Without Booker, how do these next two games go?

[The Lone Wolf]

How confident are you in the backups?

[Jumpmasterute]

I love Booker but I think we’ll be fine.

[leftyjace]

Honestly?

I think we’ll be just fine. I think Booker is a special talent and has a future in the NFL (given that the surgery goes well), but we’ve got such depth on this team now. I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Joe Williams. I think Booker’s absence will make everyone else step up their game… which could be a good thing. Couple that with a more than capable running back, and we’ll be just fine.

[Hockeybeard]

Only question I have is blitz pickup. Can Williams accurately read the protection scheme and shift to pickup a blitz?

[Tony (admin)]

After watching Williams in the last game I think we will be fine.

[rbmw263]

Wish Mccromick wasnt out. UCLAs soft spot is their rush d, so we might be ok. But not as ok as we’d be with a healthy Booker. This will make us pass more. Interested to see what that looks like…

[Tony (admin)]

This will make us pass more. Interested to see what that looks like…

Be careful what you ask for.

[Jumpmasterute]

I don’t see our game plan changing.

[YodaUte]

Our game plan is give the ball to Booker. I think that has changed.

[Jumpmasterute]

Our game plan is give the ball to the RB.
I’m betting Williams/Poole can get the job done… If they can hold on to the ball and catch one or two passes.
I don’t think rushing yards will be a problem.

[Tony (admin)]

Our game plan is give the ball to Booker. I think that has changed.

That @yodaute is smart.

[Anonymous]

Don’t forget Dre’Vian Young, he’s a burner. Also, Joe Williams is faster than Booker.

[89ute]

Not only is Joe faster than Booker, Joe hits the hole MUCH MUCH faster than Booker. Booker approaches the line a little slower and lets the blocking develop. I’m not saying one way is better than another, just different. I don’t think the offense is going to look any different.

As far as Joe’s ability to pick up the blitz? There was only one opportunity to see this in the AZ game. Joe spotted the linebacker coming in but the pocket collapsed and Travis was sacked. Could not draw any conclusions from this one play.

I don’t think our offense will be any better or worse with Joe. The change might mess with UCLA more than it will mess with us. This could actually turn out to be an advantage in our favor.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Booker times his attack through the lanes and holes. He’ll wait for the blocking to develop, plant his foot and then unleash his running fury. That’s what made it so fun to watch him.