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Cal Football

Bloesch Planning to Lean on OL to Lead the Way

March 21, 2024
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After the departure of former OC Jake Spavital, the Bears went in a very different direction in 2024, expanding offensive line coach Mike Bloesch’s role to add offensive coordinator duties to his responsibilities. It’s a role he excelled in at North Texas with a series of strong and fairly balanced offenses.

"I think I manage it just by coaching football, the way I've always coached football," Bloesch said of the transition. "Obviously, off the field, there's a lot more involved in it as far as running staff meetings, running unit meetings, really getting everybody on the same page schematically with how we're going to attack things. But on the field, I think the reason I've always done it, and the reason I did it when I got my first coordinator job was, I knew that no matter what I installed offensively, if the O line wasn't any good, it wouldn't matter. And so that's something that Justin and I talked about, whenever he promoted me to the spot, he felt like I did a really good job with the O line last year. I obviously have a ton of confidence in what I can do coaching those guys, and I want to continue to see that unit develop, because if they develop and we could dominate the line of scrimmage, that it's just gonna make everybody's life easier."

Bloesch was asked about his thoughts from his players about their position coach also being the offensive coordinator.

"Oh, I don't know, you'd have to ask them," Bloesch said. "I think just from from my point of view, I would hope that they would obviously want to try their best to make things right for me and by me. They know that I'm going to always put them kind of at the forefront of thoughts that we have going in. And we're going to build this thing around the o-line, just like we did last year."

Two vets Bloesch will rely on are 2-year Cal starters TJ Session and Siope Vatikani.

“(They're) just savvy vets now, which is nice," Bloesch said. "I got here last year and really had to clean up some things with those guys. So they're a year in the system. Obviously, from a run game and protection standpoint, a lot of the stuff we did last year was my stuff so they're very comfortable now going into spring number two with me and schematically what we're doing. So we're really fine-tuning some minor details with them to clean them up.”

As for what Bloesch is expecting of his veteran linemen?

"I think just their leadership, really the standard that we're trying to uphold in that room and them understanding what that looks like every day,” Bloesch noted. “When I got here, whatever it was, 14 months ago, I talked about that with those guys, I walked in and I said we're going to be the reason why we win games. But saying that and doing that are two completely different things. And we had some games where we did close out games up front, and we just leaned on those big boys. And we got out with some big wins down the stretch following the o-line. But we also had games where we didn't. And so we're still trying to raise the bar and I want them to understand - I told those guys the other day that that (last season) is now the floor of who we're going to be going forward. So last year should be the worst that the o-line is while I'm here."

Session has appreciated having an offensive coordinator who truly understands the Xs and Os of offensive line play.

"It's great, because he has our back, Session said of Bloesch. "Sometimes offensive coordinators, they don't always have our back. But Coach Bloesch, from day one he's always been there for us. So I think that it's cool that he's still here and even being the offensive coordinator, too.

"I think it helps the o-line out a little bit more, because he knows what the o-line scheme is and what exactly we need to do. So instead of rather than it being a quarterback coach doing it, it's the o-line coach who's kind of leaning more towards maybe running the ball more or being more aggressive in what we do.

"The o-line, that's the roots of the team. Instead of being five pennies, we're one nickel. I think that we're all the big root of the whole team. Coach Bloesch has kept telling us and Coach Mike Saffell kept asking us what is our identity? What do we want out of our 0-line? We want to be fast, physical and fearless. Those are the three things that we want to do. So that's exactly what we're gonna do this year. Run the damn ball, get your guy, put him on his butt and play with some grit."

As far as offensive identity, Bloesch made it clear for the Bears to be successful, they’re going to have to establish dominance in the running game to open up the rest of the offense. He noted that they have every intention of taking advantage of all that a strong running game allows them to also excel at.

"We want to obviously start off with running the football,” Bloesch said. “I think every great offense is built around being able to run the ball. We did that well last year with Jadyn (Ott) ending up leading the Pac-12 in rushing. So with four guys coming back, we've got to make people respect the run. And then I think the one thing that's probably a little bit different about me is we're gonna try to push that thing down the field. We're going to create matchups on the outside. We're going to see a lot of single high defense because of the way we can run the football. And we're gonna have guys isolated so our goal is going to be super explosive in the pass game. We're going to run RPOs and things like that that we've done but you're probably going to see a few more shots down the field."

