Fourth and a Yard to Go

F

Frank Lee

Well-known member
Turning the ball over on downs has been a concern lately considering the returning talent on the OL. What to do? The Allar keeper, the "Tush Push", Wildcat, Nick or Katron between the tackles? IMO, Drew doesn't have the power or athleticism to make it happen. I thought Warren sneaking under center or in the wildcat was effective. Maybe it can work with Dinkins or Reynolds if they don't hesitate and can high jump. Anyway, PSU cannot afford to lose in these situations come Saturday.
 
PSU was very creative with Warren and a full house backfield in recent years with Drew under center. We haven't seen that this year but I am sure it is coming. I disagree with your comment that Drew isn't athletic enough. He moves well, gains good ground when flushed and is very strong at 6-5 and 245 lbs. We just have better running assets. He certainly isn't a "running QB" but I'll be we see him carry the ball a couple of times every game moving forward. If O plays their D like the first three teams, Allar will run several times.
 
Sheriff Coffee said:
PSU was very creative with Warren and a full house backfield in recent years with Drew under center. We haven't seen that this year but I am sure it is coming. I disagree with your comment that Drew isn't athletic enough. He moves well, gains good ground when flushed and is very strong at 6-5 and 245 lbs. We just have better running assets. He certainly isn't a "running QB" but I'll be we see him carry the ball a couple of times every game moving forward. If O plays their D like the first three teams, Allar will run several times.
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Drew, when under center and being a tall guy just kind of leans and shuffles forward. He tends to get stacked. He is dependent on Dawkins. But when it comes to QB draws and avoiding sacks, then I agree, he can surprise and pick up yards.
 
Frank Lee said:
Drew, when under center and being a tall guy just kind of leans and shuffles forward. He tends to get stacked. He is dependent on Dawkins. But when it comes to QB draws and avoiding sacks, then I agree, he can surprise and pick up yards.
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I don't recall him doing this on 3rd or 4th and 1 last season. So, given his physical work, I don't recall a good example to form an opinion. Last season, we used either Warren or Beau on a lot of wildcat keeps. I even remember Kaytron. But don't recall Drew. Do you?
 
I think we go with the 7 OL set we saw week 1. 6 on the LoS, Cousins at offset FB.

We haven't seen the Full House since Yurcich, although I did like it. Illinois overloaded us in '23 and made it look bad. I don't think it's been used since.

I also liked the shift from Full House to a 4 Stack Diamond on one side with Warren being by himself on the opposite side. There is a lot you can do here when you go big and shift out with TEs and RBs who can catch. Force a time out or just run a play to the spot you have the advantage. Example, we ran a quick slant to Warren on this shift in '22 vs OSU.
 
Sheriff Coffee said:
PSU was very creative with Warren and a full house backfield in recent years with Drew under center. We haven't seen that this year but I am sure it is coming. I disagree with your comment that Drew isn't athletic enough. He moves well, gains good ground when flushed and is very strong at 6-5 and 245 lbs. We just have better running assets. He certainly isn't a "running QB" but I'll be we see him carry the ball a couple of times every game moving forward. If O plays their D like the first three teams, Allar will run several times.
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Reynolds also was a former QB, so he may also be utilized like Warren at some point. Drew is big enough, but regardless of who it is, TE’s or OL need to be in the backfield for an effective “push”
 
Frank Lee said:
Turning the ball over on downs has been a concern lately considering the returning talent on the OL. What to do? The Allar keeper, the "Tush Push", Wildcat, Nick or Katron between the tackles? IMO, Drew doesn't have the power or athleticism to make it happen. I thought Warren sneaking under center or in the wildcat was effective. Maybe it can work with Dinkins or Reynolds if they don't hesitate and can high jump. Anyway, PSU cannot afford to lose in these situations come Saturday.
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I would really hope or expect to line up under center, two tight ends and run Kaytron up the gut. With this O-Line we have to convert that, no excuses. Don't trust Allar running a sneak or some gimmick wildcat. Just ram it down their throat.
 
Sheriff Coffee said:
PSU was very creative with Warren and a full house backfield in recent years with Drew under center. We haven't seen that this year but I am sure it is coming. I disagree with your comment that Drew isn't athletic enough. He moves well, gains good ground when flushed and is very strong at 6-5 and 245 lbs. We just have better running assets. He certainly isn't a "running QB" but I'll be we see him carry the ball a couple of times every game moving forward. If O plays their D like the first three teams, Allar will run several times.
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Yes, I agree the Warren plays are still in the play book and there was no reason to show them in the OOC games. It's just a matter of who takes over for Warren. My guess in Reynolds, but it also could be Allen or Dinkins. I don't see Singleton doing it as he doesn't seem to react quick enough to where the crease in the line is. Who knows.

The 6 OLinemen, 2 TE sets are also likely to be used with loane in motion.
 
GregInPitt said:
Yes, I agree the Warren plays are still in the play book and there was no reason to show them in the OOC games. It's just a matter of who takes over for Warren. My guess in Reynolds, but it also could be Allen or Dinkins. I don't see Singleton doing it as he doesn't seem to react quick enough to where the crease in the line is. Who knows.

The 6 OLinemen, 2 TE sets are also likely to be used with loane in motion.
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Totally agree. The apparent heir would be Dinkins, but if Reynolds has experience as a QB, there is less risk in fumbling the snap at a critical time. And I would go with Kaytron at RB as he has a record of gaining yardage in impossible situations. I love Singleton, but he is your breakaway back, not your yard buster.
 
GregInPitt said:
Yes, I agree the Warren plays are still in the play book and there was no reason to show them in the OOC games. It's just a matter of who takes over for Warren. My guess in Reynolds, but it also could be Allen or Dinkins. I don't see Singleton doing it as he doesn't seem to react quick enough to where the crease in the line is. Who knows.

The 6 OLinemen, 2 TE sets are also likely to be used with loane in motion.
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I'd too would not want Singleton in that situation. Reynolds or Allen.
The Ioane in motion is not very successful.
 
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