Putting The Hog-D On A Spit...

The Arkansas defense is an over-shifted 4-3/4-2 defense that plays with 2 high safeties. They are a physical and disciplined unit capable of making life miserable for 1-dimensional teams. The strength of the Hogs defense is run defense. They are very disruptive and effective without having to "game" their fronts very often. This is due to a powerful and athletic defensive line. The Hogs pass defense is respectable, but as we'll see, there will be opportunities to aggressively attack their coverages, which tend to be a mix of cover-2, quarters, cover-1, and cover-3. They are not as aggressive with their safeties as Longhorns fans are accustomed to (TCU, BU), but they are well-disciplined in their reads and run fits. Let's take a look at how Auburn attacked them with an inexperienced QB. If I recall, Texas has one of those too.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4354445

Here, they are in a 2-high S (safety) look vs "20" personnel (RB, HB offset). Notice the FS (to the field) come down as soon as he reads run via the receiver to his side blocking or the HB arcing across formation to block instead of attack the flat. That S would also be responsible for pursuit to the field if the QB keeps on the read play.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4359675

This is a peculiar blitz. You'll note the boundary side DE drop into the short middle zone while on the field side, the Mike and SS blitz. What began as a 2-high safety coverage shell has morphed into a cover-1 look. A key to attacking this defense is quickly recognizing the S rotation in order to make quick decisions with the ball and avoid pressure. The QB receives good protection and does a great job of reading the above route concept.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360590

2-high S coverage is shown above and it's taken advantage of with a post route. Again, note the quick recognition of the S's as well as the timely ball delivery, an area Texas has struggled. Auburn created explosive plays with the same route concept multiple times against 2-high S coverage. Expect Texas to attack downfield in a similar fashion.

The Hog defense is very formidable against the run. In order for Texas to approach the kind of efficiency needed to win on offense, the passing game must force the Hog defense into more of these 2-high coverages. This will improve Texas' chances running the ball against a very good defensive front. Given Texas' recent struggles at the QB position, this seems like a lot to ask. We will see if there has been any real growth from both the QB and the beleaguered OL come the 29th. On to some more of what Auburn did.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360092

I chopped this play to illustrate how simple concepts can be included in the game plan. There is nothing special here, just a well thought out RB screen. I liked it because it punishes the leverage tendency of the defense against bubble screens. It's simple, yet effective.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4360162

Now, Auburn lines up heavy to the field and runs split-zone with a read on the boundary CB. They catch the defense with a "Cloud" call to the boundary, meaning the CB is the force player in the boundary alley. The "POP" pass proves effective here and results in a TD after the S misses the tackle. This is a key I'd expect other teams to attack, whether it's pulling and leading blockers to the "Cloud" CB or keying him as the flat and force defender in the pass game.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4366325

Here's a scheme that will give the Texas offense a chance to control the ball and succeed in setting up play-action opportunities, Power. This set and motion are things the Texas offensive brain trust can easily scheme into the game plan along with building a few other concepts from it. Make no mistake, Texas wants to be a zone running team, but timely use of gap schemes and lead plays are meant to punish defenses overplaying zone schemes. Auburn, of course, is very good at this. Whether Texas will be is a good question, the OL needs to step up!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4366427

I really loved the above pass play. Auburn utilized the slant to the field and grants a receiver a free release to the boundary to run the drag vs a 1-high S coverage with man underneath. Notice if somehow the slant is taken away via leverage or quicker bracketing by the S, the drag is open with plenty of grass in front. Again, much of the pass concepts I'm seeing are easy reads for the QB. Also, like Auburn, Texas has the ability to be very effective from "11" personnel and the receivers to take advantage of shabby coverages like the ones above.

