10 things I want to see against CMU this week

My top things to see:

1. Jordan Lyle, lets use this game to shake the rust off. We will need him down the stretch.
2. Wingo needs the reps. I think hes probably the best bet to replace what Moore could give us.
3. Play with the oline. Cantwell at OT, McCoy at OG, Cline?, Congdon, Hawks, lets see them plenty.
4. Wiley. 30+ snaps.
5. Mueller. I think with the loss of Moore, and the struggling run game, Mueller could help a lot with his sheer size. He can be a big target and run blocker. Get him involved in the offense, I think he can be a key player in this offense.
6. I want to see DT penetration. Blow some plays up from the middle. I think this has been lacking this year.
Cline is never playing a meaningful snap here or we are in deep doo doo.
 
In all seriousness, I think it might be a good time to run the offense without Toney. Get that sour taste of that 2nd half out of their mouth.
 
1. I want to see Mensah, Mali, Moten, and Fletcher play the least amount of plays possible.

2. I want to see Nickel and even Coleman play as many snaps as possible, especially whoever they plan to be our #2 QB in case of an emergency. Full offense.

3. I'm not going by priority, or else this one would be #s 1-5, but I'd like to see evidence of the supposed plan that our OL will look different in November. "We're getting guys ready and slowly bringing them along," except up 24-7, 31-7, and 31-13, we didn't see a lineup change.

4. I would LOVE to see an actual OL lineup change combinations instead of rotation. Even if you want our Tackles and Center to stay exactly where they are, then sit them down alongside Mensah, Mali, Moten and Fletcher. Let's see someone else at RT, especially. Cantwell, I'd hope, but Hawks, too.

5. While we're rolling out this makeshift DBackfield, I would love to see us tighten up our zones. I mentioned on a separate thread how absurd we look sometimes when LBs drop into the ether. But, to add, we had Safeties/DBs basically holding hands on one play while a zone was totally vacated. Can we clean this up?

6. To that end, can we see different LBs get early snaps? Like a lot of early snaps? CMU basically runs the ball, and I'd like to see more pass coverage reps, but I'll take whatever we can use as development time and tape.

7. I'd like to get another glimpse of Keona Davis at DT and then a lot of reps for some young DTs. I know we won't likely trust them unless there is "no choice" need, but I didn't love what I saw from Keona Davis inside against Wake. We absolutely need a strong top 4 DT rotation, and Davis looked more like Blount in 2025 where he'd be a better fit as a pass rushing DT than someone who could consistently hold the POA if he's needed to start. Maybe he just needs more reps and to play with more leverage, or maybe he's better suited for a different role (hybrid or 5T?). This is the type of game to figure that stuff out.

8. I don't want to see a single KOR on either side. Just eliminate those risks in this type of game.

9. Circling back to individuals, I'd like to see a backup Center get a solid amount of snaps. Woodrow? Buchanan after him? Someone. Let's see 20+ snaps.

10. I'd like to see Wingo and Jacobs into the boundary at WR. Show it off.

Add your own or just pray. Let's get healthy.

Cogdon, Spafford and Briggs for extended snaps.
 
Barkate more involved in the offense?

I haven’t rewatched the 4th outside of looking for injuries. I wonder who played slot. Upshaw is the clear slot after Toney, IMO. I’m not even sure he got a target or many snaps in the fourth when we were slowed down.

I’d like to see Upshaw in the slot with targets once Toney sits for the day. Barkete doesn’t seem shifty enough but needs targets too.

Lofton should get less in those times. Get those TE leaks when we are cooking so he gets TDs. Just don’t ask Lofton to run a go route again!
 
I dont think Moten plays. He’s seeking a 2nd opinion on the shoulder so that tells me his agent doesnt want hin to take any unnecessary chances.

I know Moten plays thru injuries. I’m not questioning his willingness to play thru pain. But, this is his money year.
 
1. No injuries

2. Weinberg lets his nuts hang and drills a 50+ yard field goal

3-10. Who cares it’s CMU just don’t get hurt
 
1. I want to see Mensah, Mali, Moten, and Fletcher play the least amount of plays possible.

2. I want to see Nickel and even Coleman play as many snaps as possible, especially whoever they plan to be our #2 QB in case of an emergency. Full offense.

3. I'm not going by priority, or else this one would be #s 1-5, but I'd like to see evidence of the supposed plan that our OL will look different in November. "We're getting guys ready and slowly bringing them along," except up 24-7, 31-7, and 31-13, we didn't see a lineup change.

4. I would LOVE to see an actual OL lineup change combinations instead of rotation. Even if you want our Tackles and Center to stay exactly where they are, then sit them down alongside Mensah, Mali, Moten and Fletcher. Let's see someone else at RT, especially. Cantwell, I'd hope, but Hawks, too.

5. While we're rolling out this makeshift DBackfield, I would love to see us tighten up our zones. I mentioned on a separate thread how absurd we look sometimes when LBs drop into the ether. But, to add, we had Safeties/DBs basically holding hands on one play while a zone was totally vacated. Can we clean this up?

6. To that end, can we see different LBs get early snaps? Like a lot of early snaps? CMU basically runs the ball, and I'd like to see more pass coverage reps, but I'll take whatever we can use as development time and tape.

7. I'd like to get another glimpse of Keona Davis at DT and then a lot of reps for some young DTs. I know we won't likely trust them unless there is "no choice" need, but I didn't love what I saw from Keona Davis inside against Wake. We absolutely need a strong top 4 DT rotation, and Davis looked more like Blount in 2025 where he'd be a better fit as a pass rushing DT than someone who could consistently hold the POA if he's needed to start. Maybe he just needs more reps and to play with more leverage, or maybe he's better suited for a different role (hybrid or 5T?). This is the type of game to figure that stuff out.

8. I don't want to see a single KOR on either side. Just eliminate those risks in this type of game.

9. Circling back to individuals, I'd like to see a backup Center get a solid amount of snaps. Woodrow? Buchanan after him? Someone. Let's see 20+ snaps.

10. I'd like to see Wingo and Jacobs into the boundary at WR. Show it off.

Add your own or just pray. Let's get healthy.
I believe we will see much of this. Some of the tactical stuff I’m not sure. Because it’s a bit over my head and I haven’t asked around. This staff wants to win and isn’t going to be beholden to the BS of the past. Guys have to earn snaps is a theme I’ve heard (see marcelin as one who did that).


Regarding cantwell, he is more in between Francis and pancake in terms of his development. He’s not a guard, it could hurt his confidence to put him at guard. They are not pleased about IOL, I expect them to tinker more with that. From my conversations They were apprehensive to mix it up last week in game bc of the stunts etc wake was doing.
 
I cant argue that. Idk why I put his name lol. Desperate times.
Let's not mention Cline Getting real PT here again.

Will Ferrell Reaction GIF
 
I’d like someone else on kick returns. Pringle stops to catch every kick off. Find a kid that can keep running to gain the momentum and extra 5yards.
 
I dont think Moten plays. He’s seeking a 2nd opinion on the shoulder so that tells me his agent doesnt want hin to take any unnecessary chances.

I know Moten plays thru injuries. I’m not questioning his willingness to play thru pain. But, this is his money year.
wtf. Didn’t know that was a thing. Is there a possibility he misses Clemson and maybe even extended time?
 
1. Sit Mali, Fletcher, Moten
2. Mensah only plays first half
3. A different starting OL (Samson, Buchanon, Rodriguez, McCoy, Cantwell left to right)
4. Heavy Lyle usage
5. Lots of linebacker reps from anyone not named Toure & Smith
6. Much more Barkate usage
 
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