Ramsay looking like a beast

[mushroomgod_1]

Looking for our improved running attack to open up passing opportunities. The combination of of a good run and pass game will keep defenses guessing. Would like to keep Stevie on the field during 3rd downs to keep the run option in the defenses mind. Hopefully they are working with him on improving his pass protection and pass catching ability. Would like to see Stevie on a screen play.

The most disappointing aspect of the 2nd half was that Scott's running did NOT open anything up for Ramsay, either running or throwing. They kept running the decide play and Ramsey always handed it off.........so I'm thinking when he pulls it out and runs with it he'll get at least 15 yards.....not so much....he got his 5 yards or so. For whatever reason, it seems like he's more effective at scrambling than when he runs off the decide play. I would like to see him be a better run option working off of Scott.

Also, with those LBs coming up to stop Scott, it's hard to believe we couldn't get Whop or Timian or Taylor or a TE open right over the middle. We don't know if that would have worked, as our OC never tried it.......I have my doubts about Ramsey, but DeBord is by far the bigger ?, imo.

I definitely want more of Penix going forward, and certainly hope it is NOT the plan to only play him in 4 games. Ramsey is fine for the Virginias and BSUs of the world, but it's hard to imagine us beating MSU or even Iowa with him taking all the snaps. Also, there has to be a 50% chance that Ramsey gets banged up along the way and misses some time. If that happens, we'd want Penix having some real experience when he comes in.

 

[LBW]

The most disappointing aspect of the 2nd half was that Scott's running did NOT open anything up for Ramsay, either running or throwing. They kept running the decide play and Ramsey always handed it off.........so I'm thinking when he pulls it out and runs with it he'll get at least 15 yards.....not so much....he got his 5 yards or so. For whatever reason, it seems like he's more effective at scrambling than when he runs off the decide play. I would like to see him be a better run option working off of Scott.

Also, with those LBs coming up to stop Scott, it's hard to believe we couldn't get Whop or Timian or Taylor or a TE open right over the middle. We don't know if that would have worked, as our OC never tried it.......I have my doubts about Ramsey, but DeBord is by far the bigger ?, imo.

I definitely want more of Penix going forward, and certainly hope it is NOT the plan to only play him in 4 games. Ramsey is fine for the Virginias and BSUs of the world, but it's hard to imagine us beating MSU or even Iowa with him taking all the snaps. Also, there has to be a 50% chance that Ramsey gets banged up along the way and misses some time. If that happens, we'd want Penix having some real experience when he comes in.

The best player on a football team is always the back-up quarterback. Look at the efficiency rating of Ramsey on a night that should have had all kinds of turnovers.

 

[Larryismyname]

Hopefully the conditions had a lot to do with it, but I thought his throws looked quite weak.. UVA's QB looked like... a RB, only a RB. Ramsey looked terrific in Miami, crisp throws, noticeably stronger than last year, so again, hopefully the monsoon was the culprit.. Still efficient for the most part, I just have nightmares about B1G DB's pick-6'ing him on those out routes, especially to the far hash, but hopefully they remain just in my head.

The best thing Iu can do to help Ramsey is run the ball effectively, especially in the red zone, where it’s been a problem throughout the Wilson and Allen regimes. Run it well and Ramsey has enough ability to make for a decent passing attack.

 

[oldcougar77]

The best thing Iu can do to help Ramsey is run the ball effectively, especially in the red zone, where it’s been a problem throughout the Wilson and Allen regimes. Run it well and Ramsey has enough ability to make for a decent passing attack.

Agreed. I don't think some posters really appreciate how bad conditions were Saturday night and how much that changes your playbook. A wet ball is tricky to throw and catch - a waterlogged ball is a nightmare. No QB should ever be judged on the aesthetics of his passing in a game like that.

Our red zone issues the last couple of years are directly related to the problems of the O-line, imo. I don't know that we are one of the best in the nation by any stretch this year, but we are much, much better so far. We hurt ourselves inside the 30 Saturday night with penalties and poor execution. They wisely stacked the box when we got into that territory knowing that timing routes and lengthy throws were unlikely to be successful. A game in that weather is a toss-up unless one team is physically superior. We were better than Va., but not by so much that we were going to kick their ass in a monsoon.

 

[82hoosier]

After listening to the Virginia radio broadcast (which was quite good) I just watched the game on YouTube. As described, Ramsey threw a number of passes that were accurately described as ducks and jump balls. But the Virginia quarterback was much less effective. The ball was waterlogged as were the player uniforms. There was very little slipping which probably masked the difficulties of the passing game.