The Bears will be back on the field tomorrow morning at 8:45 for session three of spring ball. All sessions are open to the public.

Discussion from...

Bloesch Planning to Lean on OL to Lead the Way

8,978 Views | 34 Replies | Last: 8 mo ago by calumnus
Shocky1
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^ 100%
calumnus
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Shocky1 said:

^ 100%


I'm glad you are optimistic about this.

I'm very skeptical but will try to be hopeful. Unfortunately this interview makes it sound like we will again have a lot of Ott running into a loaded box for little gain followed by a long sideline incomplete pass. I take some comfort in that Bloesch is clearly not a talker and clearly keeps the cards close to the vest.

Building the offense off of Ott makes sense. We won every game he had 175 yards or more total offense. And lost every game he did not, including 5 he had less than 100. However, we will not be effective if we need our 5 to beat 7 straight up. We cannot expect Ott to get 175 getting 2 yards at a time running between the tackles on first down. We need to get him outside in space. We absolutely need to have a lot of deception and misdirection built into the offense. Lots of play action with throws attacking the deep middle, reverses, keep them off balance. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Shocky1
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everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!
calumnus
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Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!


That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
Pittstop
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

^ 100%


I'm glad you are optimistic about this.

I'm very skeptical but will try to be hopeful. Unfortunately this interview makes it sound like we will again have a lot of Ott running into a loaded box for little gain followed by a long sideline incomplete pass. I take some comfort in that Bloesch is clearly not a talker and clearly keeps the cards close to the vest.

Building the offense off of Ott makes sense. We won every game he had 175 yards or more total offense. And lost every game he did not, including 5 he had less than 100. However, we will not be effective if we need our 5 to beat 7 straight up. We cannot expect Ott to get 175 getting 2 yards at a time running between the tackles on first down. We need to get him outside in space. We absolutely need to have a lot of deception and misdirection built into the offense. Lots of play action with throws attacking the deep middle, reverses, keep them off balance. I'll keep my fingers crossed.


I didn't get that at all listening to the interview. I thought he seemed comfortable taking the questions, and willing to be expansive on many of the questions he was asked. From talking about the OL needing to adjust on the fly last year to HIS OL philosophy and HIS scheme, to now having experience, understanding and comfortability with the system, to the speed of the WR room, across the board, to his plan to push the ball down the field more in the passing game, to using the run to set up play action, and to state of the QB competition. I thought he expanded quite a bit, on a number of topics. I was impressed.
HearstMining
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!


That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
There weren't a lot of pitchouts or sweeps, but what I noticed last year was that, whenever Cal did try to run Ott wide, they usually lost yardage because there was poor blocking. The OL didn't run well enough to get wide and block defenders. Did anybody else observe this? Maybe Cal needs better strength and speed training, as some contend, but inherent athleticism plays a role here, too. I'm sure there are 320-pounders who can run, but they all go to Alabama or Michigan.
bearsandgiants
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HearstMining said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!


That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
There weren't a lot of pitchouts or sweeps, but what I noticed last year was that, whenever Cal did try to run Ott wide, they usually lost yardage because there was poor blocking. The OL didn't run well enough to get wide and block defenders. Did anybody else observe this? Maybe Cal needs better strength and speed training, as some contend, but inherent athleticism plays a role here, too. I'm sure there are 320-pounders who can run, but they all go to Alabama or Michigan.
Yes. I don't think the OC was an idiot. I just don't think we had the talent to do what everyone thought was obvious. Hope it's better this year.
Oakbear
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" I knew that no matter what I installed offensively, if the O line wasn't any good, it wouldn't matter"

this is so basic, yet seems to be very misunderstood by so many
Shocky1
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation
calumnus
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Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.







89Bear
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

^ 100%


I'm glad you are optimistic about this.

I'm very skeptical but will try to be hopeful. Unfortunately this interview makes it sound like we will again have a lot of Ott running into a loaded box for little gain followed by a long sideline incomplete pass. I take some comfort in that Bloesch is clearly not a talker and clearly keeps the cards close to the vest.

