I-form

Submitted by Papochronopolis on

One of the most common short yardage plays used in all levels of football but we seem to have major issues executing it.  We saw it last year (not to be spoken of), with UMass, and again today with the fumbled snap.  It's clearly a pretty standard call but we have horrible luck with it.

Why do we keep going to this play when the inside zone with Denard is a guaranteed 2-3 yards?

formerlyanonymous

October 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 PM ^

It seemed to me that Molk when on the wrong count and Denard wasn't ready for it. Robinson appeared to be checking the corners and safeties to his right. With the shorter field, I imagine that the I-form does more for down field running up the middle. The spread works better with space. With defenders playing closer to the LOS, as they can do when pinned up against their goal line, it reduces that open space for the offensive skill players.

Lack of vertical stretch, Just one theory.

ThWard

October 2nd, 2010 at 8:52 PM ^

Clearly the O should be able to execute out of the I, but I 'd prefer they "do what they do" in all situations, goal line and not - shot gun formation, with extra TEs in the backfield near the goal line (like against ND).

Huss

October 2nd, 2010 at 8:55 PM ^

complaining about a formation we use .1% of the time?  Jesus, who gives a shit if we're good at it or not?  We're really freaking good at doing anything else on offense.  I really cant believe some of you actually concern yourselves with shit like this mere hours after our team just won another huge game.

jmblue

October 2nd, 2010 at 9:00 PM ^

We've used the I in goalline situations in every game this year.  You cite two times when it's failed and overlook the many other times it worked fine.

Mitch Cumstein

October 2nd, 2010 at 9:05 PM ^

Can't go under center.  Sucks for short yardage situations, but I think we should just avoid it all together.  They look uncomfortable at best when going under center. 

Space Coyote

October 2nd, 2010 at 10:58 PM ^

On the play action plays, he had a bit of success last year and showed some in the spring game.  I haven't seen much success this year out of it, not sure if it's the backs or blocks (besides just the center-QB exchange), but in the past it has worked with fairly good success (outside of Illinois).

myantoniobass …

October 2nd, 2010 at 10:52 PM ^

This is funny. I love how we go right to this formation as the root of our troubles. I actually prefer to pass the blame to not setting our players up for success. The constant in our I Form troubles has been Mr. Vincent Smith (and I guess you could go to Carlos Brown in 09). Sure the O-line is a factor too. But Brandon Minor, Stephen Hopkins, Mike Cox, Fitz T can get that yard. If said players are injured/not ready, I agree with you, let's call a different run play for Smith.