The above examples represent minor parts of Auburn's plan to attack the Hogs' defense. However, they illustrate what type of concepts may be effective in creating explosive plays for Texas. Texas (Watson) must begin creating simple plans to get the ball into playmakers' hands in space. Think back to the abysmal TCU game, the one truly explosive play of the night was a well-blocked WR bubble screen. Sometimes it's that simple. For whatever reason, the staff has seemed to fall short in this department. I'm curious, given the team's recent performance, what plan the staff puts into practice. What think you?

Fronting Heavy-Set Arkansas

A hat-tip to @WarRoomEagle on Twitter for editing the Arkansas-Auburn game. It sparked some interest in the Arkansas offense. So, I put together some clips to see what Texas' defense is faced with defending. This will all be centered around what Arkansas likes to do and how that tends to unfold in the trenches. I wanted to focus on OL and run schemes, so I don't really pay too much attention as to what's happening on the back end. For starters, let's take a look at how Auburn started the game against Arkansas.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346267

Auburn aligns in an under front. Arky double-teams the 3-technique, the FB trap blocks the NT, and the OL release quickly to the 2nd level. Aggressive DL play set up by the Arky zone run game can make things difficult since they look to "screen-off" penetration with huge men, Bielema not included.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346315

Here's toss sweep vs an under front, the TE blocks down on weak side DE, the RT "folds" around the down block. Now you have an OT and HB leading in the alley, buckle your chinstraps! Again, much of this is set up by Arky's zone run scheme. It's almost as if they prefer defensive fronts hell-bent on stopping zone runs via backfield penetration. This enables them to call their favored gap run schemes as counter punches. Also notice how quick the C reaches the 2nd level. Arky's gap scheme wrinkles are what enables Bielema's philosophy to shine. I'll address that some more in a bit.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346405

This! This is what looks like a double-trap play. The RG and FB "screen-out" the DT's and the other OL quickly climb to the 2nd-level, sheer gap terror! Again, Auburn's in an under front, one of Texas' base fronts. So, those expecting Texas to just line up in their base defense and have their way with the Arky OL are dreaming. What is needed is a sound plan to neutralize the initiative created by Arky's zone scheme and the myriad of gap scheme counter punches they can deploy to punish aggressive penetrative DL play.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346490

Now, the coverage completely loses it's mind in the scoring zone. SHAKING MY HEAD! This Arky offense is all about baiting. Defenders must resist the urge to over-anticipate against this Arky offense or suffer the consequences. Texas has a Texas-sized tall order come the 29th!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346618

So, Auburn turns to the over front and widens the DE's a bit to help set the edge vs the run. Texas plays out of multiple fronts and will often utilize leverage to funnel the run game into a more finite space. I expect to see some of this philosophy come the 29th. Nevertheless, Arky gains their much desired 6 yards on 1st down. This allows them more freedom to use the pass and play-action, which still happens to include the Draw run game, great.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346672

Have Texas DB's had trouble with double-moves this year, I don't remember? Duke better be ready to suck up his pride and not give up the big play. The Arky pass game isn't menacing, but how it fits into their overall approach is what makes it a threat. DON'T GET BEAT DEEP!!!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4346715

Aaaand here comes the dreaded Draw play, on 1st down no less. That is just hog heaven right there. One motif that recurs in the Arky offense is the climbing of that pesky center. He needs to be taken out! Not in a bad way of course, but there needs to be a plan in place that causes the Arky OL point-man to start second-guessing his assignments and worrying about a rabid DT or Mike making his life miserable.

So, how in the hell does Texas defend all of this!? Well, for one, Texas must intermittently bring pressure vs the Arky run game early and often. The Arky offense seeks to consistently create manageable down and distance opportunities on 2nd and 3rd downs. So, the goal is to create as many 2nd or 3rd and long opportunities as possible to pit Texas' strength against Arky's weakness, the pass game. Since I doubt the Texas offense can build a lead that forces Arky into a more pass-heavy offense, there will need to be counter-measures employed on both sides of the ball. Texas does not need another TCU-like debacle on the offensive side of the ball. At certain points this season, it seemed better to just "sit on the ball" or punt on 3rd downs.., seriously!

