What is your first offensive play?

Submitted by plaidflannel on

I would like to talk some football, and I would like to have fun doing so.  I know we fans do not control the first offensive play call, but if we did, what play would it be?

For me, I would line up in Pistol formation (a formation we have used this year, but not frequently).  I would have Gallon and Dileo (Chesson if Dileo is out) out wide right, Funchess and Kerridge to Gardner's left and right in the backfield, and Fitz behind Gardner.

Ball is snapped.  Fake zone stretch to the right.  Throwback to Funchess for TE screen with Lewan and Bosch blocking for him.

Best case: State defense overpursues the run fake, and Lewan carries Funchess on his back into the end zone.  Marcus Rush called for Roughing the Quarterback, and on the kickoff, Brady Hoke busts out the onside kick that he didn't want to show against Indiana.  Michigan recovers.  Repeat sequence until we are up by 70 points.

Worst case: Incomplete pass (unless it's the Akron game).  A sack could happen, but I would hope Devin could throw it at the feet of Funchess before that would happen.

So what is your first offensive play?

rob f

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:44 AM ^

because I like screens.

Al doesn't.

But maybe (hoping)  we have a game plan to make use of the screen to take state by surprise a few times? 

GotBlueOnMyMind

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:58 AM ^

I assume you only mean bubble screen when you say screen, because Borges does multiple types of screens during every game, he just generally does not use the bubble screen.

From, that, I have to say that this is the one game where Borges is probably right not to use the bubble screen though. MSU's tight coverage is designed to jump plays like that, so a bubble screen would likely result in either getting blown up for a loss or an interception (and interceptions on bubble screens end up in the end zone)..

GotBlueOnMyMind

November 2nd, 2013 at 1:00 PM ^

Mainly throwback screens to the RB and he will occasionally use his "tunnel screen" (I think that's what he called it) where, instead of dropping back a yard to receive the screen with another WR or two in front of him for blocking (the bubble screen), the receiver's will move straight toward the QB a yard or two before receiving the pass (although many people always seem to call this a bubble when he runs it, it is not the classic bubble screen). Maybe "multiple" was an overstatement, but he will call one or two per game, and considering that it is a constraint play, even the most prevalent users of screens don't use it all that often. You could argue for more needing to be called, but that becomes a debate on how many screens becomes too many before it becomes predictable.

rob f

November 2nd, 2013 at 12:56 PM ^

including the bubble screen.  I don't think we use enough screens overall and to mix in a few more, including the dreaded bubble screen, might be part of what it takes to catch the sparty defense a little off-guard.

Downfield, sideline quick routes, screens, etc., the pass game needs to be established with the run game developing off that.  The linebackers then realize they need to drop a couple steps back to defend what I hope is a productive Michigan passing game, and slightly bigger holes develop.  Fitz wasn't able to run against PSU's packed box, so the offensive game plan has to be one that takes what the defense allows.

mgokev

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^

I-form or pistol near twins right with Gallon/Funchess.  They run hi/lo outs.  Play action stretch off left tackle, but Fitz continues out into the wheel route.

No idea if this works or is even a thing.

ND Sux

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:46 AM ^

Send a message early that you can't stop FunchaTron.  And oh by the way, BACK THE FUCK UP or risk downfield killshots.  Even if the ball is picked (doubtful), it might pay dividends on shorter routes, or in the run game.

Sopwith

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:52 AM ^

1 yard.  Borges says "to hell with this" and opens it up the rest of the game.  Devin throws 5 TDs and 5 pick-sixes.  We finish with 1 rushing attempt for 1 yard.  We win in overtime.

Meme for next week:  1 for 1.

B-Nut-GoBlue

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:52 AM ^

Depends where/when we get the ball.  Our own 20?   Stretch left, duh.  If they get the ball and get us decent fied position off of a punt, Al'l open up with a pass; some sort of trips left with Funchess, Butt, hopfully Dileo, Gallon split right.  Funchess, post route, 24 yards.

Taps

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:55 AM ^

Kneel down.  You can keep that clock moving, there's less risk of a fumble or injury and it loses nothing over an under center run in terms of efficacy.  Follow this with a Gardner pooch punt on second down to catch them with their pants down and gain a bunch of field position.

LSAClassOf2000

November 2nd, 2013 at 11:59 AM ^

How about this, just to see how the Spartans respond to start - a few times during the Indiana game, we went shotgun with 3 WRs and upon the snap, the line actually did some run blocking while Gardner had a moment to throw some nice play action passes. We're likely not to get the 10-15 yards we did against the Hooisers, but it would be interesting.

Committed

November 2nd, 2013 at 12:07 PM ^

Gardner with a fake run up the middle...then throw it over the middle to a slanting Gallon for 15 or so yards.



This play alone makes them think about it the whole game...



I've seen them do it ONCE...and I think it was denard who did it, a few years ago.