Cadence & the Blitz

Submitted by PowerEye on

So I'd like to know what folks think about Michigan's cadence and snap count. Am I wrong to think that we do not vary or change them up much at all? Some teams use them strategically (e.g. to expose blitzers or coverages, or draw the D offsides and slow rushers down).

Obviously, there are advantages to keeping snaps consistent -- for example fewer false starts, motion-timing, and more time to shift formations. However, in the Wisconsin and Colorado games, you could see that the defenses were timing their blitzes well.

I started wondering if the features of Harbaugh's playcalling make it more difficult to fuss with snap counts. For example, the strategy of calling multiple plays in the huddle (with WC verbiage), plus using lots of motions and shifts. These tactics can eat up playclock time, and add layers of complex information for players to remember and execute.

Observations?

Edit: I am not in any way criticizing Harbaugh or suggesting he is unaware. I am simply asking what we think the reasons are (assuming we do think Michigan keeps consistent cadence and snap counts).

PowerEye

October 5th, 2016 at 1:52 PM ^

Do you think we change up the cadence/snap count more than I have noticed? Or do you think the points I made about the tradeoffs in using them are not an issue?

Greg McMurtry

October 5th, 2016 at 2:01 PM ^

I texted my buddies about this in the Wiscy game. A couple of times, the LB had the timing down and had a full head of steam right as the ball was snapped. Just a few times, but it was noticeable.



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xtramelanin

October 5th, 2016 at 2:01 PM ^

you cannot hear on the field when you are the away team.  it is hard to describe, but it is a wave of sound covering all band widths.  thus, there is no cadence except the time to the clap or the occasional 'goose and go' if you are under center. 

umbig11

October 5th, 2016 at 2:05 PM ^

The week leading up to the Wisconsin game they worked on this vary thing. It looked like the Wisky LB's were timing their blitz packages pretty well. Brian may be able to speak to this point.

hunterjoe

October 5th, 2016 at 2:16 PM ^

Harbaugh:  Here, I'm not even going to change my snap count or cadence.

<Play occurs with D timing the snap>

Harbaugh:  Oh, you STILL can't beat me?  

 

PutInPeters18

October 5th, 2016 at 2:23 PM ^

I was a center and we had anywhere from 5-6 different cadences each season. The whole intent of multiple cadences is to vary timing, create uncertainty and keep the defense at bay for a fraction of a second longer (and trust me, it helps). The main issues though, are like you said needing to make sure everyone's on the same page. It's especially difficult when you are given a dual play (not a RPO) but two different plays to run depending on fronts, formations or coverages. So often the more you use complex play types the more risky it can be to change cadences. Additionally, with reads, checks, kills, and all sorts of other variables in an offense you sometimes don't have a lot of time on the clock to vary that much. Most of their time they're effective but they're fairly risky and aren't always efficient for an offense.

1VaBlue1

October 5th, 2016 at 2:48 PM ^

With a shotgun snap, the QB lifts his leg (that half step with one leg) to signal the center to set himself and snap it when he's ready.  That's why the QB sometimes takes a snap in the face, with the accompanying surprised reaction.  

GBGene

October 5th, 2016 at 2:53 PM ^

I would clearly trust the coaches in this area.  I suspect they are willing to trade some predictability for more reliable snaps.  Come a crucial game then they will change things up.

AZBlue

October 5th, 2016 at 3:44 PM ^

Watching the game live it seemed less like consistent timing of the snap and more the issues we have had all year with a 3-4 defense. (I think UW is the last we will see in the regular season.)

I noticed the every snap videos from DGDestoys are up so folks can rewatch it easily if they want.