Building the offense off of Ott makes sense. We won every game he had 175 yards or more total offense. And lost every game he did not, including 5 he had less than 100. However, we will not be effective if we need our 5 to beat 7 straight up. We cannot expect Ott to get 175 getting 2 yards at a time running between the tackles on first down. We need to get him outside in space. We absolutely need to have a lot of deception and misdirection built into the offense. Lots of play action with throws attacking the deep middle, reverses, keep them off balance. I'll keep my fingers crossed.


I thought Coach B was strong and confident in that interview. Much rather listen to him than Wilcox!!!
89Bear
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.









Totally fine to be skeptical. However, if your stance is based off of that interview that is a reach, in my opinion. Base it off the bowl game? Fine. I don't agree but I can see that more than this interview.
calumnus
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89Bear said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.









Totally fine to be skeptical. However, if your stance is based off of that interview that is a reach, in my opinion. Base it off the bowl game? Fine. I don't agree but I can see that more than this interview.


I think it is being told year after year the coaches are great but last year's players just sucked and this year's players are great or the playcalling had to be vanilla due to COVID, finals, lack of player intelligence or experience, secret player injuries…..

I am looking for a reason to be hopeful we will have an exciting offense this year. The bowl game didn't do it. This interview didn't do it. Personal attacks on me won't do it. None of that means we won't though they tend to be indications we won't, but I sincerely hope we do.

Spring and Fall will be a better indication than any interview. Baldwin said some great things in 2017. The proof will be on the field in the games. FWIW, I am more hopeful about Bloesch than I ever was about Baldwin or Musgrave and had doubts about Spavital too given his offenses at Texas State. The record shows Wilcox makes poor choices with regard to the offense. Hopefully 8th time is a charm.
MoragaBear
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Staff
calumnus said:

89Bear said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.









Totally fine to be skeptical. However, if your stance is based off of that interview that is a reach, in my opinion. Base it off the bowl game? Fine. I don't agree but I can see that more than this interview.
I think it is being told year after year the coaches are great but last year's players just sucked and this year's players are great or the playcalling had to be vanilla due to COVID, finals, lack of player intelligence or experience, secret player injuries…..

I am looking for a reason to be hopeful we will have an exciting offense this year. The bowl game didn't do it. This interview didn't do it. Personal attacks on me won't do it. None of that means we won't though they tend to be indications we won't, but I sincerely hope we do.

Spring and Fall will be a better indication than any interview. Baldwin said some great things in 2017. The proof will be on the field in the games. FWIW, I am more hopeful about Bloesch than I ever was about Baldwin or Musgrave and had doubts about Spavital too given his offenses at Texas State. The record shows Wilcox makes poor choices with regard to the offense. Hopefully 8th time is a charm.
Who's selling that story? We had major issues with Baldwin and Musgrave while they were here. Same with Angus. We've had major issues with Wilcox's underachievement since the 2020 mulligan. We have serious issues with Sirmon's defense the last couple years. Browning's not been getting it done on the DL lately with very little pressure and sacks. The DBs have been wretched outside of generating a lot of turnovers the last couple seasons. Some of that has to rest on the coaching. Special teams has been anything but special. These are all coaching issues along with some execution issues.

Each season brings new dynamics and personnel. But I wouldn't take anyone's attempt to add context to some worst-case spin posts as blind defenses of the staff.
calumnus
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MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

89Bear said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.









Totally fine to be skeptical. However, if your stance is based off of that interview that is a reach, in my opinion. Base it off the bowl game? Fine. I don't agree but I can see that more than this interview.
I think it is being told year after year the coaches are great but last year's players just sucked and this year's players are great or the playcalling had to be vanilla due to COVID, finals, lack of player intelligence or experience, secret player injuries…..

I am looking for a reason to be hopeful we will have an exciting offense this year. The bowl game didn't do it. This interview didn't do it. Personal attacks on me won't do it. None of that means we won't though they tend to be indications we won't, but I sincerely hope we do.

