All-22 view of Harrell disrupting McCord

Submitted by Cromulent on November 26th, 2023 at 7:18 PM

Brian was right; Graham is the stick that stirs the drink.

You need to look at 3 people here. Mason Graham is lined up in the right-side A gap. Jaylen Harrell is lined up over a non-existent TE on the left. Not quite a Wide 9. And Ohio Soft's LG, Donovan Jackson #74. Jackson's gaze is towards his right at Graham. As Graham moves to his right he gives a slight feint towards Jackson then moves quickly further right to loop around the RT. Jackson's eyes follow Graham and as he finally begins to shift his eyes left he extends his arms. I think by this point he realizes someone is coming from his left but is unable to shift his weight and get planted.

Harrell's first 2 steps are directly at the RT then changes direction gradually directly into Jackson's chest. Harrell is able to get 3 steps worth of momentum to drive Jackson back into the turning Hintzman causing a fall.

What's amazing is that even though Graham has to go all the way around the RT he nearly gets to McCord before the ball is out.

This is what Brian & Seth have hammered on: Graham's speed is so great he creates opportunities for others even when he can't get home on time. Fun exercise: watch how much ground Graham covers vis-a-vis the OSU receivers.

CLord

November 26th, 2023 at 7:26 PM ^

WOW.  Never noticed until now that he Truckinson'd that left tackle exactly like Hutch did 2 years ago that made all the memes. HUGE PLAY!!!!!

BallsoHarb

November 26th, 2023 at 7:27 PM ^

McCord is late on the throw too, if he lets it fly as Harrison is getting to his break Moore can’t get there. The LB might have a chance at the play but most likely incomplete.

Cromulent

November 26th, 2023 at 7:35 PM ^

I think McCord's biggest problem is he's unwilling to plant & step into the throw. He's early in the process of "winging" it even before Harrell makes contact. My guess is the QB is *trying* to throw it into the turf close enough to MHJ to avoid an intentional grounding call.

In support of McCord I think his first read is the crosser. He sees the guy who was lined up over Jackson drop into coverage. I suspect McCord waits a beat before shifting his eyes in MHJ's direction to keep that dropper from beginning to move to close the throwing lane. Or he's just slow in his processing.

BallsoHarb

November 26th, 2023 at 7:44 PM ^

Watched it again. You’re right, his head does seem to be turned that way initially. He does look at MHJ before he (MHJ) gets to the break, but has maybe a second to make the decision to throw and holds it just a bit too long. I’ve never played QB so idk how difficult it is to make that decision, but all around great defense by our guys creating the opportunity.

Sopwith

November 26th, 2023 at 7:36 PM ^

I almost wonder if letting McCord step into that throw would have been an even easier pick for Moore. But I'm glad we didn't find out.

One criticism: Harrell removed his helmet. If it had turned out Rod trapped the ball, OSU would have been set up 1st and 10 at the 23 with time for 4-5 plays. That penalty would have been catastrophic. You'd think they would have learned after Barrett took off his helmet thinking the PSU game was over on the apparent pick of Alar that was eventually reversed.

Guys, please, no matter what the situation, keep the helmets on. 

Cromulent

November 26th, 2023 at 7:39 PM ^

Yup. After running around the house for 15 seconds I came back to the TV and heard about the flag. Immediately flashed back to PSU. Minter's got to make this a point of emphasis. If the pick had been overturned OSU is on our 20 with a fresh set of downs and at least for the first snap the clock isn't much of a consideration.

bweldon

November 26th, 2023 at 8:01 PM ^

The 2 that end up on the ground like so much cordwood are the left guard and the center Mason is basically giving the LT a lesson in leverage and speed. Also watch Jenkins and McGreggor game the other side of the line.  It appears to be a pair of games, one E-T (Jenkins and McGreggor) and on T-E (Graham and Harrell).  What is impressive is the fact that 2 separate games were successful and both clean and effective.

 

maizedNblued

November 26th, 2023 at 8:07 PM ^

The review of the catch was a blessing in disguise - OSU was going no-huddle and the four down linemen on the field did not include Jenkins, McGregor nor Harrell - those guys had poured their heart into that drive but they were gassed - the review allowed for us to get Harrell and fresh rushers back on the field....I'll gladly take it.

NYCBlue

November 26th, 2023 at 8:14 PM ^

Are we allowed to watch the All-22 view?  Given our Vast Network on MGoBlog, An OSU Puppet might figure out an unauthorized way to suspend every Michigan coach from the B1G championship based on our excessive glee in watching this view.  We need to be careful.

Real D

November 26th, 2023 at 8:48 PM ^

Everything that was talked about in the game preview all in one single play.  Weak interior lineman choke and trip over one another which puts McCord under pressure.  McCord panics and reverts to the most terrible version of himself due to the rush and throws an awful pass right into the arms of a Michigan defender.  Ball game.