FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[faunch]

SJU is averaging 443 passing yards per game. My question to those that have watched a number of games is how many of those passing yards come on the push or shovel passes? Even though they count as passing yards it really is more like a running play.

I've also heard from a few loyal SJU followers that feel like opponents have had more success slowing down the Johnnies on the shovel play. Another observation is that multiple players are being used as the receiver on those plays. I'm wondering if there will be any wrinkles put into those plays once the playoffs start?

Thoughts...comments?

The shovel pass appears to be doing two things: 1.) increasing pass completion percentage. 2.) acting as a proxy for running plays IMO. There may very well be wrinkles added to that which will not show up on film until Round 2 of playoffs

I also think it helps to hold or draw up the line backers and opens up the middle for receivers, especially our tight ends.

[Retired Old Rat]

The shovel passes have a bigger impact on completion percentage.

[OzJohnnie]

The shovel passes have a bigger impact on completion percentage.

I don't get the attention being given to shovel passes on the passing stats. Surely they are being used as an effective tool to move the ball, not a means to game passing stats as it seems to be driving the discussion.

[Retired Old Rat]

The shovel passes have a bigger impact on completion percentage.

I don't get the attention being given to shovel passes on the passing stats. Surely they are being used as an effective tool to move the ball, not a means to game passing stats as it seems to be driving the discussion.

Just making an observation.

The real point of the discussion is that the shovel pass is a big part of our run game. "Official" run yards understate "actual" run yards. Gary has said multiple times that the shovel pass is blocked like a run.

[art76]

Only MIAC-er on the Team of the Week this week is a CB, Maximilian Neaves, from St. Scholastica. Not sure if there are any Saints fans here - but congratulations to him are in order.

[faunch]

The shovel passes have a bigger impact on completion percentage.

I don't get the attention being given to shovel passes on the passing stats. Surely they are being used as an effective tool to move the ball, not a means to game passing stats as it seems to be driving the discussion.

Just making an observation.

The real point of the discussion is that the shovel pass is a big part of our run game. "Official" run yards understate "actual" run yards. Gary has said multiple times that the shovel pass is blocked like a run.

As someone who has been critical of SJU's run game struggles the last couple of seasons I have some positive observations.
In the Lacrosse and Concordia games the Johnnies used the run game to close out the games and get the win.
And last week against GAC ran for over 70 yards and a 3.8 yard average.

[OzJohnnie]

The shovel passes have a bigger impact on completion percentage.

I don't get the attention being given to shovel passes on the passing stats. Surely they are being used as an effective tool to move the ball, not a means to game passing stats as it seems to be driving the discussion.

Just making an observation.

The real point of the discussion is that the shovel pass is a big part of our run game. "Official" run yards understate "actual" run yards. Gary has said multiple times that the shovel pass is blocked like a run.

I wasn't having a go at you, ROR.  I'm with you.  It appears the shovel is a nice way to boost the run game's effectiveness, something we've been light on for a few years now.  Whatever gets the W, I say.  (short of playing like the Tommies or Oles of yesteryear)