My guess is we would have seen Penix if there was another touchdown cushion.

Other than the last touchdown most of the Hoosier passes were to players that were barely open, but that is a heck of a lot better than throwing into double coverage or directly at a middle linebacker.

Against the better teams if IU can open up its offense they can stretch the field another 10-15 yards to at least clear out more underneath routes. A big arm can keep the defense honest.

 

[IUCol]

The most disappointing aspect of the 2nd half was that Scott's running did NOT open anything up for Ramsay, either running or throwing. They kept running the decide play and Ramsey always handed it off.........so I'm thinking when he pulls it out and runs with it he'll get at least 15 yards.....not so much....he got his 5 yards or so. For whatever reason, it seems like he's more effective at scrambling than when he runs off the decide play. I would like to see him be a better run option working off of Scott.

Also, with those LBs coming up to stop Scott, it's hard to believe we couldn't get Whop or Timian or Taylor or a TE open right over the middle. We don't know if that would have worked, as our OC never tried it.......I have my doubts about Ramsey, but DeBord is by far the bigger ?, imo.

I definitely want more of Penix going forward, and certainly hope it is NOT the plan to only play him in 4 games. Ramsey is fine for the Virginias and BSUs of the world, but it's hard to imagine us beating MSU or even Iowa with him taking all the snaps. Also, there has to be a 50% chance that Ramsey gets banged up along the way and misses some time. If that happens, we'd want Penix having some real experience when he comes in.

A lot I can disagree with there but lets leave it at this...Scott made many of his own plays without much help from the line...case in point...how many times did you see him carrying defenders for an extra 5 yds...lots of times. Ramsey cant really do that between the tackles like Scott did. Ramsey runs it around the ends...or tends to...I have issues with the oline even after Scotts big night.

 

[IUCol]

I still don't get this disrespect of Ramsey's abilities as QB. He is 2-0 and has looked solid at worst and special at best. I think I will call this Penixitis Backupensis...after 2 seasons with Lagow at QB, thought a good QB would get some appreciation. Many do but many don't. As always a guy that has proven nothing but he is fast and can throw the ball very far, beats a quick QB with excellent accuracy and has won games, something he doesn't have yet. Experience be damned...

Glad I got my inoculation against that bug...affects the eye apparently...vbg

 

[h20pls]

Looking for our improved running attack to open up passing opportunities. The combination of of a good run and pass game will keep defenses guessing. Would like to keep Stevie on the field during 3rd downs to keep the run option in the defenses mind. Hopefully they are working with him on improving his pass protection and pass catching ability. Would like to see Stevie on a screen play.

This is right on the money...and I can recall reading quite a bit in pre-season and fall camp about the coaching staff being all over this...the exceedingly good news here...Stevie is a freshman!

He's young and has played the game...chances are very, very good that he will improve in those areas over the season and coming years.

He looked night and day from FIU to UVa...this would indicate that he CAN be coached.

 

[76-1]

This is right on the money...and I can recall reading quite a bit in pre-season and fall camp about the coaching staff being all over this...the exceedingly good news here...Stevie is a freshman!

He's young and has played the game...chances are very, very good that he will improve in those areas over the season and coming years.

He looked night and day from FIU to UVa...this would indicate that he CAN be coached.

My only critiques of our young 204 yard rusher (and *only on an anonymous fan board could a former h.s. Running Back get away with critiquing our newest 200+ yard rusher )... is that he still needs to get his pad levels down (but he did look better in that regard), and he needs to stop the spinning just for the sake of spinning.

Spinning is a technique that you want to use when you've made contact up high and just want to roll off the guy to daylight. Just spinning in the hope it leads to an opening usually doesn't end well against a good D...

 

[oldcougar77]

A lot I can disagree with there but lets leave it at this...Scott made many of his own plays without much help from the line...case in point...how many times did you see him carrying defenders for an extra 5 yds...lots of times. Ramsey cant really do that between the tackles like Scott did. Ramsey runs it around the ends...or tends to...I have issues with the oline even after Scotts big night.

I might agree were it not for the conditions. Check the video and look where those LBs were in that 3-4. They were tight and that means our OL didn't have as many hats in the box as they did. They were also consistently cheating up, especially late when they knew we were running between the tackles. Any push there is impressive and we had push all night. Not many negative runs. That means our guys up front were getting the job done. If those Va guys are winning the battle up front, Scott gets no crease at all and those gains where he is carrying people are stuffed in the gap.

