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I really expected the D to be really weak, either just a habit, or not knowing what Skipper was going to do... but it’s been solid enough so far. And I knew the passing game wasn’t a strength and running would be.... but man, we don’t have to hit home runs through the air, we just need enough to keep things honest. Simple passes, high percentage passes... mix in some downfield stuff. It really isn’t a playcalling or routes or even drops (have been some)... Armani simply has to step up and make the ordinary plays through the air, not extraordinary.I thought I was done talking about our lack of a passing game but since Sanchez brought it up I am back on it. He is quoted as saying “Can we kind of impose our will a little bit and be able to run the football? Now to do that we’ve got to be functional in the passing game and we need a higher completion percentage and make some big plays in the passing game,”
They have a very capable and physical defense and only allowed Alabama 278 yds on 44 carries. So it might be a little overly optimistic to think we will do as much damage as Alabama did in the run game. Now Armani doesn’t need to go 30-42 with 3 td’s but it would sure be nice to see something like 15-22 for 175yds & 2 td’s
I really expected the D to be really weak, either just a habit, or not knowing what Skipper was going to do... but it’s been solid enough so far. And I knew the passing game wasn’t a strength and running would be.... but man, we don’t have to hit home runs through the air, we just need enough to keep things honest. Simple passes, high percentage passes... mix in some downfield stuff. It really isn’t a playcalling or routes or even drops (have been some)... Armani simply has to step up and make the ordinary plays through the air, not extraordinary.
You can bet Ark State is going to throw everything at our run game.
I felt like we should of passed more the first two games, Armani just doesn't look comfortable in the pocket and those were the games to try and solidify his game in my opinion before this weeks test. That said though I agree with Joe, as long as Armani is average at best and completes at a high percentage we have a solid shot at pulling off the upset.
I know his numbers were not great, but I thought AR looked very comfortable week 1 against SC. Most of his passes were on point, just no separation and a few drops from the receivers. I’m looking forward to him having to manage a competitive game. Didn’t have to do that the last couple.
You have plenty of reasons to. This is the type of game that UNLV has been outclassed in for much of our recent history. I am hoping that we are turning a corner, but it's kind of a fooled me once, shame on you, twice, shame on me situation.To quote every Star Wars movie ever: I've got a bad feeling about this.
I had a thought about our passing game and wanted to present it here. Tell me your thoughts.And I knew the passing game wasn’t a strength and running would be.... but man, we don’t have to hit home runs through the air, we just need enough to keep things honest. Simple passes, high percentage passes... mix in some downfield stuff. It really isn’t a playcalling or routes or even drops (have been some)... Armani simply has to step up and make the ordinary plays through the air, not extraordinary.
I agree 100%. And it doesnt have to be some long sideline passes either. Just short, ding, dong passes to RB and WR on the interiors will keep the defense honest. Then keep the drives alive with the runs...I've been to every UNLV game this year and we can run the ball on anyone. Alabama chose to pass against ASU and pretty much imposed their will. IF, and that's a big IF, Armani has poise in the pocket, UNLV will win. UNLV has the receiving corps which will give ASU and the MW fits BUT that is all contingent on Armani throwing on time and on target.
As for ASU, they have a 4 year starter who is prone to throw some dangerous balls. Pass defense will be tested but I think Skipper will have some wrinkles for the game.
UNLV gets the outright win 45-31 and they are off to their best start in a while and head into the bye week feeling pretty good about themselves.
I had a thought about our passing game and wanted to present it here. Tell me your thoughts.
Bottom line: Armani is not an accurate passer.
Joe and others have said things like (I want to see easy passes; high percentage passes; just hit the 7-yard out route; etc.). I think that's easier said than done for Armani. IMO, these types of passes require a lot more accuracy than a long throw down the middle or sideline. If you're going to throw the out route, you have to pick your spot, lead your man, and there is little room for error. Armani's biggest successes passing the ball have been on deep throws down the middle. While those throws aren't "easy" they are more about arm strength than accuracy. A receiver can adjust his speed, make a slight change to his trajectory, or whatever else it takes to make the catch.
Coach Sanchez has specifically said that the good thing about having Armani in year 3 (RS sophomore) is that not only does Armani know the system better, but the coaches know him better. They know his strengths and weaknesses. He has a huge arm. He can chuck it down the field, and when it connects, you can have some huge plays. But he's going to be very hit-and-miss with the "routine" throws that top QBs make look so simple.
If you don't believe me... think back to the Fresno State game last year. We started Stanton and we ate up FSU with short pass plays. At the time, I thought "why don't we see this with Armani..." but I think I've come to the conclusion that it is not that Cotton doesn't have those plays in his arsenal... and those plays may even be called from time to time with Armani. But I think these coaches know that in the long run, we would have too many incompletions/turnovers for the short passing game to be a feasible option. So we pound the run game, be creative in using Armani on the ground, take some shots down field, let Armani hit some TEs wide open in the flats, and hope for the best.
And who knows, with us playing some defense this year... maybe it's enough to get us where we want to be... for now.
Historically, yeah, agreed.This is a game UNLV always loses. We dont win many games period, but have to be 0-100 in the last 100 pivitol games which this is. Hoping this year is different.
But for the same reasons as you, I can’t wrap my brain around winning this one.
You’re right, he’s definitely had some nice throws. The strike to Keys against USC comes to mind. His pass to Woods against UNM last year to help get us the win was great. He’s had others.I disagree at least a bit.
We've seen Armani put the ball into some pretty tight windows. Right in the money 2 guys draped over them across the middle, He floated a nice ball over the in the flat at USC (that was dropped). He has made tougher throws than we have seen in a UNLV uniform since maybe, Jon Denton?
I am gonna put that on the sound guy. They don’t have them eq’d very good and they should put a compressor on the mics to limit the volume to a certain level.This announcer needs to back to broadcast journalism 101 amd stop screaming into the mic
All he can do is run so he is gonna take a beating. That’s what happens to runners.How much of a licking can Rodgers take it seems every play.
Defense is much improved this year. More size & speed which is being utilized by our new DC. More defensive looks and different t blitz packages.surprisingly our offense is not clicking but our defense is better