Special problems for M defenses with fast no-huddles.
Indiana won't be the last fast no-huddle offense Michigan's defense has to contend with this year.
Ohio State's uptempo no-huddle scheme, called "jet" has a high-speed gear that Urban Meyer calls "inferno." (SI.com link to Pete Thamel story on his time inside the OSU - headset conversations.)
Having seen OSU for myself in Columbus, they really can turn up the speed and keep it there for an entire drive; "Jet to Inferno" is right. IU can do some of it, but isn't as crisp as OSU or as fearsome rushing as are the Buckeyes. Still, IU took advantage especially on some second downs with super-quick snaps. There were at least a half-dozen plays where Michigan's defenders were not set, and a number of them went for big gains. I can think of one play where Channing Stribling was looking in at our linebackers for signals when the ball was snapped. He then reacted after his man in coverage broke off the line, then he looked back up just in time to see the IU QB pump fake, which he completley bought, and was then beaten. The whole mess really started pre-snap.
Michigan tried something new against IU; to get clearer signals in from Mattison, they first put him in a bright maize jacket, and then they had two graduate assistants standing behind Mattison hold up towels so that defenders would more quickly pick up where to look for Mattison on the sideline to get the signal.
It almost looked as if they were "hiding" Mattison from somebody behind the Michigan bench stealing signs. But I'm certain that they were highlighting Mattison's position along the sideline for the benefit of guys on the field. It was altogether a bit of a panicky affair, on the Michigan sideline.
It all calls into question the extent to which Mattison is substituting players on every defensive down, and the extent to which Michigan's DL is switching positions after the offense sets up. It was nothing less than a huge problem against IU; and it may be exploited a lot more as the season goes on. Does Mattison's defensive scheme need a lot of adjustment for good NCAA no-huddle offenses?
October 21st, 2013 at 2:41 AM ^
October 20th, 2013 at 12:58 PM ^
the thinking with the constant DL subsitutions. Under ordinary circumstances, you bring a DL out for a few plays to give them a rest, for the most part, or when you're taking a lineman off the field to add someone to the back-seven. Mattison indicated that it's most to "keep people fresh."
Sorry for the dumb question, but isn't a full 30-yard sprint to and from the sidelines a greater expenditure of energy for those 280 lbs.-300 lbs dudes than just staying out there for an extra play or two? Doesn't it just make them more tired sprinting back and forth, particularly against a hurry-up team when they can't just leisurely jog on/off?
October 21st, 2013 at 2:49 AM ^
October 20th, 2013 at 1:23 PM ^
October 20th, 2013 at 1:37 PM ^
October 20th, 2013 at 1:44 PM ^
They talked on the broadcast how Mattison adjusted by shortening his playcalls from the sideline. He supposedly shortened every play call to one word. That could have an effect on some confusion at times, as players are converting the play calls in their head. Maybe they should just stick with the one word defensive calls for the rest of the season so they get used to it before OSU.
I thought the defense did a good job against Sudfeld in the first half; covered up some blitzes and switched coverages effectively for the most part. I think Roberson added a dimension that backed Mattison off his aggresiveness, and once he started hitting passes Michigan went super-passive to keep everything in front and try to slow Indiana down.
The UFR will be interesting; Roberson fit some passes into rediculously-small windows when it seamed like the corner had good position. If Roberson keeps that up, Indiana is going to be tough for anyone to stop.
October 20th, 2013 at 3:00 PM ^
Wake the hell up
October 20th, 2013 at 3:10 PM ^
Some adjustments to uptempo offenses are in practice. I think LSU (Alabama?) used two different offensive units that were rotated in and out on one defense in practice to simulate the uptempo offense they would face against Oregon. Condiitioning and prior experience helps a defense- each kid gets to be pressured and has to come up with workable solutions.
October 20th, 2013 at 8:25 PM ^
...our own version of the no huddle, 2 minute drill right in the middle of the game vs OSU.
Not something we want to put on film before that.
At minimum it can be a penalty-getter to catch them substituting when its not expected.
At best it can leave their defense in shambles and leave a receiver mismatch or a gap unblocked. because suddenly they have to make mid-game adjustments nobody planned for.
I don't think this is even that exotic of a package. Its simply about using all the techniques available to outwit your opponent. This isn't the team to blow you off the ball for 60 minutes, not this year, at least. Ohio has many ways to beat us, they can spread and go with QB runs or with power-Hyde, and over the top as well. Its multi-faceted, and I'm just saying we too can be multi-faceted as well just in a different way.
While we are at it, look for the scoffed-at bubble screen a time or two 8-) There's a reason for such public disdain if you ask me........