 

[Indianaftw]

A lot I can disagree with there but lets leave it at this...Scott made many of his own plays without much help from the line...case in point...how many times did you see him carrying defenders for an extra 5 yds...lots of times. Ramsey cant really do that between the tackles like Scott did. Ramsey runs it around the ends...or tends to...I have issues with the oline even after Scotts big night.

Scott was getting through holes and breaking the L.O.S. due to line play. Sure he drug guys many times but, seldom was he hit behind the L.O.S.

 

[Indianaftw]

I definitely want more of Penix going forward, and certainly hope it is NOT the plan to only play him in 4 games. Ramsey is fine for the Virginias and BSUs of the world, but it's hard to imagine us beating MSU or even Iowa with him taking all the snaps. Also, there has to be a 50% chance that Ramsey gets banged up along the way and misses some time. If that happens, we'd want Penix having some real experience when he comes in.

Look man that first throw 2 weeks ago against FIU to Hale was on a rope in a 2 foot by 2 foot window. I'm not sure what your brother saw when he said Ramsey throws like a girl but thats an asinine comment. Anyone judging Ramsey's throwing performance during the uva game needs a head exam. I was down on Ramsey last year but I'll withhold judgement until I can watch him play under normal conditions. Lets see how he does next week and then especially against msu.

The guy is 2-0 this year and playing good football while not making mistakes. Think about that "making mistakes". Thats how many teams lose games and oftentimes in the past IU lost games from shooting themselves in the foot. So far this kid keeps putting us in position to win and until he can't keep him in.

 

[IUCol]

Maybe. But I was there to support the team instead of nitpicking. Were you there?

You know I have to come back to this...you didn't even read my post. What was I nit-picking about?? I was supporting Ramsey...I think maybe you should stay out of the rain...seems to have soaked your reading ability away.

Now I remember why I didn't come here for about a decade...the more things change the more they stay the same...why try...

 

[limestonecowboy]

You know I have to come back to this...you didn't even read my post. What was I nit-picking about?? I was supporting Ramsey...I think maybe you should stay out of the rain...seems to have soaked your reading ability away.

Now I remember why I didn't come here for about a decade...the more things change the more they stay the same...why try...

Initially, I believe he was responding to your rhetorical question about "how did UV do?"
Answer: "LOST"

 

[82hoosier]

You know I have to come back to this...you didn't even read my post. What was I nit-picking about?? I was supporting Ramsey...I think maybe you should stay out of the rain...seems to have soaked your reading ability away.

Now I remember why I didn't come here for about a decade...the more things change the more they stay the same...why try...

You have to understand that some people around here thought Zander Diamont was the second coming of Doug Flutie. No disrespect intended towards Zander.

 

[LBW]

You know I have to come back to this...you didn't even read my post. What was I nit-picking about?? I was supporting Ramsey...I think maybe you should stay out of the rain...seems to have soaked your reading ability away.

Now I remember why I didn't come here for about a decade...the more things change the more they stay the same...why try...

You are right, I misunderstood what you were saying. Limestone cowboy undertook what I was replying to. But my head is not wet, yet. : >)

 

[Crimson Crush]

For all the comparisons of Lagow’s “arm” to that of Peyton, remember that Lagow had accuracy issues. When he was on, he could throw a great ball. However, there were games like 2016 vs. Wake Forest with 5 INTs and back to back years with the very first drive throwing to a Purdue defender. We don’t need a guy with a wild, strong arm. We need a game manager who can move the sticks. This guy reminds me of all those Wisconsin QBs who weren’t spectacular but were field generals. Not spectacular but efficient enough to run a methodical offense. The fact that we are no longer the quickest 3-and-out team in America is refreshing for me. Does anybody not recall that we had several drives in our high octane offense in 2015 and 2016 that ran maybe 30 seconds off the clock? That’s awful.

 

[mobilehoosier]

For all the comparisons of Lagow’s “arm” to that of Peyton, remember that Lagow had accuracy issues. When he was on, he could throw a great ball. However, there were games like 2016 vs. Wake Forest with 5 INTs and back to back years with the very first drive throwing to a Purdue defender. We don’t need a guy with a wild, strong arm. We need a game manager who can move the sticks. This guy reminds me of all those Wisconsin QBs who weren’t spectacular but were field generals. Not spectacular but efficient enough to run a methodical offense. The fact that we are no longer the quickest 3-and-out team in America is refreshing for me. Does anybody not recall that we had several drives in our high octane offense in 2015 and 2016 that ran maybe 30 seconds off the clock? That’s awful.

This post is money!

