In 02, Auburn attempted 563 rushes and 299 passes. In 03, we rushed 541 times and passed 323 times. In 04, we rushed 553 times and passed 308 times.
Now I realize that the actual plays called ratio is a little more heavily weighted to pass than those raw numbers, because of sacks and scrambles, but it is still nowhere near 50/50. The offensive line play last year was far superior to 03. The offensive coaching was far superior. The run/pass ratio was not radically different, though.
You are also wrong about the Bama game, last year. We were run oriented in the first half to the extreme, largely because of poor field position. When we started passing, we started moving the ball. Bama was daring us to throw. When we took the dare, we kicked their asses and exploited their considerable pass coverage weaknesses. When we went one-dimensional in the running game again in the fourth quarter, we stagnated. Same thing happened against Va. Tech, too.
I agree with your philosophy. Run first and then stop the run on defense will win you a helluva lot of football games. It is the way to go. But there is a reason why Division I teams are not running the wishbone anymore. It has more to do with defensive speed than a desire to be an NFL farm club. Your point about misdirection plays is a real good one.
Auburn's success with the pass last year was integral to its season, however. To deny that fact isto be lacking in sobriety. Witness: UT Parts 1 and 2, Bama, and LSU (fourth quarter).
And now, to cocktail hour. Sobriety is overrated.
::::>Auburn's O-line has never been the problem. We have been pushing people around since time immemorial. What has been the problem is a coaching staff that makes 300 pounders stand up to pass block instead of pushing forward. "Balance" is achieved once the ground game has been won. The secondary cheats which leaves the QB the ability to grab headlines, babes, and trophies as he launches pretty passes to unchecked receivers. 50/50 pass/run leads to interceptions and lousy field position. Sobertiger
