Playing time

[DonatelloCat]

Disclaimer: I know every game is a potential loss if the players don't prepare and take it seriously, etc, etc . . . but I'm not playing, so I think I'm allowed to think about such things. If you're a player and you're reading this . . . I hope you put us in such a situation, but the only way that happens is if you prepare hard and take nothing for granted.

With that said, a hypothetical . . .

Assume that we get out to a big lead this Saturday. The game is out of reach by early 3rd quarter. It's to the point where you start to think about putting in the backups. Should Thorson come out? One of the reasons to pull the starters is to get experience for the backups. But when the starter is very, very inexperienced, do you keep him in the whole game to get more real game reps?

 

[cattul]

Disclaimer: I know every game is a potential loss if the players don't prepare and take it seriously, etc, etc . . . but I'm not playing, so I think I'm allowed to think about such things. If you're a player and you're reading this . . . I hope you put us in such a situation, but the only way that happens is if you prepare hard and take nothing for granted.

With that said, a hypothetical . . .

Assume that we get out to a big lead this Saturday. The game is out of reach by early 3rd quarter. It's to the point where you start to think about putting in the backups. Should Thorson come out? One of the reasons to pull the starters is to get experience for the backups. But when the starter is very, very inexperienced, do you keep him in the whole game to get more real game reps?

Under your scenario, with a big Northwestern lead, I think that the second half offense would be comprised mostly of running plays. In that case, I would take Thorson out, to save his body the punishment.

 

[shakes3858]

It all depends on position/position groups. I don't like the idea of pulling guys out saying their day is done unless you're up 3 or more scores in the 4th.

Oline: Run the rotation of Olineman that we're going to use normally for the entire game. If you're extremely confident in a guy like Mogus, then I would rotate him in more slowly. This unit still needs work, so I'd play them. Plus, you don't want to risk Thorson or Jackson behind a line of 3rd and 4th string guys.

QBs: I'd be up for pulling a starting QB if the game is out of hand, but Thorson is RS Freshman with 24 passes under his belt. I'd limit the QB runs and tell him to slide a lot, but I'd like to see him get some work in the entire game.

RBs: I don't think you pull Jackson, but I think you limit his touches the entire game. Jackson had 28 carries, Long 7, Vault 8. I think you try to make that Jackson 15, Long 12, Vault 12, Anderson 5. Basically, it's a more even rotation of 4 guys rather than 1 guy getting spelled when tired.

WRs: Similar concept to RBs. I might tell Christian Jones he's out if the we're up a bit due to his previous injuries, but, I'm running the group that will be playing every other game. They need work and Thorson needs to develop chemistry with them.

Defense: The best thing you can do to stay healthy on defense is to get to the sideline. Again, I would increase the reps of guys 5-10 on the Dline throughout the game, but generally speaking, I want to get guys on the field that can stop EIU in 3 plays.

 

[hdhntr1]

Under your scenario, with a big Northwestern lead, I think that the second half offense would be comprised mostly of running plays. In that case, I would take Thorson out, to save his body the punishment.

I want my backup having real game experience. We have seen what happens when the backup is not prepared and it is not pretty. I would want Thorson to get sufficient rps but backup needs meaningful reps as well. When was the last time we made it through a season without a QB injury?

 

[Purp92]

In the past, I've always been surprised how little Fitz seems to play backups in the blowout games and wished he would play the backup QBs in particular just in case the starter gets injured. However, in this case, I think Thorson could really use the work and I would leave him in there the whole game.

 

[DonatelloCat]

I want my backup having real game experience. We have seen what happens when the backup is not prepared and it is not pretty. I would want Thorson to get sufficient rps but backup needs meaningful reps as well. When was the last time we made it through a season without a QB injury?

It would also answer the question "who is the backup quarterback?"

 

[TheC]

Disclaimer: I know every game is a potential loss if the players don't prepare and take it seriously, etc, etc . . . but I'm not playing, so I think I'm allowed to think about such things. If you're a player and you're reading this . . . I hope you put us in such a situation, but the only way that happens is if you prepare hard and take nothing for granted.

With that said, a hypothetical . . .

Assume that we get out to a big lead this Saturday. The game is out of reach by early 3rd quarter. It's to the point where you start to think about putting in the backups. Should Thorson come out? One of the reasons to pull the starters is to get experience for the backups. But when the starter is very, very inexperienced, do you keep him in the whole game to get more real game reps?

OK.... so am I the only fan who has watched Northwestern football over the past 20 years? When do we ever get up big on an opponent we should crush? This game will be 10-7 NU at the half and we'll go on to win by 13 points. No one is getting blown out and we're not playing the 4th string for much of the 2nd half. That just doesn't happen at Northwestern.

 

[NJCat83588]

OK.... so am I the only fan who has watched Northwestern football over the past 20 years? When do we ever get up big on an opponent we should crush? This game will be 10-7 NU at the half and we'll go on to win by 13 points. No one is getting blown out and we're not playing the 4th string for much of the 2nd half. That just doesn't happen at Northwestern.

Sadly, I feel the same way. NU seems to generally play to the level of the competition.....