Spring and Fall will be a better indication than any interview. Baldwin said some great things in 2017. The proof will be on the field in the games. FWIW, I am more hopeful about Bloesch than I ever was about Baldwin or Musgrave and had doubts about Spavital too given his offenses at Texas State. The record shows Wilcox makes poor choices with regard to the offense. Hopefully 8th time is a charm.
Who's selling that story? We had major issues with Baldwin and Musgrave while they were here. Same with Angus. We've had major issues with Wilcox's underachievement since the 2020 mulligan. We have serious issues with Sirmon's defense the last couple years. Browning's not been getting it done on the DL lately with very little pressure and sacks. The DBs have been wretched outside of generating a lot of turnovers the last couple seasons. Some of that has to rest on the coaching. Special teams has been anything but special. These are all coaching issues along with some execution issues.

Each season brings new dynamics and personnel. But I wouldn't take anyone's attempt to add context to some worst-case spin posts as blind defenses of the staff.


My post was in no way a worst case spin. Baldwin, Musgrave and Spavital were defended up until their final seasons/games. Going into year 3 of Musgrave, the party line was COVID and Garbers were the problems and Plummer would be the "NFL style" (1970s) QB Musgrave needed.

As I said, I feel better about Bloesch and the offense than I have felt about any of Wilcox's offenses after the first year departures. He seems competent. The problem is we need more than competent. We need exceptional. This first season in the ACC is critical.

When Spavital left I would have liked to see Wilcox go out and find the best young, innovative OC out there rather than simply promoting the OL coach and making him permanent instead of interim. Seemed typical of Wilcox to stay with what and who he knows and not even bothering to do a search. Don't get me started on Browning. I get shouted down every time I question him.

That said, this is who we have so I will just shut up and hope for the best, hope we kill it in the ACC and Cal athletics survives the next few years.
MoragaBear
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Staff
To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.
calumnus
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MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.



MoragaBear
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Staff
calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14
Rushinbear
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.








should be interesting to see how we do against acc competition. conventional wisdom has it that all but 2 or 3 of them are equal to bottom half of the pac. will they be better? different? their image is that they're not as big, strong or tough. maybe not as fast, either.

one thing's for sure - we will get attention in the east coast and south. out of curiosity, if nothing else.
6956bear
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calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

everybody in memorial stadium (of course bobo won't be there, he'll be rooting against the bears/the acc/the modern world in general while listening on kgo) will be a coach bloesch believer when the 1st snap this fall will be a PITCHOUT to jaydn ott in wide open space & a 75 yard espn highlight play of the day touchdown run will set off oppenheimer level cannon booms from tightwad hill

yeah PITCHOUTS (ignored by dumb azzs like spav & billy m) are the key to explosive 2024 offensive production (just ask javid best)

TOUCHDOWN BEARS!!!

That would be great. Did he do that in the bowl game?
if u wuz in shreveport u would know the answer (r u gonna get to a bears game this season?)...the bears were playing during finals week cuz the current dumb azz athletic director couldn't horse trade the bowl game for a later preferred bowl game...and nando's haas biz ad finals r no joke & it showed which wuz compounded by wide receivers that lacked SPEED & wuz slow as **** in tryna unsuccessfully create any separation


I watched the game on TV. I had season tickets for 35 years and went to every game in LA and a usually another road trip (met you in Chicago) so I've seen many Cal games in person over my life (not counting going to Big Game growing up and sitting on the Stanford side). Getting shut out over the last 3.5 quarters never looked better in person, so I don't buy that argument.

Yes, I've heard about finals, Mendoza was playing with a serious injury that he did not disclose, etc…..

I am talking about the play calling. On TV it looked like we were outcoached and were unimaginative on offense. TT made adjustments, we didn't.

Nothing anyone is saying is making me feel better about the coaching.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying we just didn't have players that are good enough.

I am not comforted that we are back to saying all we need for our offense to be successful is to have a dominant OL that can beat 7 with 5 and have WRs that are faster than the opposing DBs. Of course that is great if you have it. Hopefully we have it this year but it is doubtful we will.

Bloesch did a great job as OL coach. Teaching toughness is great. However, "We need to establish the run to set up the pass" is a huge red flag for me. It just is.

I know it is Wilcox's preference, but Cal will not win with a conservative, predictable offense.

