Oline coach is focused so much on this tracking.

I've never seen a D1 Oline coach do this before....Anyone know if we use iPads on the sidelines to review plays? I haven't noticed.

Next level analysis. Great comments GrandPoubah!

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