Blount says WSSU needs better offense

By John Dell, Winston Salem Journal

Offensive linemen may be switched for Morgan State

Much has been made about Winston-Salem State’s change of philosophy on offense. There was supposed to be more emphasis on the passing game, but that aspect was missing in Saturday’s 28-21 loss to Coastal Carolina.

Coach Kermit Blount isn’t holding quarterback Monte Purvis responsible. Had it not been for Purvis’ ability to run - he had a career-high 165 yards on 19 carries and scored all three touchdowns - the Rams wouldn’t have been close.

“We had a couple of guys up front who didn’t play well, especially in the first half,” Blount said of the offensive line. “Certainly those things are correctable, and that’s what we’ll need to shore up before this week’s game.”

Blount said he might move some linemen around for Saturday’s game at Morgan State. Kickoff will be at 4 p.m., and both teams are 1-1.

Purvis was just 2 of 10 passing for 11 yards against Coastal Carolina, and there were some dropped passes.

Blount said that on the Rams’ final drive, Rod Fluellen dropped a pass of about 40 yards from Purvis that could have made a big difference.

“If Rod doesn’t drop that one, we could have been in position to keep things going,” Blount said.

Nick Calcutta was hired as the offensive coordinator this season, and he brought in a plan to spread out the offense to include more passing. In the win over N.C. A&T two weeks ago, Purvis hit seven different receivers, but he couldn’t get things going against Coastal.

To be competitive against teams in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the Rams will have to be more balanced. When they played in the CIAA, they often could win by pounding teams with a steady running game.

Blount said he doesn’t want to peg his team as either a running or a passing team.

“I think the game dictates what you can do best,” he said. “It depends on what the defense gives you. We have a good running game with (Brandon McRae), (Jed) Bines and Monte, but we also have guys that can catch the football.”

Against a talented Morgan State team, finding a balance will be crucial.

“When you look at our football team, we have to be balanced,” Blount said. “And like I’ve always said, it starts with the guys up front.”

Winston Salem State University Marching Rams