Cadence & the Blitz
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).
October 5th, 2016 at 1:47 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 1:50 PM ^
Great band name though.
October 5th, 2016 at 1:51 PM ^
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October 5th, 2016 at 3:20 PM ^
Lol. Well done. Did anyone else immediately sing it in their head to the tune of "Benny and the Jets"?
October 5th, 2016 at 3:26 PM ^
We are on the same wavelength!
(both posts timestamped at 3:20)
October 5th, 2016 at 3:20 PM ^
C-C-C-Cadence and the Blitz!
October 5th, 2016 at 6:47 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 1:52 PM ^
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October 5th, 2016 at 1:56 PM ^
This is why I asked the question. If it's true that we stick with a few basic cadence and snap counts, why are we doing it? I am sure there are good reasons. I had hoped to learn what they are.
October 5th, 2016 at 2:07 PM ^
Maybe he has you thinking exactly what he wants our tougher opponents to think. Then when we get them (osu) and he does do it, they won't know wtf is going on.
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?
October 5th, 2016 at 2:01 PM ^
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October 5th, 2016 at 5:18 PM ^
October 6th, 2016 at 9:04 AM ^
If I recall correctly, this occured on the jet sweeps, because you CAN time it based on that WR's motion if you know they are going to do a fake handoff the snap has to occur at a certain time.
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.
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.
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?
October 5th, 2016 at 3:06 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 2:23 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 2:35 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 2:39 PM ^
We had jet sweep action on a lot of plays last week. That gives away snap timing too.
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.
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.
October 5th, 2016 at 3:21 PM ^
I'm having flashbacks to the Hoke era when MSU was timing our snap and fucking owning us on it...
October 5th, 2016 at 4:23 PM ^
"Perfectly timed double A-gap blitz" is a phrase that still gives me nightmares...
October 5th, 2016 at 5:30 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 3:44 PM ^
I noticed the every snap videos from DGDestoys are up so folks can rewatch it easily if they want.
October 5th, 2016 at 4:07 PM ^
On rewatch Wisc had LBers running almost full speed towards the line at snap count a ton of times. the OL actually did a great job picking those up for the most part. I was impressed but wondering why that was even necessary. It was easily noticed.
October 5th, 2016 at 4:15 PM ^
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October 5th, 2016 at 4:42 PM ^
October 5th, 2016 at 4:58 PM ^
The clap is not the snap. It's a signal to the Center to snap it when he is ready to. He could snap it right away, wait a second, or wait several seconds. It's hard to time it.
October 5th, 2016 at 4:59 PM ^
October 6th, 2016 at 10:02 AM ^
Sometimes the QB will fake clap - start to move his arms, but not actually clap - to see if any defenders approach the line to blitz.