8 years of Bearinsider rallying around the OC Wilcox hired or more often brought back, more times than not making excuses for his being unsuccessful the previous year and attacking any skeptics has only made me more skeptical.

Maybe if Killa come on here an rhapsodized about his offense?

Until then I will need to see it on the field. I am hoping we do, but that is my heart, not my brain.








I totally get this POV. Cal is unlikely to have the dominant personnel that can just line up and beat people. Scheme is important. But I am less inclined to believe what we saw in the bowl is exactly what to expect from Bloesch as the FT OC.

His track record is balance on offense. A healthy mix of run and pass. I do think Cal needs that to be a good offense. Cal is not Michigan that can line up and run it 50 times and beat anyone good. Nor is it UW that can pass it 50 times with an NFL QB throwing to 3 NFL caliber Wrs and 2 likely NFL TEs.

They need balance. But they do need to be able to show they can run it. Especially in short yardage and red zone. 2 areas the team has not been good at in recent seasons. How they balance the 2 is what is important. Ott is a sensation so he has to get the ball. But you also have to punish defenses that stack the box. We have heard for at least 4 years now how Cal would make plays downfield when the teams stack the box. The success in that regard has been limited. And nowhere near successful enough to force teams to change.

I like both Mendoza and Rogers. But not sure I want either throwing it 45-50 times a game. And as good as Ott is he cannot carry it every down.

So what I am hoping to see is a bit more use of Ott in the pass game. More downfield throws when teams load the box. When the WR screens are used that we see the WRs blocking. And since there is a deep RB room getting 2 on the field at once seems to make sense. Ott vs a LB is a very good thing. While still having a good RB in to keep the run a possibility.

When Tedford was here the team was really good when balanced. They ran it and threw it. Now there is no Aaron Rodgers here but there is some ability in the QB room. And it would really help if the defense is stouter
so everything in the playbook is available. And a strong offense that converts 3rd downs and scores in the redzone helps a defense enormously.

I was down on the Sterlin Gilbert hire. But he was at Ole Miss last season. He hopefully has a few things that Kiffin used there that he can use here.

But like calumnus I will need to see it. I am a Bloesch fan. But it is beyond time for words. Lets see it in action. I am cautiously optimistic.
Pittstop
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89Bear said:

calumnus said:

Shocky1 said:

^ 100%


I'm glad you are optimistic about this.

I'm very skeptical but will try to be hopeful. Unfortunately this interview makes it sound like we will again have a lot of Ott running into a loaded box for little gain followed by a long sideline incomplete pass. I take some comfort in that Bloesch is clearly not a talker and clearly keeps the cards close to the vest.

Building the offense off of Ott makes sense. We won every game he had 175 yards or more total offense. And lost every game he did not, including 5 he had less than 100. However, we will not be effective if we need our 5 to beat 7 straight up. We cannot expect Ott to get 175 getting 2 yards at a time running between the tackles on first down. We need to get him outside in space. We absolutely need to have a lot of deception and misdirection built into the offense. Lots of play action with throws attacking the deep middle, reverses, keep them off balance. I'll keep my fingers crossed.


I thought Coach B was strong and confident in that interview. Much rather listen to him than Wilcox!!!


Yes. I thought he sounded much more assertive, and sure about his intent than Spav ever did in a press conference. And even regarding specific personnel when asked. He sounded forthright about the direction he wants to take the offense. He wasn't mealy mouthed about it, like Baldwin, or even Spav
calumnus
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MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.








MinotStateBeav
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I like that he mentioned how since we are going to be a fairly run heavy team that other teams are going to play a lot of 1 high safety looks to get another guy into the box. That doesn't mean you automatically pass the ball, it just means you have to recognize where that extra guy is, but it should open up the passing lanes on playaction.
evanluck
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calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.
calumnus
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evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
WalterSobchak
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Is it too much to ask to want an offense that uses scheme to deceive the defense and situational playcalling to maximize the production of guys like Ott?

