Offensive blocking schemes? Will recruiting matter?

BAMARICH

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Jan 9, 2005
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The key word here is depth. When Closner went down, we didn't have anybody to step in and take his place that could handle the center position against a talented defensive front.
FWIW, if you go back and review film of the MSU game, we had major problems PRIOR TO his injury. In fact, you can go back to the Ole Miss game and start seeing... what's the word of the day? Oh yeah... the TREND (downward that is). Will never be a fan of this technique... and if CBC insists on keeping it I will not continue to be his fan either. But hey... I don't write his checks or make the decision to keep him on board. :biggrin:
 

alatider

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Feb 2, 2005
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Since I consider myself as an "armchair Offensice Coordinator", let me say this:

(1) We need some OL and FB recruits that can block for the QB and make holes for the RB's to go through.

(2) We need a scrambling QB. One that is not afraid to run out of the pocket to throw or carry the ball.

(3) We need "Sticky Fingers" Hawthorne out of Homewood High School (Birmingham). He's a gread WR.

OK. I'll retire as an OC.
 

Bama323

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Feb 3, 2005
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DonnieDarko said:
Outside of Injuries and competition, depth shouldnt play a major role in the OLs performance because Coach Connelly doesnt like to rotate Olineman
You have to rotate someone when a player gets hurt. Also, more depth means more talent to choose from. I wish we could take the injury equation out of it like you do, but injuries is what has killed us the past few years. That tends to happen when you don't have depth at each position. I'm sure some of you would like to think we can just stick any ole Joe in there and as long as he has good "technique" then we'll be fine.
 

Texas Tider

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Aug 19, 2004
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I've read many descriptions of this technique, and while I understand how it is supposed to work, it just doesn't make sense to me. Waiting to react to the defense? :conf2: I always thought you come off the ball and pound the guy in front of you and don't let up until the play is over. I just can't understand the advantage of letting the other guy come at you with momentum. This isn't judo, it's blocking. I don't think I'll ever like this technique. It just goes against everything I've always learned you are supposed to do when blocking.
 

ed4tide4u2

1st Team
Sep 25, 2000
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Texas Tider said:
I've read many descriptions of this technique, and while I understand how it is supposed to work, it just doesn't make sense to me. Waiting to react to the defense? :conf2: I always thought you come off the ball and pound the guy in front of you and don't let up until the play is over. I just can't understand the advantage of letting the other guy come at you with momentum. This isn't judo, it's blocking. I don't think I'll ever like this technique. It just goes against everything I've always learned you are supposed to do when blocking.
That is my point exactly. Something is obviously wrong. Admit it or not. Something is wrong.
 

TIDE-HSV

Senior Administrator
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Oct 13, 1999
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Although...

it's not the sole technique used by the NFL, by any stretch, it is the most frequently used for pass-blocking - and it works. I think part of the problem is the fact that it's just so hard to teach (and to learn, if you're limited in talent), that it's not that suitable for college players. I'm no expert. I'm just trying to figure out answers like everyone else...
 

kwftide

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Oct 20, 1999
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TIDE-HSV said:
it's not the sole technique used by the NFL, by any stretch, it is the most frequently used for pass-blocking - and it works. I think part of the problem is the fact that it's just so hard to teach (and to learn, if you're limited in talent), that it's not that suitable for college players. I'm no expert. I'm just trying to figure out answers like everyone else...
Are we also using it for run blocking? Is it a "one size fits all" scheme?

Just curious. I haven't gone back and looked at the games to see if we fired off the ball low and forward when a run play was called.
 

TIDE-HSV

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The only times...

I noticed much in the way of drive blocking were the USC and UF games. Then, we went away from it. In the AU game, it looked like we tried a little of everything. Since CBC came, typically about 10% of practice sessions has been spent on any other blocking than his "catch and hinge." Also, he's never made any secret of his belief that his technique is the only one needed. He's said it publicly at REC and QB clubs and he's said it to the campers at every clinic he's taught. After all, he's written a book on the spread offense and also a smaller book on his blocking technique as used in the spread "O."
 

Bamabuzzard

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Aug 15, 2004
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TIDE-HSV said:
He's said it publicly at REC and QB clubs and he's said it to the campers at every clinic he's taught. After all, he's written a book on the spread offense and also a smaller book on his blocking technique as used in the spread "O."

Which gives me every indication that if a true change in blocking technique is going to occur it is going to be without Connelly on this staff. How degrading would it be for him to be told by Shula to ditch the blocking scheme that he's written a book on and teaches at camps.