We won't be putting up a regular ITF this week (given the bye week), other than EJ Holland's INTO THE BLUE segment Monday, but we have picked some things up we'll share heading into the weekend off.
First off, injuries ... expect fifth-year senior Jon Runyan Jr. to return to his starting left tackle spot next weekend. He's feeling much better and will be needed against Wisconsin's aggressive defense, and he's champing at the bit to get back out there with his teammates. Redshirt frosh Ryan Hayes played well in his first game, struggled some in his second, and where he's lacking the most — being able to deal with complex blitzes and with the physical aspect (he's a year away from being there on the latter) — well, it would be tough for him in Madison.
We're still high on him for the future, but it's good to have Runyan back for this one.
Junior linebacker Josh Ross left last week's game with a stinger in the first half ... he should be fine and return to the starting lineup next week. Junior receiver and punt returner Donovan Peoples-Jones (ankle sprain) will probably return next week, as well, which would be a huge boost for both the offense and special teams. Punt return has been an issue with both Lavert Hill and Ronnie Bell struggling at times. Peoples-Jones will field the short ones and save field position.
We've heard redshirt frosh Christian Turner was banged up a bit, too, against Army, and that (and poor pass pro) played into the decision to play freshman Zach Charbonnet so many snaps against the Black Knights. Senior Tru Wilson will be back for Wisconsin, and that helps in the pass pro department. They need more than one guy who excels in that role — that gives them two.
On the offense ... coordinator Josh Gattis was calling the plays, regardless of chatter that Harbaugh "took over" down the stretch. Harbaugh has input on the tone and identity of the offense, but it is "100 percent" Gattis' offense and play calling.
Gattis appears to be trying to establish consistency because the receivers are so dominant (at times). They want senior starting quarterback Shea Patterson to let the receivers go get it more often, some 50-50 balls in which they can make plays. Gattis has been running a lot of the same routes and reads because the coverage dictates it so often with the way defenses have been playing their safeties.
Some are suggesting McCaffrey didn't play more last week because the coaches know they need him if Patterson (oblique injury) keeps getting worse, and knowing McCaffrey likes to run. But Gattis is an excellent play caller ... he just needs to do a better job with sequencing and establishing an offensive identity. Keep in mind, it is his first time calling plays.
Patterson's struggles last week certainly hurt them in the identity department. There's been talk there will be a shorter leash with the turnovers. He's got to protect the ball, banged up or not. But there's a lot of confidence that the passing game will be better with Runyan and Peoples-Jones returning. Army ran a lot of stuff to confuse Hayes and the inexperienced backs.
Finally, on defense ... coordinator Don Brown's focus will be getting back to winning first down and forcing second- and third-and-longs. He's been relatively pleased with his defense, but that's an area they want to own (and didn't the first two games). And keep an eye on redshirt junior defensive tackle Mike Dwumfour. This is a big game for him in determining how much he can play around his injuries.
First off, injuries ... expect fifth-year senior Jon Runyan Jr. to return to his starting left tackle spot next weekend. He's feeling much better and will be needed against Wisconsin's aggressive defense, and he's champing at the bit to get back out there with his teammates. Redshirt frosh Ryan Hayes played well in his first game, struggled some in his second, and where he's lacking the most — being able to deal with complex blitzes and with the physical aspect (he's a year away from being there on the latter) — well, it would be tough for him in Madison.
We're still high on him for the future, but it's good to have Runyan back for this one.
Junior linebacker Josh Ross left last week's game with a stinger in the first half ... he should be fine and return to the starting lineup next week. Junior receiver and punt returner Donovan Peoples-Jones (ankle sprain) will probably return next week, as well, which would be a huge boost for both the offense and special teams. Punt return has been an issue with both Lavert Hill and Ronnie Bell struggling at times. Peoples-Jones will field the short ones and save field position.
We've heard redshirt frosh Christian Turner was banged up a bit, too, against Army, and that (and poor pass pro) played into the decision to play freshman Zach Charbonnet so many snaps against the Black Knights. Senior Tru Wilson will be back for Wisconsin, and that helps in the pass pro department. They need more than one guy who excels in that role — that gives them two.
On the offense ... coordinator Josh Gattis was calling the plays, regardless of chatter that Harbaugh "took over" down the stretch. Harbaugh has input on the tone and identity of the offense, but it is "100 percent" Gattis' offense and play calling.
Gattis appears to be trying to establish consistency because the receivers are so dominant (at times). They want senior starting quarterback Shea Patterson to let the receivers go get it more often, some 50-50 balls in which they can make plays. Gattis has been running a lot of the same routes and reads because the coverage dictates it so often with the way defenses have been playing their safeties.
Some are suggesting McCaffrey didn't play more last week because the coaches know they need him if Patterson (oblique injury) keeps getting worse, and knowing McCaffrey likes to run. But Gattis is an excellent play caller ... he just needs to do a better job with sequencing and establishing an offensive identity. Keep in mind, it is his first time calling plays.
Patterson's struggles last week certainly hurt them in the identity department. There's been talk there will be a shorter leash with the turnovers. He's got to protect the ball, banged up or not. But there's a lot of confidence that the passing game will be better with Runyan and Peoples-Jones returning. Army ran a lot of stuff to confuse Hayes and the inexperienced backs.
Finally, on defense ... coordinator Don Brown's focus will be getting back to winning first down and forcing second- and third-and-longs. He's been relatively pleased with his defense, but that's an area they want to own (and didn't the first two games). And keep an eye on redshirt junior defensive tackle Mike Dwumfour. This is a big game for him in determining how much he can play around his injuries.
