Is there any sort of UFR for the special teams plays? I understand this could be a little complicated since there are really about 5 different scenarios to evaluate (kickoffs, kickoff return, punt, punt return and field goals), but it would be interesting to see where breakdowns occur in those areas or how certain personnel are deployed or even keeping track of burnt redshirts.
I think the
you just want to talk about
you just want to talk about how sweet it is skying over people's heads, blocking like a thousand kicks per game.
I am begging
for a UFR. Please please please someone on this site step up and put together a special teams UFR that could go into a diary. Brian has enough on his plate. Why don't I do it you ask? My excuse is that I suck at computers, am a physician with twin two year olds and a pregnant wife and spend 1-2 hours commuting every day.
I believe special teams are a really under appreciated cause of our troubles during the four losses and think it would add a lot to the site.
I thought about it and
I thought about it and started tracking special teams for a while but I've found the only things I can say are "hey, wow, nice punt" or "that field goal went through." I am planning on doing some quantification on how much special teams are worth, perhaps with help from the Mathlete, in the offseason, with an eye towards having a brief "here's how much ST were worth in that game" post.
The personnel used is interesting as well...
I couldn't help but notice Big Will at left guard on the extra point team. Staying high isn't all so bad from that perspective. He can play OL and we'll give GERG a studly Lewan - who played a mean DT in HS only to xfer to the OL in his senior year (I think that is right.)
Sometimes the burners on the Kickoff can reflect coaching favorites (Conover - Moundros - Reyes have all seen considerable special team action.)
I couldn't help but notice the improved coverage of Brandon Smith vs. the Illini.
I'm still not entirely sure who drives the special teams since there isn't a dedicated coach.
I second the need for this - several games have turned on special team play this year. The second half kick off coverage team was a huge let down and turning point vs. Penn State.
Where have Stonum's returns gone (still pretty good - but he's a weapon.) It would be nice to see some schemes to give him more opportunity -like we did with AC. Are teams kicking away from Stonum? I'd have to review that further...
Given the disaster that was our master last year droping punts, kicks and game after game, a little focus on the special teams would be great.
I think the Offensive/Defensive UFR's take up enough time as is. And Tim has compiled a list of burned/probably redshirts in a Diary too.
EDIT: Here's Tim's list through DSU:
http://mgoblog.com/diaries/players-redshirting