So, how might we slow down the Arky OL? I pulled a bit from the Mizzou-Arky game to illustrate a few things. Granted, the Mizzou defense is different, but I wanted to view the front-play of a team that possesses quickness on the DL and is also a 1-gap defense.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347007

Mizzou is aligned in an over front in the above video. What I find very instructive are the DT's play in the A-gaps. Both DT's attack the A-gaps, use the C as an "anchoring" point and turn their asses into both G's. This effectively occupies 3 OL with 2 DL, takes care of Arky's pesky C, and allows the Mizzou defense 2nd level a clear path to read and pursue the play. Also note, this is what I'd consider more "stand up" play form the DT's. This makes me curious as to whether these techniques are effective counter measures against trap plays similar to the ones above. Will Texas deploy similar techniques, I don't know, but I'd like to see something similar.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347261

Now, Mizzou stunts their DT's. Very early on, Mizzou's plan is clear, occupy the G-C-G grouping of the Arky OL. I think this is sound, but as seen above, Arky can attack the perimeter rather well. That seems to be a motif, Arky will attack the edge and alley if the defensive front begins to pinch in on inside runs.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347206

Here Mizzou shifts into a "Bear" front to deny the inside run, but Arky attacks the boundary perimeter. Arky will often send their "bigs" wherever the defense's edge and force support is. They truly believe and follow the "big people beat up little people" dictum. This was not a long gain, but notice the alley defenders fighting to get around blockers. This yields initiative. It made me question if it would be better to attack the blockers vertically with sound leverage rather than spending valuable time trying to outflank them.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4347463

Above is an interesting front that seems to be an over front, but with the NT shaded to the opposite side of the C. From here they DL will slant. Again, they want to control the "center of the board" by occupying the G-C-G. Also note how aggressively they set the edges on these run plays, very important to "funnel" plays and to buy time for pursuit.

That was just a little bit of what I noticed regarding what I would consider a sound defensive response to the Arkansas OL and run game. Notice how Auburn was continually gashed early-on. Texas cannot afford that as the offense will not be able to pace the team as Auburn's offense does. Texas' defense will have their hands full no doubt, but are one of the more talented units Arkansas will have faced all season. Given that Texas has faced shotgun spread offenses all season long, I'm curious as to how Strong and Bedford will match personnel and scheme with the Hogs. So, I pose the question to you. How often might we see Texas' hair-raising 3-3-5 "Flex Front" defense against a heavy-set run game and coach? Lol, I kid I kid. I hope you enjoyed, I'm more curious now than I was before.

The Next Great Texas QB Kerfuffle

I wanted to highlight a little of what the QB position at Texas entails and how the existing framework on offense may lend itself to the most heralded position on the Texas depth chart, the backup QB! I'm here to argue that this time it's different. Texas' backup QB is freshman Jerrod Heard, two-time state champion and known burner out of the backfield. To get a little bit of a grasp for what Heard will need to have mastered to become the starter or overtake Swoopes, I've included some examples of the QB play Texas received this season. By no means is this an indictment of current Texas starting QB Tyrone Swoopes, but instead a perusing of the issues the position is faced with as well as how those issues relate to Heard. So, please allow me to play devil's advocate and incite the next intensely debated Texas QB kerfuffle.

The Texas offense is oriented around a mix of ball-control quick-game passing concepts as well as the zone and power run game. Texas wants to execute in a fashion to minimize negative plays and create advantageous 2nd and 3rd down and distance opportunities. To do this, it needs a steady stream of 4 to 6 yard gains on 1st down. So, let's take a look at some of the things we saw this season and discuss how some of the concepts within the Texas offense relate to a talent like Heard.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293405

