WR Bubble Screen

[ISU_phoria]

During the OU game, I was thinking back to our win in Norman 3 years ago. We ran the WR bubble screen many times that game, with decent success. The entire 2017 season, that play was a frequent weapon for us. At the time, many of us (myself included) complained about how often we used that play and wished we would stretch the field vertically more often.

While we are much more skilled now, I am surprised that we don't seem to use that play at all. I can't remember a single time through the first three games.

Curious for anybody's thoughts on why the bubble screens seem to have been eliminated from the play calling and thoughts on whether mixing it in occasionally would be beneficial.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

MIlton hurt, Jones gone probably a lot to do with it. Akers is fast but not really shifty. Probably like our 1 on 1 match ups with TE's and WR on the edges better than our scat back game.

 

[CloneGuy8]

I'd like to see them run that with Kene

 

[coolerifyoudid]

Additionally, I think opponents LBs have been playing closer to the line and spying the backfield since we haven't proven to be a real threat to stretch the field. And, with Hall being a beast running the ball, it reduces the need for the "WR handoff".

 

[coolerifyoudid]

I'd like to see them run that with Kene

He's been so fun to watch this year. Gotta love his perseverence.

 

[tim_redd]

Don't have WR blockers like Lazard and Butler anymore.

 

[madguy30]

The overall talent is better but I think the 2017 receiving core is undervalued when it comes to this topic.

Lazard, Butler, Murdoch and Ryen made for some nice options including blocking.

Maybe Hutchinson can be someone to stretch it out. It was never in question once he turned caught that slant.

 

[moores2]

Don't have WR blockers like Lazard and Butler anymore.

I disagree. Shaw and Xavier have been great at blocking downfield.

 

[AuH2O]

We've also seen a good amount of press man, which makes it hard to run bubble screens. Particularly with Milton hurt our WRs are not shifty guys, and not good at getting in and out of breaks. I think we will see plenty of shots one on one. WRs need to start winning battles and getting open. With Kolar back our WRs are getting plenty of single coverage in space on the outside. I think this year is going to see fewer completions but more big plays and yardage through pass interference. Hutchinson is going to end up having a big year. He's getting comfortable and figuring it out and seems to be our guy with the size, strength and athleticism to start winning one on one battles.

Agree with the idea of getting back to using Kene in the passing game. After last year's mistakes in the WVU game, I wondered how his confidence would be, but the guy is a great weapon to utilize. On the play that called back vs OU as well as his KO returns he is running SO hard, aggressive and confident. I'd love to see Manning use him more in the slot, in two-back sets as well as spelling Breece a little more. Breece's ability in all phases makes it really hard to take him out. But watching Kene this year he looks way more decisive and physical. I think unlike past years he could be very effective as a one-cut guy between the tackles. No doubt Breece is the work horse, but I don't want him with too many 25+ carry games.

And Thank You Manning for bringing back the true RPO!!!

 

[Cyforce]

Guessing this guy will be the future of our bubble screen.

Deon Silas, Iowa State Cyclones, Running Back

Deon Silas is a 5-8, 170-pound All Purpose Back from Lutz, FL.

247sports.com

 

[AuH2O]

I disagree. Shaw and Xavier have been great at blocking downfield.

Yeah I don't think blocking is the missing ingredient. Shaw is a really good run blocker, and Hutchinson looks pretty good. That's one thing you have to hand our WRs - Lazard, Butler, Pettway, Shaw and XH GET AFTER IT blocking in the run game.

No Divas in the ISU WR room.

 

[Aclone]

Guessing this guy will be the future of our bubble screen.

Deon Silas, Iowa State Cyclones, Running Back

Deon Silas is a 5-8, 170-pound All Purpose Back from Lutz, FL.

247sports.com

I have an odd suspicion we’ll find punt returns part of the game again next year.

 

[pulse]

Remember when Herman used to call that over and over again for no gain. Good times.

 

[Cyclones_R_GR8]

Remember when Herman used to call that over and over again for no gain. Good times.

During the CPR years I said I never wanted to see another bubble screen again.

 

[nrg4isu]

Not to hijack the thread, but the shovel pass is always something we seem to have difficulty defending but never utilize ourselves. Usually similar in concept to a screen pass, taking advantage of overpersuit of a defense. What does that say about us? Defenses are defending more conservatively and don't feel the need to blitz as often?

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

Not to hijack the thread, but the shovel pass is always something we seem to have difficulty defending but never utilize ourselves. Usually similar in concept to a screen pass, taking advantage of overpersuit of a defense. What does that say about us? Defenses are defending more conservatively and don't feel the need to blitz as often?

I feel like we don't do well when defenses bring pressure.

 

[superiorcyclone]

During the OU game, I was thinking back to our win in Norman 3 years ago. We ran the WR bubble screen many times that game, with decent success. The entire 2017 season, that play was a frequent weapon for us. At the time, many of us (myself included) complained about how often we used that play and wished we would stretch the field vertically more often.

While we are much more skilled now, I am surprised that we don't seem to use that play at all. I can't remember a single time through the first three games.

Curious for anybody's thoughts on why the bubble screens seem to have been eliminated from the play calling and thoughts on whether mixing it in occasionally would be beneficial.

Tight-Ends. Ours are studs, and pound away in the running game and passing game. More Tight-Ends on the field the less bubble screens you see.

 

[tolfbfan]

Lots of good ideas, but remember there is only one football and for long term success against any opponent we need to hand it off to running backs atleast 20 + times per game. Also, I learned awhile back its much better to run less plays with more execution than more plays with less execution. Just thoughts from you alls Midwest fan.

 

[Aclone]

Lots of good ideas, but remember there is only one football and for long term success against any opponent we need to hand it off to running backs atleast 20 + times per game. Also, I learned awhile back its much better to run less plays with more execution than more plays with less execution. Just thoughts from you alls Midwest fan.

Psst. Iowa is in the Midwest.

 

[SolarGarlic]

Been wanting the same thing. Milton is our guy for that, but even when healthy, he only saw one screen. We need more quick passes to keep defenses honest. We were so good at using Jones out of the backfield/in motion. I don't know where those plays went.

That said, I think we found the staff's preferred recipe, which is 28 carries to Hall, and I can't complain. Our record is pretty good when Purdy throws fewer than 30 passes.