Attacking Alabama
The local radio personality (Walt Deptula) was previewing Alabama for this season during my ride home last night. He was stating that they could be starting 3, count them, 3 RS-frosh at the LB position. So I decided to ask the board, if you were Gorgeous, how would you attack them?
I realize they are very gifted players, but they are young, and could make some mistakes in their reads, first step, etc.. So, can you read option keying on the LBs, use slants with a clear out, counters? What would you use to take advantage of the inexperience at LB?
reading their keys, and that, imo, is how you attack them. Because they will follow their keys, probably moreso than more experienced players who can sense deceptions based on their learned experience and their propensity for relying on instincts when they sense something is not what it appears, younger players will often stick with their initial reads and be reluctant to use their football IQ because they will fear that if their instincts are wrong and it results in a big offensive play, they will be replaced.
Speaking as a former coach - much lower level, of course,- you realize it's dangerous to completely take away a player's instincts. It's a fine line, but the reason many players become great is through instinct and damn the keys, they can sense where the attack position is and be there to add an obstacle to their opponent's plan.
Because of the way Auburn came back to beat Bama two years ago, that tape will be watched more than any other one particular game in the coach's offensive planning. Mind you, Bama wasn't nearly as inexperienced but Auburn put up big numbers in that second half. Of course, that was due in large measure to execution so if our coaches feel that DR is able to execute similarly- and do remember we have an actual RB again- don't be surprised if you see a similar attack mode, no matter its' disguise.
I agree Wolfman, and this what I was eluding to when I said Borges needs to keep the Bama defense "off balance" -- give the inexperienced LB's something to react to, but make it the WRONG thing.
I also agree with mpbear14 when he said that Borges needs to dial up some deep balls early. Obviously it would be nice if they connect, but even if they don't, Borges needs to make the defense back off the line a bit and respect the back end.
Borges needs to use every weapon at his disposal, and make every attempt to fool the Bama defense -- I just don't see Michgan being able run right at Bama and being very successful.
Not a big deal, but the use of "eluding" sent me to the OED to see what is the relation between eluding and alluding. They have opposite meanings, but both seem like useful words when applied to football: "play toward" versus "play away". I am for both.
yeah, my bad. I meant "alluding" obviously.
Thanks for the word usage lesson Smash.
Dick! /s j/k
If I was to attack Alabama I'd buy ad time during Mama's Family or Swamp People and broadcast a PSA with a Kid Rock voiceover - "Piggly Wiggly's are running dangeriously low on chicken fried squirrel." Once everyone made their move into the store, boom.
This is what you meant right, I just read the thread title.
Columbia! We should all get together for at least one Saturday of MI football. In any case of unruly wives, you guys can come over to my pad. I'm 30, single and no kids with 2 50+ inch screens, charcoal and gas grills, and two extra beds incase you guys like to booze hard.
I would attack Alabama with Predator Drones.
Borges has to attack early and often. Whatever he's been doing with Gardner behind the scenes, unleash it. Let Denard go deep. I think it's a pretty safe bet that up-the-gut, three yards and a cloud of dust style of football won't work against Bama. I would not be surprised to see Fitz and Denard held to under 100 yards of rushing put together.
I think the biggest key to winning this game is keeping Bama's offense off the field. Wow that sounds weird to say. But I'm not as confident as I'd like to be with our defensive line, and with some Bama fans calling their O-line this year as among their best ever, our DLine could get shoved around like rag dolls all night, opening up huge lanes for Lacy. McCarron will no doubt have improved even more as a passer. Take advantage of an (by Alabama standards) inexperienced defense, and put together 7-8 minute drives. Keep their vets off the field.