A simple "Snag" concept with QB sprint-out is the type of quick-game staple Texas should continue to see. It can also be run without the QB sprint-out or from under center. This is "quick-game: 101" and should be something both Swoopes and Heard can execute in their sleep. Above, the ball comes out a bit late, something that has remained an issue throughout the season for the young QB. I don't know how many concepts Watson installed and practiced throughout the season, but it'd be wise to keep them to a "minimum effective dose" for both QB's on the roster.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293485

Slant-flat is another staple from Shawn Watson's quick-game arsenal. This is straight run-action pass all the way as the QB's read key is the flat defender. Also, slant-flat mimics the WR stems of the bubble screen. Again, very simple read-key and something Texas should consistently run given the talent at WR. It's my opinion that concepts similar to this were a Swoopes strength in 2014. Sometimes it seemed calls like this were too few and far between. Nevertheless, this is a basic read and should be something both QB's do well.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293548

Above is a drop-back off of play-action, probably of the 7-step variety that is meant to attack the deep zone of the defense. The QB takes the sack on this play, but the ball is supposed to come out on the last step or the hitch step (depends). A QB must know if it's there (the route) or not, and then must execute a throw-away to prevent the sack. Here, that doesn't happen.

I was and continue to be critical of Watson and less-so the QB regarding these type of deep drop-backs. I personally don't like the idea of a young QB, slow in his reads and footwork, turning his back to a defense on a pass play like this. That doesn't mean the scheme is bad, just that Texas doesn't have a great OL or a highly qualified passer at this point. Nevertheless, it's also on the QB to throw the route or away and not take a sack. Moving on...

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4293689

The sprint-out "waggle" is a staple and will continue to be featured by Texas QB's under Shawn Watson. Notice Swoopes' late read and shoulders "squaring-up" late to the throw. The ball should be out just before the WR's break. Moving forward, the Texas QB's will need quicker recognition of the read and pattern as well as better body control.

I understand that these are just "snap shots" of Texas' QB play within the offense, but what is desired from the position is consistent execution of QB fundamentals. Read keys, recognition, eyes/footwork-to-progression, body control, and ball security are the orders of the day. Texas was sorely lacking in the aforementioned early on as well as throughout the season. Also, the OL failed miserably on many occasions to provide adequate protection. So, what we've seen is a QB very inconsistent in fundamentals AND an inconsistent OL in blocking and protection. It's bad enough when it's only one, but when it's both, there is very real potential for sacks and TFL madness.

As we move forward I'd like to change the framing of this discussion a bit. How might soon to be redshirt freshman QB Jerrod Heard "fit" into the Texas offense given what we've seen? To answer that question, let's examine a bit more from the Texas offense. Some will be similar to the above, but I'll provide more of how I see Heard impacting some similar concepts and schemes. Let's take a look.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277033

Here is a 2-TE twins set, Swoopes displays good "scramble timing" on this play. Whether his job is to step up in the pocket, then scramble or scramble right to scan the backside of the play is not known, but it's easy to see how a more athletic and much faster QB can further challenge a defense in off-schedule situations.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277065

Here is a concept I like very much. It's a split-zone sprint-out concept. I can't be certain if a read is on here, but it looks like there is one on the usual suspect, the DE. This places him in a very disadvantageous position, there are two to his one, winning. Now, imagine having an speedster like Heard. Now you have two very dangerous players on their feet in the open field, good luck!

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277174

Now this, a similar concept to the one above, but from under center and the backside WR is coming across formation. Notice how "lumbering" Swoopes is executing these concepts, he needs to improve his footwork and body control. Heard is likely to possess the needed quick feet and elite body-control to execute this concept a "click" or two faster, leading to more consistent accuracy and bigger 1st-down gains. Of course the jury will be out regarding Heard's recognition and ability to make accurate throws on time. That is, right before the receivers break-off their routes, a much needed improvement in the Texas passing game.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277134

Now, here is Lead Draw. Let's imagine a scenario where the RB properly executes his 2nd-level block and instead of Swoopes on the draw play, it's Heard.., Touchdown Texas!!! Well, at the very least the play is transformed into an "explosive" gainer.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4277198

