In wednesday's JI

Here is the story on Randy Edsall defending the offense and coordinator Rob Ambrose.

Here are some of my thoughts on the offense. I understand the need for Edsall to defend his coordinators, it is entirely justified and considering the Huskies record the last year I do think there is something to be said about not ruining the game. first job of a coach is to "do no harm." The coaching staff has managed these games almost perfectly the last two years, and the formula is don't lose the game on offense.

Also, to critique the Temple game as an example of conservatism is unfair considering the driving rain storm, and the fact they moved the ball at will on the ground with 293 yards rushing. I would take that number every game.

Those are all good points. The Huskies' success is ball control and good defense. It's their best bet to another good bowl game. The coaching staff has done a good job overall.

On the flip side: Edsall is being overly dramatic on the "throw the ball 60 times". No one is asking for that. No one is asking to run the spread.

Observationally, why can't the Huskies ever get the ball down the field? Watching other college games every team seems able to at least throw the ball deep to someone, or at least try. Temple is hardly the bastion of passing but they had 3 or 4 big shots down the field.

You would think with the kind of rushing game that the Huskies can get some guy 1-on-1 and make a big play in the passing game. I just don't see that developing. There is little YAC from the receivers, and they don't get downfield. This is my observation watching the team from late last year, spring, and fall camp and the first two games.

By saying it's not the play-calling, then that means the players at the skill position are too young or aren't talented enough to make the plays. That may be so, the Huskies have struggled at WR the last three years. Mike Smith is a keeper (get him the ball please) and Kashif Moore is fast. But, they are so young it's hard to rely on them.

At QB, Lorenzen came in from Palomar with a 70 percent completion percentage. He was pretty good last year in an up tempo and quick hit passing game. He did throw for 298 yards against Duke and at Virginia he was excellent at times throwing. The Huskies offense was able to pass the ball productively last year for most of the season.

Where is that these days? Why is the efficiency so far down? Is it an anomaly? Is it scheme?, Predictability? QB decision making? Conservatism on offense? Talent at WR? Or just game conditions such as weather, score and opponent?

It's a fair question to ask when a good passing game could get this team back in position to win a Big East championship.

It should be a wait and see approach. It is too early to panic, and Edsall certainly isn't. But, Edsall knows the passing game has to get better, and Saturday night against Virginia would be a good time to try.