The 4th down play against TTU didn't work because it was a terrible call given the situation that telegraphed exactly what we were trying to do and gave us only one option in terms of where the ball was going. On top of all that it utilized a ridiculous blocking scheme that was far more complex than necessary. If you are going to run power "beat the man in front of you" scheme in these must-have situations* it calls for maximum simplicity to focus on that task, not multiple traps and pulls by seemingly every blocker. Result: Our guys are tripping over each other and running in circles. Nobody makes a second level block, multiple TTU defenders defeat their blocks almost immediately, and 13 gets a free run to navigate the wash and hit Ott without being touched, bringing him down.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen wildcat run that way before. Incredibly low percentage play design and call, particularly against the front TTU was showing. Not because of anything any player did or did not do. Not that it was executed well. 13 didn't need to make a good play to defeat it. All he had to do was not be blind and not trip himself.



*Which I don't favor unless you have already established during the game that you have a SIGNIFICANT personnel advantage in the trenches. Not belief. Not mantra. Actual dominance.
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evanluck
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calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
Not complaining about Ott, he is amazing and would be even more explosive if on 3rd and 2 the defense had someone else to worry about. We've got a RB room full of talent. One of those guys has to be a guy that can hit a pile and fall forward 3 yards.
calumnus
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WalterSobchak said:

Is it too much to ask to want an offense that uses scheme to deceive the defense and situational playcalling to maximize the production of guys like Ott?

The 4th down play against TTU didn't work because it was a terrible call given the situation that telegraphed exactly what we were trying to do and gave us only one option in terms of where the ball was going. On top of all that it utilized a ridiculous blocking scheme that was far more complex than necessary. If you are going to run power "beat the man in front of you" scheme in these must-have situations* it calls for maximum simplicity to focus on that task, not multiple traps and pulls by seemingly every blocker. Result: Our guys are tripping over each other and running in circles. Nobody makes a second level block, multiple TTU defenders defeat their blocks almost immediately, and 13 gets a free run to navigate the wash and hit Ott without being touched, bringing him down.

I honestly don't think I've ever seen wildcat run that way before. Incredibly low percentage play design and call, particularly against the front TTU was showing. Not because of anything any player did or did not do. Not that it was executed well. 13 didn't need to make a good play to defeat it. All he had to do was not be blind and not trip himself.



*Which I don't favor unless you have already established during the game that you have a SIGNIFICANT personnel advantage in the trenches. Not belief. Not mantra. Actual dominance.


EXACTLY. THANK YOU
WalterSobchak
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calumnus
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evanluck said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
Not complaining about Ott, he is amazing and would be even more explosive if on 3rd and 2 the defense had someone else to worry about. We've got a RB room full of talent. One of those guys has to be a guy that cam hit a pile and fall forward 3 yards.


Or if we don't have that player we need to stop running straight into the pile. 15 times.
MinotStateBeav
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calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
Not complaining about Ott, he is amazing and would be even more explosive if on 3rd and 2 the defense had someone else to worry about. We've got a RB room full of talent. One of those guys has to be a guy that cam hit a pile and fall forward 3 yards.


Or if we don't have that player we need to stop running straight into the pile. 15 times.
In fairness no run play is called "Make a pile up and run into it", it's just what happens when the defense makes the right call or failed blocking.
Econ141
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MinotStateBeav said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
Not complaining about Ott, he is amazing and would be even more explosive if on 3rd and 2 the defense had someone else to worry about. We've got a RB room full of talent. One of those guys has to be a guy that cam hit a pile and fall forward 3 yards.


Or if we don't have that player we need to stop running straight into the pile. 15 times.
In fairness no run play is called "Make a pile up and run into it", it's just what happens when the defense makes the right call or failed blocking.


I'm pretty sure this was an actual play call in Musgrave's playbook. This was most likely done to give him more time to think of a better play.
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WalterSobchak
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MinotStateBeav said:

In fairness no run play is called "Make a pile up and run into it", it's just what happens when the defense makes the right call or failed blocking.
Sure there is. Everybody runs it, and the Eagles have gained some notoriety lately for having success with it precisely because they can telegraph it to everyone and still win. But they practice and run it a ton and don't use traps and pulls to do it. There are also plenty of "make a pile and run around it" and "make a pile and throw over or around it" plays. Any one of these would've been better in this situation.
Please give to Cal Legends at https://calegends.com/calegendsdonate/donate-football/ and encourage everyone you know who loves Cal sports to do it too.