Where I suspect Heard, like Swoopes, needs to improve, is in tying footwork to the timing of a play. This also aids in accuracy by not "hurrying" throws. Notice the late read of the flat and corner route pattern, but also the sloppy footwork. It's bad enough having one thing go wrong, but two puts the concept in further jeopardy. This is also an area where Shawn Watson doesn't cut corners with regards to QB development. Since we are not a near 100% shotgun-spread offense, the QB is tasked with executing a greater number of drop-backs that all require footwork and timing in relation to the concepts. Nevertheless, from what I see, the Texas offense is QB-friendly, but as of now, may not have a suitable passing talent at the position. Whether that remains the case is what has many Texas fans both anxious and eager about the future.

Lastly, the run game is the most obvious area Heard will be able to impact the game. I don't need to belabor this idea, but suffice to say, there were schemes that left many Texas fans scratching their heads. The two that stand out the most, zone-read and the option.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294147

I think it's safe to say Heard does not get "walked down" on a play like this. Given that Heard's high school offense centered around many read concepts similar to the one above, it's fair to say he will acclimate to the read-based run game quicker than Swoopes has this season.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294273

Above is everyone's favorite 2014 most-dreaded play, the option. Again, I don't need to belabor the point here. Heard provides a much needed legitimate run threat in many of Texas' base schemes in both the run and pass game. Defenses will be forced to play the Texas backfield very honest and downright fear packages like the two above.

Then of course remains the ubiquitous zone-read.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/4294308

Above you see how the defensive front has expanded, thus opening a bigger running lane for the RB. Once an offense begins having success on the perimeter, the inside run game is often granted bigger running lanes, this goes both ways. Heard will provide the type of threat that forces the backside edge defender being read to expand, thus completely granting the "hat-on-hat" blocking the read-option seeks to achieve.

This coaching staff was both unlucky and lucky this season. Ash's injury and Swoopes' serviceability enabled them to protect Jerrod Heard from needing to play as a true freshman while also spending time developing Swoopes. Whether he remains the starter or becomes the back up, the QB depth chart is sure to be a strength due to the time afforded by Swoopes' 2014 campaign. A couple of welcome changes to the 2015 edition of the Texas offense are an upgrade in talent and experience on the OL and also added quickness and explosiveness to the RB position. We shall see what the future holds for this heralded position, but all fans can ask for is much needed improvement is what was seen in Swoopes and what was unseen in Heard. I hope you enjoyed and as always, feel free to take the red marker to the post. Hook'em!

Defeating TCU’s 4-2-5

The famed TCU 4-2-5 is coming to Austin yet again. I won't be going into detail about it, but if you'd like to delve deeper, google it. Most football geeks are  familiar with what originally made Patterson's defense unique, it's split-field coverage and a divorced coverage and front. Texas will need a simple plan to account for the front's different alignments (techniques) and the variety of slants and gap exchanges they can employ. They will also need to account for the aggressive filling of the strong and weak safeties in the run game. Also, the route combinations, especially in the quick pass game must account for man and the variety of zone coverages TCU plays, Cover-2 Robber, Blue, and Cover-5.

The generic answer to all of these considerations is to formulate a game plan that stresses the strong and weak safeties' assignments and responsibilities in both run and pass defense. I don't intend on that meaning the other defenders are no worry at all. If the TCU front alone can continually defeat Texas' run blocking and pass protection, it'll be a long night! I suspect that will not be the case. So, what might we see?

Let's take a look at the Frogs' defensive alignment vs a "pro set" and spread set.

