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Red Zone Options

  • Thread starter Deleted member 807
  • Start date

Deleted member 807

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An inability to score in the red zone is my #1 complaint with the game day experience.

Let's leave the discussion about firing Lindgren or MacIntyre out of this discussion, please.

Let's also focus on something other than recruiting. With a compressed field, the talent disparity between CU and several Pac12 opponents is more exposed. But we're not going to solve 2015 red zone problems with recruiting at this point.

What adjustments in play calling and personnel do you want to see if you were responsible for game planning the next three games?

For me, I'm okay with Sefo running the offense in between the 10's. But when it's first and goal, I no longer have confidence in Sefo behind center.

Here's some of my Monday morning Red Zone thoughts. Some of these special packages could add some confusion on the opponent's D the next time CU is at the goal line, and something different probably wouldn't be worse than what we've seen time and again.

- The triple option. Load the backfield with Lee, Lindsey, and Carr. Give Aspey or former AFA QB Jaleel Awini lots of reps practicing when to pitch and when to keep when trying to turn the corner.

- The heavy package: George Frazier has been under utilized. Let Powell and the OL road grade for big George.

- I wouldn't mind a Refigerator Perry inspired play that makes Nembot eligible to carry the ball. Then QB Aspy can read option to hand off to the first guy off the bus or the QB bootlegs on a pass play.

- More Nelson Spruce back corner or back line of end zone routes with a different QB. Spruce is the playmaker. He isn't getting targeted enough. Have Aspey and Spruce practice timing routes to build chemistry for a big chunk of practice and go with enough reps to minimize execution concerns on gameday.

There are all kinds of creative options to explore. No reason to stubbornly cling to Sefo in every situation. The only bad TD play is the one you don't make.
 
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How about more throws to the TE's? We have a couple very large guys who can catch. Just put it up for them and let them make the play.
 
I agree with the questions around Frazier. Has he touched the ball this season? Goal to goal situations beg for the large full back. I've been arguing for more TE plays all season.

I've also been wondering what's going on with the O-line. In the Nichols State and CSU games they had trouble converting on short yard situations - against what should have been over-matched lines. Then, in the UCLA game, CU seemed to figure it out. Sefo does okay on the sneak or delay for 2-3 yards usually. But, against Stanford, we didn't even try what worked on UCLA. Did the coaching staff put too much credit on Stanford's lines and allow CU to be intimidated? I suppose you could argue that Stanford is that much better than UCLA, but I doubt the difference is so great CU shouldn't even try in short yard situations.
 
Considering that CU's standard offense is a heavy dose of short passing and running between the tackles... it should be good in the red zone. That's exactly what they need to do in order to punch it in the end zone. I believe this is mental, not related to system.
 
goalline said:
I agree with the questions around Frazier. Has he touched the ball this season? Goal to goal situations beg for the large full back. I've been arguing for more TE plays all season.
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Buffnik said:
I believe this is mental, not related to system.
Click to expand...

I'm thinking similarly to you two.
I think a huge part is mental, but I am wondering what the heck they are doing (not doing) with Frazier. I'm really frustrated and baffled by it. TE's I think is in part due to Sefo's lack of confidence over the middle.
 
Buffnik said:
Considering that CU's standard offense is a heavy dose of short passing and running between the tackles... it should be good in the red zone. That's exactly what they need to do in order to punch it in the end zone. I believe this is mental, not related to system.
Click to expand...
Performance anxiety?
Inferiority complex?

Play-makers make plays when the game is on the line. Sefo has not proven to be clutch in first and goal situations, but has been okay midfield. How can Sefo's RZ mental mistakes be remedied at this point in the RZ, more reps? A different playbook?

Or is it time for a changed offensive package in the RZ?
 
Football is like a street fight. You pull all stops. If it takes some crazy tackle eligible or wildcat or even the old fumblerusky, then do it. Get the ball in the endzone.
 
I always will remember boise st. taking it to ou in that Fiesta Bowl - it was epic...If we can not beat you by size and speed, we will trick your ass.
 
From the 20 to the 5- In the red zone the offense should start with a quick snap and throw to either D Lee or Ross in the slot with some room to get the wheels heading up field and the other receivers starting their blocks to help spring them, no more of these out routes and sailing passes over Nelson's head. Mix this up with North-South running from the backs, no more rushing side-to-side. Push the pace, show some urgency.

From 5 and in- Triple option setup as Skidmark mentioned above and hope Sefo can make the correct read. He has shown the capability to get some rushing TDs this year.
 
Probably an accuracy issue with Sefo is what I would guess. Smaller windows, less space, combined with pressure to not turn the ball over hurts his performance.
 
My two cents: CU does not have the speed to run wide or slow developing plays in the red zone. Triple option is not something you pull out of the box. Either you do it or you don't. It requires too many reps to perfect. Trying to run that as a one off, or a couple of times a game is a recipe for disaster. Additionally, if you do not have a field behind you to defend, as is the case in the red zone, there are very effective ways to disrupt and defeat the triple. Watch GT and see how often they triple on the goal line.

CU should be going straight ahead in the red zone. Run right at them. Double down and bring a FB at the point of attack of your choosing. Disrupt with creative snap counts. Get the D on the heels for just a second and go right at them. That is the best chance for success. Putting it in Sefo's hands is about the last thing you want to do.
 
I could be wrong but I think trying to trick people is part of the problem. We have a hard enough time getting through one drive without stepping on our dick. Don't get cute, just execute.
 
I like the idea of trying to use the TE's more in the red zone. Hell using them at all would be a great start.

My thought is our play book doesn't change much when we get within the 20's and that is probably part of the problem. The other problem is we just can't execute very well in the red zone.
 
I think it's more that they know he's gonna be option 1 in the RZ. Until we can consistently have a #2 that's productive EVERY week, teams will play it the same.
 
krom said:
This. RK mentioned this in his podcast. Not sure why Spruce does not get more (all) looks in the RZ.
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Well, after TT's INT return to the five, CU threw twice to Spruce. Neither pass was within shouting distance of NS, so yeah, there are execution problems.
 
TimmyDUBs said:
I love this thread, Skiddy. Your ideas are all creative and fun. Why not go for broke?
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Thanks. I'm enjoying the variety of answers and approaches to work through this issue.

I haven't thought about the BSU - OU sugar bowl in a while. That Boise team was not going to be denied a TD in the red zone. I just love the trust Petersen had in his offense to be creative, take gambles and execute.
 
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Buffnik said:
Considering that CU's standard offense is a heavy dose of short passing and running between the tackles... it should be good in the red zone. That's exactly what they need to do in order to punch it in the end zone. I believe this is mental, not related to system.
Click to expand...
Is the rushing offense really primarily between the tackles, though? I feel like we've seen more outside zone and read option off tackle in conference play than between the tackles stuff. I could be wrong, but that's my perception.

As to Skid's OP... I love the idea of Awini running the triple option in certain situations. Would bring such a new dimension that no team has seen from CU. I also don't understand why 1st and goal from the 5 isn't 4 straight plays of Sefo off tackle. He hasn't been stopped for less than about 2 yards on that kind of play all year. If I were MM and BL, I would be watching every short yardage play that Urban Meyer ran with Tebow at UF and just emulate those.
 
I like the wildcat idea. Put in a big fullback snap to whomever,Lee, Lindsey, or Carr. Let their speed make something happen.
 
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