 

[kmathum]

For all the comparisons of Lagow’s “arm” to that of Peyton, remember that Lagow had accuracy issues. When he was on, he could throw a great ball. However, there were games like 2016 vs. Wake Forest with 5 INTs and back to back years with the very first drive throwing to a Purdue defender. We don’t need a guy with a wild, strong arm. We need a game manager who can move the sticks. This guy reminds me of all those Wisconsin QBs who weren’t spectacular but were field generals. Not spectacular but efficient enough to run a methodical offense. The fact that we are no longer the quickest 3-and-out team in America is refreshing for me. Does anybody not recall that we had several drives in our high octane offense in 2015 and 2016 that ran maybe 30 seconds off the clock? That’s awful.

with a good supporting cast we can win a lot of games with peyton under center. and remember he's only played in a handful of games so far.

 

[IUCol]

You are right, I misunderstood what you were saying. Limestone cowboy undertook what I was replying to. But my head is not wet, yet. : >)

Hey Im sorry too. It gets nuts here some times. Its all good. Your posts have been excellent...lets forget the whole thing and get back to supporting a guy who is giving us his all...GO IU!

 

[iubud]

IMHO, good first half, disappointing 2nd half from Ramsey. Some of that was obviously the weather conditions being awful

I don't know if the TV mentioned it but there was some wind in the 4th quarter that was blowing my poncho around pretty good. It may have had some effect on our play calling. We got conservative and relied on the D.

 

[iubud]

After listening to the Virginia radio broadcast (which was quite good) I just watched the game on YouTube. As described, Ramsey threw a number of passes that were accurately described as ducks and jump balls. But the Virginia quarterback was much less effective. The ball was waterlogged as were the player uniforms. There was very little slipping which probably masked the difficulties of the passing game.

My guess is we would have seen Penix if there was another touchdown cushion.

Other than the last touchdown most of the Hoosier passes were to players that were barely open, but that is a heck of a lot better than throwing into double coverage or directly at a middle linebacker.

Against the better teams if IU can open up its offense they can stretch the field another 10-15 yards to at least clear out more underneath routes. A big arm can keep the defense honest.

I was going to mention the point about receivers being open. UVA did a good job covering our receivers and we didn't want to throw too far downfield with a wet heavy ball. We had a back that had only one run for a loss all night. I'm glad we didn't see the usual constant rotation of running backs and stuck with Scott. He can push a pile forward and rarely falls backwards. There were several runs where he was a half step from breaking another long run.

I take away from that game that Scott can be our main running back. We need to keep him healthy and fresh. We need to find another back that can get us more than 2 yards at a time so Scott can come out for a rest. I would like to see Walker or one of our other young backs. They may not be 100% ready, but we need to find out who can produce when the lights are on.

 

[oldcougar77]

I don't know if the TV mentioned it but there was some wind in the 4th quarter that was blowing my poncho around pretty good. It may have had some effect on our play calling. We got conservative and relied on the D.

It actually was mentioned in some of the articles linked on this site. Even though the rain let up in the 4th quarter the wind started to gust and made throwing more difficult than earlier. I think our lack of 2nd half scoring was partly because of poor execution and partly the unwillingness to run higher-risk plays with a lead. A slim lead in those kinds of conditions is good for giving ulcers to offensive coordinators.

 

[iubud]

It actually was mentioned in some of the articles linked on this site. Even though the rain let up in the 4th quarter the wind started to gust and made throwing more difficult than earlier. I think our lack of 2nd half scoring was partly because of poor execution and partly the unwillingness to run higher-risk plays with a lead. A slim lead in those kinds of conditions is good for giving ulcers to offensive coordinators.

We dealt with the rain very well in the stands. It only got miserable when the wind picked up late. I don't know what the wind was doing on the field. It could have been swirling or even more of an effect than what we felt in the stands. We went Dinardo-like conservative in the 4th quarter.

I didn't think so at the game, but it was wise to keep the ball on the ground and shorten the game. late I still don't like a game being decided on a final play. All game I kept thinking we were a team at least 2 touchdowns better than UVA. The conditions and to some extent our mistakes made it closer.

I'm sure ND didn't expect a close game with Ball State regardless of the weather. The better team won in both games. Did the better team win in the Purdoo - Eastern Michigan game?

 

[IUCol]

Hey...no one expects the Spanish Inquisition! Whoooops...sorry!

BSU has had our number. We had better be ready. They will, they will be confident and angry about a game they believe they should have won. (My son lives in Muncie.) Don't play soft or let them hang around. Could get dicey.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

I was going to mention the point about receivers being open. UVA did a good job covering our receivers and we didn't want to throw too far downfield with a wet heavy ball. We had a back that had only one run for a loss all night. I'm glad we didn't see the usual constant rotation of running backs and stuck with Scott. He can push a pile forward and rarely falls backwards. There were several runs where he was a half step from breaking another long run.

