Quote from: UfanBill on October 23, 2021, 04:19:50 PM
I found this page which hasn't had a post on it since 2007 to bring up a rules question.

In the Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech game today a Hokie punt returner signaled for a fair catch after the punt hit the ground and took a high bounce. He fielded the ball and the play was blown dead as the defender stood closely by. Is this a valid fair catch or should the defense have been free to drill him?

At the same time I would like to get clarification on if the kick returner on Kick Off signals a fair catch and then the ball hits the ground and the returner fields it - is it a dead ball where he fielded it, live ball, or since it was inside the 25 a fair catch at the 25?

Quote from: Whitecarrera on October 18, 2021, 04:32:41 PM
Concerning Wabash's kick return question, important to note that the punt return conversation is completely different than kickoff return.

Wabash is dead last in the NCAA in total KOR yardage, as well as KOR average, but the net effect might be okay.  With kickoff fair catches (and for the record, I absolutely HATE this rule change) resulting in possession at the 25 yard line, a fair catch here could have a favorable net result.  Example -- if the average KO is fair caught at the 5 yard line, this equates to a return average of 20 yards.  The team averaging 20 yards per return is currently ranked 94 out of 240. 

To wally's point though, the average KOR against Wabash is 24.28 yards (or 25.12 depending on whose stat sheet you look at), putting them 220 / 240.  For comparison, DePauw has been averaging 24.4 yards per KOR, and this ranks them 25th.  This stat has absolutely nothing to do with the fair catch option, but strictly KO coverage and a KO hang time/distance that seems a little average this year.

Completely different for punt return where a fair catch gets you nothing.  I show Wabash ranked 160 / 240, with only 5 PRs for 27 yards (5.4 yd average).  Wabash opponents have punted 34 times, so I look at this as 27 yards on 34 PR opportunities. I don't like that at all.  On the other hand opponents have only returned 8 punts (out of 29) for a total of 56 yards.  Partially a tribute to Annee, for sure.

To your point on Punt Return - watch the replay's they don't give the returner midfield protection, the defenders barely block the gunners, they don't play 2 back, and they don't practice it. Any returner Sullivan, Gaines, Skeens would be fast enough to have a material return.

Also if you look at the the Wooster game - several KO's went short to Skeen's arguably the fastest to 2nd fastest runner on the team. I believe Lamb #16 had the fastest 40 split at camp. Looking at the ondemand film - he had soooooo much room and blockers. Very frustrating.

So I am close to a few player families  and Morel has stated he has looked at the percentages over and over and it is a very low percentage of reward over risk. Risk equating to injury - fumbles - turnovers - penalties for the potential of an exciting play and additional field position. The returner is often not provided the decision - he is told to fair catch - the only decision he gets is does he fair catch it or let it go. On top of that they do not practice the receiving return element that much - so the returner's get very little experience in decisioning one. It's tougher than it looks from the stands - trying to watch the ball - watch the approaching team - making a decision and then catching the ball.

Wabash has 4 solid back in 3,5,7,21 - you have to remember 21 - Epstein and 3 Netting are new to the program this year, they have played pretty well and there we only a few missed coverages during the game. I was at the game and the Wooster QB was throwing dimes, but at the same time he had minimal pressure for the majority of the game.

My concern is you have 5:36 left in the 4th Q with 3 TOL and don't use any of them. The Little Giants moved the ball all game playing from behind - give your offense the time to operate and get it down the field.

Final comment- while two WR's were almost 200+ yards, with Sullivan for 3TDs where was the use of the T.E. 1 catch for 12 yards? Again you had all day to pass the ball over the middle and in the seam.

Most of the Skilled Positions were sat in the Hiram game after 3 minutes or so into the 3rd QTR. Still a good showing for the younger players to get the onfield experience.

I went to the Wabash game and envy your ability to stay dry! However, I echo your statements. The Defense is going to make some adjustments in the backfield and I think the lineup should be 5/7/21/3. Cam and Franco played well last night and so did the newcomers Netting and Epstein.

Adding to your comments Thompson get's washed out of the pocket way too, much, and while its nice to be able to rely on his ability to scramble, we are relying on it too often. His rollouts should be controlled and deliberate.

Receiver core is good with some new additions, but some dropped balls by veterans who normally don't. We will call that knocking the rust off the gears. TE Clayborne found nice soft spots in the D while Thompson was on the run.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone.

Looking forward to a nighttime game Wabash vs Rose Hulman.