In the first picture it seems as though TCU is in a 1-high safety alignment. This is due to the distortion caused by the offensive formation, requiring the SS on the line, FS to drop down (on DKR), and the WS to come over the top to account for the gaps to the run strength and or help with coverage over the top of the #2 receiver. It also shows the type of numbers TCU can place in the box (9 players!) to defend the run. The second picture is the polar opposite of the first, notice the 2-high safety alignment here. In this case the slot shifts into the backfield to create a 3 X 1 look in which case TCU will often make one of their Solo or Special coverage calls. In Solo, the weak side CB is in man while the WS comes over the top to help with the #3 receiver. In Special the strong side CB will be in man with the SS and FS in Blue coverage while the weak side CB, WS, and Mike have their own call. So, no matter the formation, TCU effectively divides the field into smaller parts, all the while allocating numbers to areas of the field that offer higher success rates for the offense.

It's important to note the area and or space shared by the strong side SS, Mike linebacker and FS as well as the weak side CB, WS, and Sam linebacker. Texas must attempt to distort and attack these "complexes" via a quick-hitting inside and perimeter run game, horizontal and vertical stretch concepts, and the use of both run and pass action fakes to keep these players "flat-footed".

What concepts may we see? For fun I pulled some pictures from the 2012 Harsin-Patterson match up. In them I'll highlight a few ideas.

In the above picture we see motion into a bunched WR set (important motif). The #1 WR runs a stop route with #3 running an out route right underneath. Notice how the stop route creates the space necessary to throw the out route, a good combo. I like the use of stack and bunch WR sets as they grant free releases, tend to trigger zone coverage, and create novel angles of attack, whether it be in the run game or in pass patterns.

In the above picture we see something many should be familiar with from this season. "21" personnel aligned strong with a 5 yard cushion on the #1 to the boundary. Run action and the cushion yield an easy pick up on the weak side with a quick out route. Did you notice the "complexes" I referred to?

 Here we have "ghost motion" with a quick draw called to the weak side. Again, note the distortion and space where the weak side #1 receiver vacates, catching them in a call where the CB is man-covering the weak side #1.

Now we have jet motion and inside run double play-action meant to single-up a WR on a deep route. Again, the combination serves to distort and stretch the SS, FS, and CB to the passing strength.

Here we run the jet sweep paired with an inside run. This flips the passing strength while also challenging the weak side safety and corner in open space against physical blockers, another theme I anticipate.

Here is a "21" personnel strong I-formation with a twins set. The FB takes the flat, helping clarify the read of the CB and FS over the twins receivers pushing vertical.

Another perimeter run play with a lead blocker and a puller, I-formation football y'all! Again, attacking the passing strength edge and challenging defenders in space with big physical blockers.

This one is a passing concept I liked from a spread 2 X 2 set. TCU looks to be in Cover-5 and the route combination to the boundary are a short in paired with a deep in. Here, the deep in comes open.

Lastly, we have what looks like a "Scissors" concept. This is great because the quarterback reads the deep safety's leverage and throws away from it (didn't happen above). Notice the corner route WIDE OPEN.

Anyhow, I hope I've provided a few examples of how Texas may again attack Patterson's defense. Through the quick game, stacked and bunch sets, quick-hitting inside and lead perimeter runs, play-action "both ways", and seeking to distort and stretch the above mentioned "complexes" with versatile route concepts, Texas may be able to ruin the Frogs' dreams of College Football Playoff glory. Hook'em y'all! 

Texas' Journey Midway...

It's been a while since I've blogged about the Longhorns. Needless to say, it's been a roller-coaster ride thus far and has seemed to me that the emotions evoked by this Texas team has been enough for an entire season. Nevertheless, let's revisit some things regarding what we've seen thus far.

