RU talent is not 25 points worse than Penn States talent level. The problem as I see it is the positions they are being put in by the coaches.
1. Play calling. Consistently run on 1st and 2nd downs, try to pass on third down. Beside it being extremely difficult to run against Penn States d-line, they also were able to play with their defensive backs closer to the line of scrimmage and the linebackers not needing to make deep drops. That Is due to Laviano and McDaniel's inability or refusal to stretch the defense by throwing down the field. As long as they continue to feature the short, underneath passing game defensive will be able to contain the running game by having the d-backs and linebackers focus primarily on run support.
2. Decision to play Laviano over Rettig. Laviano most likely has better command of the play book and offense but I think he is not a difference maker at quarterback. He has shown he is mistake prone and has questionable decision making. Last season with Nova at quarterback RU was able to get the ball to the outside receivers down the field. Laviano has primarily focuses on shorter underneath throws to the tight ends, slot receivers, and running backs As a result he has a misleading high completion percentage. Does he have the ability to make the tough throws into tight coverage ..the over the receivers shoulder throws or the throws that are well placed, allowing his receiver to make a play on the ball? I have not seen any indication that he can. Primarily he throws quick slants, hook routes, bubble screens, and the occasional throw down field resulting from being flushed out the pocket. Rettig demonstrated in the 1st half of the Norfolk game that he at least deserves a chance to see if he can make plays down the field from the pocket...recall the excellent throw to Patton where he allowed him to go up and make a play on the ball. RU's receivers even minus Caroo are talented but need a quarterback that gives them a chance to utilize their talent and size. Finally, If Ohio State can pull Cardale RU can certainly pull Laviano.
3. Soft secondary coverage, very little blitzing, linebackers covering wide receivers, the middle of the defensive wide open, the inability to defend the bubble screen, linebackers not in position for run support. All of these issues are the result of the defensive scheme of coach Rossi.
1. Play calling. Consistently run on 1st and 2nd downs, try to pass on third down. Beside it being extremely difficult to run against Penn States d-line, they also were able to play with their defensive backs closer to the line of scrimmage and the linebackers not needing to make deep drops. That Is due to Laviano and McDaniel's inability or refusal to stretch the defense by throwing down the field. As long as they continue to feature the short, underneath passing game defensive will be able to contain the running game by having the d-backs and linebackers focus primarily on run support.
2. Decision to play Laviano over Rettig. Laviano most likely has better command of the play book and offense but I think he is not a difference maker at quarterback. He has shown he is mistake prone and has questionable decision making. Last season with Nova at quarterback RU was able to get the ball to the outside receivers down the field. Laviano has primarily focuses on shorter underneath throws to the tight ends, slot receivers, and running backs As a result he has a misleading high completion percentage. Does he have the ability to make the tough throws into tight coverage ..the over the receivers shoulder throws or the throws that are well placed, allowing his receiver to make a play on the ball? I have not seen any indication that he can. Primarily he throws quick slants, hook routes, bubble screens, and the occasional throw down field resulting from being flushed out the pocket. Rettig demonstrated in the 1st half of the Norfolk game that he at least deserves a chance to see if he can make plays down the field from the pocket...recall the excellent throw to Patton where he allowed him to go up and make a play on the ball. RU's receivers even minus Caroo are talented but need a quarterback that gives them a chance to utilize their talent and size. Finally, If Ohio State can pull Cardale RU can certainly pull Laviano.
3. Soft secondary coverage, very little blitzing, linebackers covering wide receivers, the middle of the defensive wide open, the inability to defend the bubble screen, linebackers not in position for run support. All of these issues are the result of the defensive scheme of coach Rossi.