 

[Styre]

OK.... so am I the only fan who has watched Northwestern football over the past 20 years? When do we ever get up big on an opponent we should crush? This game will be 10-7 NU at the half and we'll go on to win by 13 points. No one is getting blown out and we're not playing the 4th string for much of the 2nd half. That just doesn't happen at Northwestern.

The last time we did that was all of three games ago, when we raced out to a 24-0 lead on Purdue.

But you're still right, it doesn't happen as often as it should.

 

[hdhntr1]

In the past, I've always been surprised how little Fitz seems to play backups in the blowout games and wished he would play the backup QBs in particular just in case the starter gets injured. However, in this case, I think Thorson could really use the work and I would leave him in there the whole game.

How often have we been up big? He has had to play closer to the vest than many of us would like. What was the last blowout victory that he would have felt comfortable with substitutions? IL and SDSU in 2012? Last year PU but we were forced to bput in ZO not because we were able to but were forced to.

 

[KramerCat91]

Fitz is very conservative about throwing the ball with a good lead so whichever QB is out there won't be getting meaningful reps in your hypothetical. Instead we'll see meaningful reps be given to the backup RBs and lots of rotation on the OL as Fitz indicated that he is still searching for the starting five OL.

 

[NUCat320]

Disclaimer: I know every game is a potential loss if the players don't prepare and take it seriously, etc, etc . . . but I'm not playing, so I think I'm allowed to think about such things. If you're a player and you're reading this . . . I hope you put us in such a situation, but the only way that happens is if you prepare hard and take nothing for granted.

With that said, a hypothetical . . .

Assume that we get out to a big lead this Saturday. The game is out of reach by early 3rd quarter. It's to the point where you start to think about putting in the backups. Should Thorson come out? One of the reasons to pull the starters is to get experience for the backups. But when the starter is very, very inexperienced, do you keep him in the whole game to get more real game reps?

With the exception of Jackson, who has proven all he needs to prove, and perhaps Vitale or CJones for similar reasons, the entire offense has to play the full package of plays until the third quarter or NU gets to 5 offensive touchdowns (any defensive or special teams plays don't count), whichever comes first. The offense was good enough to beat Stanford, but not good enough to beat Duke or Wisconsin or anyone other Ball State or EIU on Saturday.

And NU needs to stay aggressive - downfield throws, especially - as long as the top offense is in there. NU's offense wasn't very good last year and certainly proved itself in only ball security on Saturday.

And, no, I still haven't watched the game. NU's goal coming into Saturday should be to score 70.

 

[Seattle_Cat]

Fitz is very conservative about throwing the ball with a good lead so whichever QB is out there won't be getting meaningful reps in your hypothetical. Instead we'll see meaningful reps be given to the backup RBs and lots of rotation on the OL as Fitz indicated that he is still searching for the starting five OL.

I don't agree with that approach, unless the lead is really huge and the opponent is hopelessly overmatched. Most coaches will bring in the reserves and let them play a normal game until the last few minutes.

 

[NJCat83588]

, and perhaps Vitale or CJones for similar reasons,.

You can't seriously be putting Vitale and CJ in the same class? Dan was woefully inconsistent last season and had a terrible first game. He needs to get his confidence back and play until he figures it out. Right now, I's start G ahead of him. The play G made to pick up the first down was really athletic.

 

[pawildcat]

It all depends on position/position groups. I don't like the idea of pulling guys out saying their day is done unless you're up 3 or more scores in the 4th.

Oline: Run the rotation of Olineman that we're going to use normally for the entire game. If you're extremely confident in a guy like Mogus, then I would rotate him in more slowly. This unit still needs work, so I'd play them. Plus, you don't want to risk Thorson or Jackson behind a line of 3rd and 4th string guys.

QBs: I'd be up for pulling a starting QB if the game is out of hand, but Thorson is RS Freshman with 24 passes under his belt. I'd limit the QB runs and tell him to slide a lot, but I'd like to see him get some work in the entire game.

RBs: I don't think you pull Jackson, but I think you limit his touches the entire game. Jackson had 28 carries, Long 7, Vault 8. I think you try to make that Jackson 15, Long 12, Vault 12, Anderson 5. Basically, it's a more even rotation of 4 guys rather than 1 guy getting spelled when tired.

WRs: Similar concept to RBs. I might tell Christian Jones he's out if the we're up a bit due to his previous injuries, but, I'm running the group that will be playing every other game. They need work and Thorson needs to develop chemistry with them.

Defense: The best thing you can do to stay healthy on defense is to get to the sideline. Again, I would increase the reps of guys 5-10 on the Dline throughout the game, but generally speaking, I want to get guys on the field that can stop EIU in 3 plays.

I would certainly pull Jackson in the last quarter if we had a big lead. We have plenty of other good backs to trot out and get some reps. Pitt just lost Connor for the season against Youngstown State. If you can rest your top back before the conference season begins, you do it, especially since he had a physical game last week and probably will again against Duke.

