Scripting plays

Submitted by UMfan21 on
Does anyone know if Nuss scripts the first series as Borges used to do?

To make this topic more than a simple question: predict our first formation and play on offense.

Shmallhorse

August 27th, 2014 at 11:01 PM ^

I don't think you get it. Chesson is listed as the starting #2 WR. Darboh is on the 2 deep behind Funchess. Thus, it would be very bad if Gardner were to pass it to Darboh because he would be on the bench. In general, passing to someone on the bench is not looked upon fondly.

B-Nut-GoBlue

August 27th, 2014 at 11:56 PM ^

He said he doesn't see them trying to establish run.  So like, he's thinking maybe there will be more than 2 receivers on the field.  And he thinks Darboh will be the 3rd or (gasp!) 4th on the field.  Is it likely?  No.  But that's not the point and I'd guess he knows what backup means.

LSAClassOf2000

August 27th, 2014 at 11:10 PM ^

It will probably be one of the most basic things you can see in an inside zone scheme. I envision single back as well, or perhaps something with an FB to align for anyone unblocked, such as a linebacker (depending on the read) and then a handoff to the RB for a couple yards. I seem to remember the first series or two more often than not being run-heavy, but my memory is dealing with beer right now. 

Danwillhor

August 27th, 2014 at 11:57 PM ^

All OCs script plays. All. The only difference is when they use the script. Some want the best chance at early points and others wait for "the dagger TD" or save it for dire situations where the best odds of scoring are needed. Yet, most tend to start the game scripted. I'm not a fan of that but most do it.

UMfan21

August 28th, 2014 at 1:18 AM ^

Thanks. Guess I just felt like last year we pissed away the first series or two just so Borges could see how defenses reacted. I was hoping Nuss puts more emphasis on a cohesive series of plays with the focus on scoring a TD rather than probing the defense.

Space Coyote

August 28th, 2014 at 8:42 AM ^

All have some sort of script, but it changes how they use it. But all will come out with the plays they are most comfortable with to start the game, those should be some of the best plays while probing the defense. You then make adjustments based on the things that you saw from the defense, it's the way every OC has to look at things.

Unless you're an offense that can simply impose your will (doesn't happen at this level, seriously) you need to have a feel for how the defense is working. You can get some of that via scouting, but defenses make slight adjustments week-to-week to attack some of the offensive weaknesses, cover up for some of the offensive tendencies, and cover some of the defensive weaknesses relative to the offense's strengths. You can get an idea of what that is, but until you see it, you don't know for sure how the defense will play you. So you call plays that you are comfortable with, that you believe your offense can be successful running against any front or defense (or at least most, or at least the defense's base), and then start working toward more specific sets of plays.

Again, all OCs do this in various ways, but it's because they have to in order to run a successful offense. Now, do they script 20 plays and feel they must finish those plays? Do they script 15 but are willing to come off of that at any time; only to jump back on? Do they script the first 5 first down plays, first three 3rd and long, first three 3rd and short, or something along those lines? Lots of ways to do it.

Roc Blue in the Lou

August 28th, 2014 at 12:27 AM ^

I imagine Borges in the press box last season with 3 sets of notecards, face down, in front of him.  The first set marked "No Bubble Screens!", the second marked "Practiced Once, Never Used In Game" and the third marked "27 Straight Runs"...  Now, close eyes and draw.  

alum96

August 28th, 2014 at 12:45 AM ^

Inside handoff to Green, gaining 1/2 a yard.  A myriad of comments in live blog and on MGo msg board of the "it could have been worse" to "well ...didn't go backwards" to "already better than last year" commence.  A monkey rodeo poll will immediately be posted in live blog.

rob f

August 28th, 2014 at 1:25 AM ^

is allowed to script his game-day outfits before the season begins, then why shouldn't our OC be allowed to script his plays if that's his thing?