Xs & Os: Pattern Matching
Another in-depth post coving the Michigan defense over at James Light Football. This one is about the pattern-matching coverages Michigan uses against trips formations. It's way above my pay grade, so maybe Space Coyote or some other sophisticated poster can give it to us in plain English. It seems likely that we'll see a lot of this coverage against OSU and other spread-to-run teams.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2015/10/21/michigan-coverage-adjustments-…
October 22nd, 2015 at 1:37 PM ^
"The job DJ Durkin has done at Michigan this year has been nothing short of outstanding. How much longer he will be at Michigan is anyone’s guess."
>:(
October 22nd, 2015 at 1:42 PM ^
Yeah. I hope he sticks around for next year's potentially historic defense. Anything after that is pure gravy.
October 22nd, 2015 at 2:34 PM ^
I think Brian mentioned a while back in a podcast that he expected him to stay around for a least a couple/few years more because he could afford to wait for a really good head coach opportunity rather than jumping at the first Purdue/Ball State/North Texas to come calling.
I think that makes a lot of sense. He's in a good situation now. With the level at which this staff seems to be recruiting, he should be in line for sustained success until he gets a head coach offer in which he can really excel.
October 22nd, 2015 at 3:25 PM ^
He is too short to be a head coach
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 3:33 PM ^
Hair is far too gray for his age. Likely to burn out early. Too high-risk.
October 22nd, 2015 at 5:50 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 2:33 PM ^
Is how Michigan can play the same essential coverage but make small tweaks.
All three of the things he breaks down are Cover 4 defenses reactions to trips formations. But by making minor changes, namely where you take your eyes to determine who you defend, you give the offense different looks. Offense sees Cover 4, they anticipate some adjustment to their trips set, but if they don't read the defense, they anticipate incorrectly, and they make a bad decision or a late decision, and the defense wins.
It's a good read at the different ways Durkin is throwing adjustments at offenses based on offensive personnel and formations (the trips set spurs the adjustment, which of the three is often dictated on personnel and backfield alignment)
October 22nd, 2015 at 2:43 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 3:51 PM ^
Thanks for the summary. You should add a donate here button.
Once again when arguing with other fans, I can sound intelligent.
October 22nd, 2015 at 4:36 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 4:36 PM ^
October 22nd, 2015 at 4:50 PM ^
Agreed. Especially considering this site's calling card is quantitative football analysis (along with top-notch writing). But the community has gotten too big and generic for its own good as the site's popularity has increased.
October 22nd, 2015 at 6:35 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 5:43 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 5:51 PM ^
Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad
October 22nd, 2015 at 8:21 PM ^
It's easier to write 'cool story bro' than 'yeah the trips set should never have been countered with a spur, rather a cover zero look would have baited the QB in a boneheaded decision'.
I would love to contribute something interesting in this Xs and Os thread. But I know or understand too little to contribute something meaningful. I am sure lot of others are also in the same boat.
As my grandmother said, "if you can't say something nice..."
October 22nd, 2015 at 11:48 PM ^
Cool story, bro