To be in the Top 1% of all NIL collectives we only need around 10% of alumni to give $300 per year. Please help spread the word. "If we don't broaden this base we're dead." - Sebastabear

Thanks for reading my sig! Please consider copying or adapting it and using it on all of your posts too. Go Bears!
calumnus
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MinotStateBeav said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

evanluck said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

calumnus said:

MoragaBear said:

To clarify, I wasn't calling your post a worst-case scenario post. I was suggesting that any of our historical posts adding context to worst-case scenario posts wasn't to say they're doing a great job in all areas, just to state that there may be other factors involved and add color. IE: when I posted about what the offense did prior to Mendoza's injury vs. post injury in the bowl game, it wasn't to try and say that the staff did a great job in the loss, just that there was a clear point when the offense went downhill and it was exactly after Mendoza got injured and that it likely had a fairly big impact on how the offense played after that. Not a coaching excuse, just important additional info to consider.


Understood. I'm going to go back and look at the bowl game again. On what play did Mendoza get hurt?

One key I am looking for going forward is the use of play action. Some coaches are old school and still feel you have to "establish the run" first before you can use play action. Or they make it a macho thing "We need to dominate the line" and "establish our will." That of course encourages opposing defenses to load the box early and force you into passing situations where they can blitz. Easy to blame the OL in that case, which I hear here far too often.

Opposing defenses will be keying on Ott early. especially on first down. I will be happy if Bloesch simply throws off play action on first down, especially early when defense are expecting the run. And over the middle to burn the safeties and LBs not to WRs running sideline patterns. Keep doing that until they stop loading the box. Then run. Keep them off balance early. It is great for an OL coach to want his guys to play tough and "lean on them," but I want any Cal OC to play smart and create advantages for his players. Put them in a position to win. If Bloesch does that I'll be his biggest fan.
Before Mendoza was injured, Mendoza hit Young for a 25-yard TD pass after the TT fumble on the first play from scrimmage. Then the next possession, they drove 85 yards to the TT 5 before Mendoza was injured at the end of the play on a run and Finley came in. Mendoza was 5-5 for 61 yards at that point and had run for 17 more.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay/_/gameId/401551753

https://bearinsider.com/s/3890/bears-fall-in-bowl-game-rematch-with-texas-tech-34-14


Bloesch ran Ott 16 times for 45 yards. Ott broke off one for 26 yards. That means 15 Ott carries went for 19 yards total. A little more than a single yard per carry 15 times.

Even the play where Mendoza came out. 4th and 2, a predictable Ott run up the middle that gets stuffed.

When Mendoza came back in we went the length of the field for a TD in 5 plays. It is the next possession after that, and every one thereafter, that we were completely shut down.









We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run. Ott put on some muscle during the off season but he is not a full back or even a grind it out kind of running back. The running game was better balanced before Ifanse got hurt but even he was a bit small for the kind of back ideally suited for this role.


I hope we are not going back to "The play call would work if only we had different players."

Jadyn Ott is a Heisman candidate, the best back we have had in over a decade. I want an offense that takes advantage of what he is, not an offense that would be best with someone we don't have.
Not complaining about Ott, he is amazing and would be even more explosive if on 3rd and 2 the defense had someone else to worry about. We've got a RB room full of talent. One of those guys has to be a guy that cam hit a pile and fall forward 3 yards.


Or if we don't have that player we need to stop running straight into the pile. 15 times.
In fairness no run play is called "Make a pile up and run into it", it's just what happens when the defense makes the right call or failed blocking.


That is the point. Evan said "We really need a combination of line play and a big bruising back that can get 3-4 yards when the defense knows we are going to run." If the defense "knows we are going to run" they will "make the right call" and the blocking will fail.

Cal needs to have an offense where the defense doesn't always make the right read, and in fact usually makes the wrong read. An offense where the OC intentionally lures the defense into making the wrong read, and burns them for their aggressiveness so often the defense stops even trying to make a read, stops being aggressive and gets very conservative. THEN the OL can be the aggressor.

Hopefully we see that from Bloesch this season because that is not what he did in the bowl game.
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