Maybe the slide protection was meant to look like the counter run play with pulling TE? The down block by Farniok could draw in the LB and safeties. But maybe that's too cute as you say, since instead Lee gets hit.
Well....technically, then both Farniok and Hoppes were doing what they were supposed to do. Hoppes just lost the battle. I would prefer a play where Farniok and Hoppes are taking on the OLB when you look at how the D was lined up.
You can definitely run with 2 minutes left, especially in college where the clock stops on first downs. Maybe that play is more effective if we first run the ball to show Oregon that they can't just ignore the run threat.
A few 7-8 yard runs (which don't take 30 seconds if you're in hurry up, especially if any of them result in 1st downs) is what I think you'd need to setup the play you're analyzing, So IMO the play isn't terrible, but you've got to either call it when the defense is at least thinking run or set it up on that drive so that you get them thinking run.
We all know why Riley, Langsdorf, and Cavanaugh like to go with a deception-based offense (even with their blocking schemes), it's because they have never felt they could line up across the other team and whip them physically. They couldn't do that at Oregon State, because they felt they were always at the talent disadvantage. Now, they are at Nebraska, I would think they would have a physical advantage over a lot of teams, yet they still prefer to "trick" defenses and do things cute. What I liked about the first half of last year is that they stopped getting cute (because being cute didn't work in 2015), and they physically wore teams down. Yes, the 2nd half of last year the offense fizzled due to injuries on the o-line, the QB, and other key spots. Now, that Langsdorf has their passing QB they want, they go back to being cute.
Sorry for the crappy quality
