Offense still needs work
The only accomplishment of CMU’s hurry up offense on Saturday was they hurried up and gave the ball back to the Ohio Bobcats.
In 10 possessions the Chippewas’ offense had seven plays or less, including five drives of three plays and out. For the day the offense produced 316 yards.
Not too bad, except when your punter has more yards punting the ball than the offense. Brian Brandt had a career day with 10 punts for 416 yards.
“We didn’t execute our offense,” said Head Coach Mike DeBord.
That’s an understatement. The offense converted only five of 18 third downs and the passing attack was “very bad” DeBord said.
Yep, that’s one way to put it when your offense can’t move the chains.
Quarterback Derrick Vickers couldn’t complete a pass to save his life. He overthrew receivers, one an interception in the endzone, which if he threw earlier it would have been a touchdown.
Vickers also under threw receivers, had several passes dropped and was sacked three times, which led to 105 passing yards on 25 attempts.
Ohio had 94 yards on eight passing attempts. Ohio had better success throwing the ball and they don’t like to throw it.
Fortunately, better days are in Vickers’ future. He has progressed a lot since his first start last year against Ohio.
Vickers also throws better when he rolls outside the pocket instead of taking a three-step drop, but when the offensive line misses blocks, Vickers can at best get rid of the ball.
CMU would have more passing yards if they threw the ball down the field more often. Instead they constantly throw screen passes to running backs.
The Ohio linebackers were just waiting to blow up screen plays, which they did after the first screen passed worked for CMU.
Kenan Lawhorne had five receptions for 10 yards, with his longest reception being 11 yards.
Screen passes do work, but not when you run them over and over again.
Rob Turner’s longest catch was 16 yards. He finished with four catches for 45 yards. He’s a wide receiver. Isn’t he supposed to go down the field for passes?
Plain and simple, the offense has to score more than three points. CMU had their chances to score more.
However, there is a new hope for CMU with Terrence Jackson.
As long as he keeps carrying the ball, the running game is in good hands. Also, the Chippewas now have the potential to be a more balanced offense.
As soon as the passing game gets back on track that is.
DeBord said Jackson brings a new attitude to the team. He is a back that has the big play potential, an element needed for the new offense.
So what’s next?
Unfortunately, Marshall.
DeBord will have the team ready to play, but will the Chippewas’ passing woes be solved in a week?
Hopefully, but more importantly the offense has to score more than three points.