 

[T_Levine]

OK.... so am I the only fan who has watched Northwestern football over the past 20 years? When do we ever get up big on an opponent we should crush? This game will be 10-7 NU at the half and we'll go on to win by 13 points. No one is getting blown out and we're not playing the 4th string for much of the 2nd half. That just doesn't happen at Northwestern.

I would be THRILLED if we have this dilemma

 

[KramerCat91]

I don't agree with that approach, unless the lead is really huge and the opponent is hopelessly overmatched. Most coaches will bring in the reserves and let them play a normal game until the last few minutes.

I would like to see meaningful snaps given to the reserve QB too; I'm just not predicting it based on past experience.

 

[phatcat]

It all depends on position/position groups. I don't like the idea of pulling guys out saying their day is done unless you're up 3 or more scores in the 4th.

Oline: Run the rotation of Olineman that we're going to use normally for the entire game. If you're extremely confident in a guy like Mogus, then I would rotate him in more slowly. This unit still needs work, so I'd play them. Plus, you don't want to risk Thorson or Jackson behind a line of 3rd and 4th string guys.

QBs: I'd be up for pulling a starting QB if the game is out of hand, but Thorson is RS Freshman with 24 passes under his belt. I'd limit the QB runs and tell him to slide a lot, but I'd like to see him get some work in the entire game.

RBs: I don't think you pull Jackson, but I think you limit his touches the entire game. Jackson had 28 carries, Long 7, Vault 8. I think you try to make that Jackson 15, Long 12, Vault 12, Anderson 5. Basically, it's a more even rotation of 4 guys rather than 1 guy getting spelled when tired.

WRs: Similar concept to RBs. I might tell Christian Jones he's out if the we're up a bit due to his previous injuries, but, I'm running the group that will be playing every other game. They need work and Thorson needs to develop chemistry with them.

Defense: The best thing you can do to stay healthy on defense is to get to the sideline. Again, I would increase the reps of guys 5-10 on the Dline throughout the game, but generally speaking, I want to get guys on the field that can stop EIU in 3 plays.

Mostly agree but don't underestimate a) how valuable Jackson is to this team and b) how stupid we will feel if he gets injured at ALL (especially late) against EIU. I remember one year Beanie Wells got a bad turf toe against Youngstown State late in the game, up by like 5 scores. Also I saw part of Friday Night Lights last night and remembered Boobie Miles :-D

This had nothing to do with "blowing a team out". We have enough talent to win Saturday if C. Jones and Jackson are on limited duty. Heck, Kuhar and CamD probably won't play even if they are ready.

I do agree about Thorson. Kid needs to the reps. Keep the high risk stuff out though.

 

[shakes3858]

b) how stupid we will feel if he gets injured at ALL (especially late) against EIU.

I'd feel even stupider if he gets 8 carries and we lose with him on the bench.

 

[pawildcat]

I'd feel even stupider if he gets 8 carries and we lose with him on the bench.

I can't see any situation where he'd be on the bench if the game was in doubt. I give Fitz and Co. a little more credit than that.

 

[ricko654321]

In the ideal situation, I would play Thorson for 3 full quarters, and then get 2 drives for whichever one is the backup, and let them throw the ball at least a couple times. Nothing that's trying to embarrass the opponent, but a couple short and intermediate range throws. Or maybe one drive for each if we truly haven't decided who.

I think 15-20 carries for JJ would be about the right # ideally. And I'd get CJ off the field if we build a meaningful lead. But yea we have to do that first - goal #1 is to go 1-0, everything else is gravy after that.

 

[shakes3858]

I can't see any situation where he'd be on the bench if the game was in doubt. I give Fitz and Co. a little more credit than that.

Isn't that what happened in the 95 Miami Ohio game?

 

[NUCat320]

You can't seriously be putting Vitale and CJ in the same class? Dan was woefully inconsistent last season and had a terrible first game. He needs to get his confidence back and play until he figures it out. Right now, I's start G ahead of him. The play G made to pick up the first down was really athletic.

My point is that we basically know what we've got with Vitale, and playing him at a position where depth has become a concern with the loss of Taylor is inherently risky.

Dickerson could afford to see more time simply because he's only got a season as a backup under his belt. I don't actually know who is behind him on the roster.

 

[NJCat83588]

Isn't that what happened in the 95 Miami Ohio game?

Not exactly. Read the great Bill Jauss article:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-09-17/sports/9509170213_1_snap-sam-ricketts-miami-touchdowns

 

[Windy City Cat Fan]

Not exactly. Read the great Bill Jauss article:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-09-17/sports/9509170213_1_snap-sam-ricketts-miami-touchdowns

The recent piece on the big ten network alluded to starters being pulled - autry was on the sidelines wearing a baseball cap as NU had a 28 point lead going into the 4th quarter.

 

[Figrating]

Yes, NU seems to find a way to play every game into a cliffhanger, but this NU team looks strong enough to dominate EIEIU. Here's hoping Thorson and JJ are outta there by mid second quarter. Maybe Thorson gets a whole half to practice passing.

NU is sposed to have some depth. Let's see it. Let's see Alviti, Long and Anderson run the option.