They sure get bashed (especially McCall) frequently. Think about his strategy against a team that was averaging over 40 points a game. One way to beat them is to keep the ball out of their hands. Obviously he did a great job here as every drive was time consuming (as opposed to Pitt's quick strikes) and NU had possession for over 35 minutes. He also had the OL extremely well prepared to run block. This had a lot to do to making the drives time consuming. And although the pass protection could have been better - Thorson was still 23 of 36 for 214 yards You can always carp about a few play calls (for ANY OC) but McCall had his offense perfectly prepared for this game!.
A very excellent game plan from coach McCall and excellent development of Thorson over the season.
Similarly, coach Hankwitz did a great job with the defense. Pitt's scores were mostly the result of breakdowns on explosion plays, and an offense like Pitt will have several of those opportunities in each game (remember NU in 2000?). Over all (with a few breakdowns in coverage) the defense had an excellent plan and executed that plan very well.
Congratulations to coach McCall and coach Hankwitz. Regardless what other people on this board have said (who have never played the game), you proved that your experience and knowledge can still formulate an excellent game plan.
A very excellent game plan from coach McCall and excellent development of Thorson over the season.
Similarly, coach Hankwitz did a great job with the defense. Pitt's scores were mostly the result of breakdowns on explosion plays, and an offense like Pitt will have several of those opportunities in each game (remember NU in 2000?). Over all (with a few breakdowns in coverage) the defense had an excellent plan and executed that plan very well.
Congratulations to coach McCall and coach Hankwitz. Regardless what other people on this board have said (who have never played the game), you proved that your experience and knowledge can still formulate an excellent game plan.