I take away from that game that Scott can be our main running back. We need to keep him healthy and fresh. We need to find another back that can get us more than 2 yards at a time so Scott can come out for a rest. I would like to see Walker or one of our other young backs. They may not be 100% ready, but we need to find out who can produce when the lights are on.

One thing I noticed about Scott is that he has an unusual running motion.....if you notice he doesn't lift his legs very high when he runs. He kinds scoots along. Actually reminds me of Ron Dayne a lot in that regard. When he sees daylight I'd like to see him kick up his heels a bit so he doesn't get caught by the ankles. As you mentioned, that happened several times on Saturday.

 

[76-1]

We dealt with the rain very well in the stands. It only got miserable when the wind picked up late. I don't know what the wind was doing on the field. It could have been swirling or even more of an effect than what we felt in the stands. We went Dinardo-like conservative in the 4th quarter.

I didn't think so at the game, but it was wise to keep the ball on the ground and shorten the game. late I still don't like a game being decided on a final play. All game I kept thinking we were a team at least 2 touchdowns better than UVA. The conditions and to some extent our mistakes made it closer.

I'm sure ND didn't expect a close game with Ball State regardless of the weather. The better team won in both games. Did the better team win in the Purdoo - Eastern Michigan game?

Yes

 

[IUCol]

One thing I noticed about Scott is that he has an unusual running motion.....if you notice he doesn't lift his legs very high when he runs. He kinds scoots along. Actually reminds me of Ron Dayne a lot in that regard. When he sees daylight I'd like to see him kick up his heels a bit so he doesn't get caught by the ankles. As you mentioned, that happened several times on Saturday.

Excellent observation...read today virtually those same comments from Scott himself. He said had he lifted his feet more he could have broke a couple more long runs. I believe him...vbg...he is practicing that right now for the next game. First game they said he was hesitant...so in practice he fixed it...to the tune of 204 yds...now if he does the same thing about his feet he may still be running come next Monday. Love this boy/man a whole bunch. Old school...tough guy...give me the ball guy...another AT...I hope. Great start...kudos to coaches for getting him ready.

 

[Indianaftw]

Excellent observation...read today virtually those same comments from Scott himself. He said had he lifted his feet more he could have broke a couple more long runs. I believe him...vbg...he is practicing that right now for the next game. First game they said he was hesitant...so in practice he fixed it...to the tune of 204 yds...now if he does the same thing about his feet he may still be running come next Monday. Love this boy/man a whole bunch. Old school...tough guy...give me the ball guy...another AT...I hope. Great start...kudos to coaches foor getting him ready.

you guys mean like this one...

https://ytcropper.com/cropped/OX5b98760c9c10a

 

[IUCol]

you guys mean like this one...

https://ytcropper.com/cropped/OX5b98760c9c10a

Yep...just like that! I can watch that thing of beauty over and over...

 

[Indianaftw]

Yep...just like that! I can watch that thing of beauty over and over...

It was probably a blessing that he shuffled his feet during the monsoon. High stepping would have probably led to slipping and such.

I know everyone (LIKE ME) is looking for angles after last weeks game but last week doesn't count when asking why the offense didn't do this or that. What impressed me was the coaches sticking to a simple game plan and the players executing based on limited conditions and succeeding.

This week would be alot better gauge based on the upcoming weather report. I watched Ball State last week and they were good but honestly ND is over-rated. We have 2 QB's that are more accurate than the ND QB and our starter, Ramsey, is extremely accurate. The greatest trait a QB can have is accuracy.

We should roll and if not the B10 schedule will kill us. jus sayin.

 

[iubud]

Excellent observation...read today virtually those same comments from Scott himself. He said had he lifted his feet more he could have broke a couple more long runs. I believe him...vbg...he is practicing that right now for the next game. First game they said he was hesitant...so in practice he fixed it...to the tune of 204 yds...now if he does the same thing about his feet he may still be running come next Monday. Love this boy/man a whole bunch. Old school...tough guy...give me the ball guy...another AT...I hope. Great start...kudos to coaches for getting him ready.

A few times I wanted to reference AT, but I didn't want to after 2 games. He does have the size and power to be durable and and every down back like AT.

I am interested in how he follows up a respectable first game and a big game on Saturday. Teams will know who he is now and it may get a little more difficult. I have often wondered if there are kids on the sidelines that don't get an opportunity to show what they can do in a game. Scott was behind at least 3 and as many as 5+ other backs this summer.