My Simple, One-Step Solution To Solving USC's Offensive Problems
posted by Scott Hood, Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Head coach Steve Spurrier clearly wants USC to open up the playbook and throw the ball downfield. If I had a nickel for every time Spurrier has used the word “conservative” to describe USC’s game plan against NC State, I would be a rich man.
Well, at least enough to purchase a nice birthday gift for my wife.
I have an idea, though, on how to improve USC’s meager productivity on offense. It’s ridiculously easy, shockingly simple and, let’s face it, freakishly brilliant.
Give the ball more to Patrick DiMarco.
Why? The guy produces, as he showed in last Thursday’s season opener. He rushed five times for 19 yards (3.8 yards per rush) and caught one pass.
Not overwhelming, I realize, but it was the most action DiMarco had seen on offense beyond just blocking in the first 26 games of his career.
In my opinion, there is no greater testament to the coaches’ confidence in a player than giving him the ball on a fourth-and-short situation in a close, hard-fought ball game.
And that’s exactly what happened against N.C. State. DiMarco got the first down with a strong second and third effort.
His teammates know the deal. That’s why he was voted a team captain despite having just one carry and nine receptions in his first two seasons.
Georgia head coach Mark Richt paid DiMarco respect as well when he described him as “hard as nails” the other day in a teleconference. If you’re a football player, is there a better compliment than being called “hard as nails?” I doubt it.
Basically, something good happens whenever DiMarco touches the ball. Of course, is he going to rip off a 50-yard touchdown run or catch a swing pass and go the distance? Probably not. But I know this, the ball goes north and south whenever he has it in his hand and he’s not afraid to engage tacklers.
In my opinion, DiMarco has been underutilized thus far in his career considering what a smart, tough player he is. Based on his productivity, he should get between 10 and 15 touches per game divided roughly evenly between rushes and passes.
But this isn’t the first time in his career DiMarco has been undervalued. Despite an outstanding high school career – he was named the Orlando Sentinel’s Player of the Year in Central Florida – the only offers he received besides USC came from UCF, South Florida, Northwestern and Florida Atlantic.
Do you think any of the so-called ‘Big Three’ schools in the Sunshine State would like to have DiMarco on their roster now?
If DiMarco was allowed to rush the ball about 10 times per game, I have no doubt he would good for 40 to 50 yards. Throw in a few receptions and he could account for 75 yards of offense per game.
Of course, sometimes it’s baby steps. Five carries in the opening game is a positive start. As long as that number continues to increase – and DiMarco does his part – Steve Spurrier would be doing the smart thing.
Watching DiMarco play, it’s easy to be reminded of Ryan Brewer, who had an outstanding career at USC earlier this decade. But Brewer was also underutilized by Lou Holtz and his staff. Brewer didn’t reach 1,000 rushing yards in his career, which I attribute mainly to a lack of opportunities rather than a lack of production.
DiMarco is roughly halfway through his college football career at USC. I believe he can accumulate some nice numbers as long as he gets an opportunity to contribute with the ball in his hands.
Question is, will he?
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We’ve heard a lot this week about South Carolina’s struggles on offense and what they must do to score enough points to beat Georgia on Saturday.
Head coach Steve Spurrier clearly wants USC to open up the playbook and throw the ball downfield. If I had a nickel for every time Spurrier has used the word “conservative” to describe USC’s game plan against NC State, I would be a rich man.
Well, at least enough to purchase a nice birthday gift for my wife.
I have an idea, though, on how to improve USC’s meager productivity on offense. It’s ridiculously easy, shockingly simple and, let’s face it, freakishly brilliant.
Give the ball more to Patrick DiMarco.
Why? The guy produces, as he showed in last Thursday’s season opener. He rushed five times for 19 yards (3.8 yards per rush) and caught one pass.
Not overwhelming, I realize, but it was the most action DiMarco had seen on offense beyond just blocking in the first 26 games of his career.
In my opinion, there is no greater testament to the coaches’ confidence in a player than giving him the ball on a fourth-and-short situation in a close, hard-fought ball game.
And that’s exactly what happened against N.C. State. DiMarco got the first down with a strong second and third effort.
His teammates know the deal. That’s why he was voted a team captain despite having just one carry and nine receptions in his first two seasons.
Georgia head coach Mark Richt paid DiMarco respect as well when he described him as “hard as nails” the other day in a teleconference. If you’re a football player, is there a better compliment than being called “hard as nails?” I doubt it.
Basically, something good happens whenever DiMarco touches the ball. Of course, is he going to rip off a 50-yard touchdown run or catch a swing pass and go the distance? Probably not. But I know this, the ball goes north and south whenever he has it in his hand and he’s not afraid to engage tacklers.
In my opinion, DiMarco has been underutilized thus far in his career considering what a smart, tough player he is. Based on his productivity, he should get between 10 and 15 touches per game divided roughly evenly between rushes and passes.
But this isn’t the first time in his career DiMarco has been undervalued. Despite an outstanding high school career – he was named the Orlando Sentinel’s Player of the Year in Central Florida – the only offers he received besides USC came from UCF, South Florida, Northwestern and Florida Atlantic.
Do you think any of the so-called ‘Big Three’ schools in the Sunshine State would like to have DiMarco on their roster now?
If DiMarco was allowed to rush the ball about 10 times per game, I have no doubt he would good for 40 to 50 yards. Throw in a few receptions and he could account for 75 yards of offense per game.
Of course, sometimes it’s baby steps. Five carries in the opening game is a positive start. As long as that number continues to increase – and DiMarco does his part – Steve Spurrier would be doing the smart thing.
Watching DiMarco play, it’s easy to be reminded of Ryan Brewer, who had an outstanding career at USC earlier this decade. But Brewer was also underutilized by Lou Holtz and his staff. Brewer didn’t reach 1,000 rushing yards in his career, which I attribute mainly to a lack of opportunities rather than a lack of production.
DiMarco is roughly halfway through his college football career at USC. I believe he can accumulate some nice numbers as long as he gets an opportunity to contribute with the ball in his hands.
Question is, will he?
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
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Scott Hood. Since February of 2005, Scott has covered the South Carolina football, men's basketball and baseball programs for GamecockCentral. He may be reached by email at scottblog(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.