What have Watson & Co shown us to this point? Well, it seems the offense has since been stripped-down and "repurposed" for use with new starting quarterback Tyrone Swoopes. Upon watching the season-opener, the offense was "trending" in appearance similar to what Watson installed at Louisville. Watson seemed comfortable with allowing David Ash to largely control the action regarding pre-snap checks and adjustments at the line of scrimmage and for good reason. David Ash was an experienced player with above-average recognition and "eye-skill". Fast forward to Swoopes taking over, the offense was stripped-down and a different subset of the playbook has been utilized since to suit the big man's strengths, a big arm and mobility. The focus early-on was on the quick passing game along with Texas' base run game. Though very limited, I suspect the staff sought to repetition this aspect of the Texas offense to help Swoopes improve in comfort, confidence, and recognition. Also, the run and quick passing game forms the back bone of the Texas offense and is something that a quarterback must be proficient in before becoming a difference-maker. The staff then began to expand the intermediate and deep passing game over the course of the Kansas, Baylor, and Oklahoma game. The execution in attacking these zones hasn't always been satisfactory, but the fact that it has shown growing competency is what's important. So, how would I describe Watson's offense now?

An interesting thing happened with Ash's season-ending injury. For better or worse, I believe it forced the staff to stumble upon an offensive identity that I personally had hoped for since they were first hired. There is still plenty of Watson's stamp on this offense, but make no mistake, this is a fair departure from what many fans expected from Watson after watching old Louisville games. The Texas offense is a zone-based, ball-control, variable tempo, and multiple offense. Wow, that was a mouthful! Watson's "surface games" are still present, but the offense has taken to spread tactics much more than originally expected while also avoiding the seemingly over-logical approach most spread teams take regarding passing and running the football based on box numbers. This team will line up and attempt to distort and smash your front. It may also utilize box counts to guide the run, pass, or packaged play read-option call as well. It is a nice blend of "pro" and "spread" based tactics and strategies. For instance, Texas will often place the quarterback under center in order to run the football or execute the quick passing game with quarterback movement. The variable formations and quarterback-running back backfield relationships helps to protect the offense from defenses keying in on run-pass tendencies. All that is needed from here is meaninful and purposeful practice in order to obtain the critical amount of repetitions necessary for high-level execution.

I'm now okay with the Texas offense taking the necessary time to develop and grow. When it does and the environment whithin which it exists begins allowing talented players to continually grow and cycle through it, it will be diverse enough to enable a myriad of different athletes to thrive. Hook'em Horns y'all!

The Texas Offense In Pictures..., And Swoopes

Well, I presume Texas Football fans are aware that the team will be moving forward without their starting quarterback David Ash. Sophomore backup Tyrone Swoopes will be taking over the starting quarterback role vs BYU in Texas' week two match-up. So, this pictorial will serve to illustrate some ideas and concepts and how they may relate to Swoopes' ability. So, what type of things did we see on Saturday?

Shift And Motion Game

As you may or may not remember from my first post, 'Shawn Watson's Offense', there will be a frequent use of shifts and motion. A defense's front and coverage responsibilities can be drastically changed as the offense's players threaten different gaps and areas of coverage via pre-snap shifts. It also helps to get your players into better front and coverage match-ups. The following images serve as examples of this.

The above example is very simple, the H-back coming across formation from a wing alignment field side to a spot behind the offensive tackle to the boundary. Notice the leverage gained by the H-back on his block of the defensive end. Now to something with more pre-snap movement.

Here is another example, the tight end and wing shift into the "I" formation. The FB then shifts to the weakside in the formation. By the time the ball is snapped, the offense has changed the gaps, potential routes, and possible protection scheme multiple times.The clear intent from the offense screams run, but with off-man coverage on the receiver to the top paired with run-action, it's an easy read and throw for the quarterback. Whether this type of concept will be available to Texas' vs their next opponent remains to be seen, but it is a concept I feel Swoopes will be able to execute.

Up next is a similar example with a screen play attached instead of quick game. I didn't capture the shift here, but the tight end shifts to "I" then leads right. This cues the alley defender to fit the run due to the extra gap created by the tight end, thus winning numbers and space for the bubble screen.

It's hard to be certain how many of these plays are the result of pre-snap checks made by the quarterback. It's yet to be known if Swoopes can make proper checks on a consistent basis. Nevertheless, if they need to be discarded, there are other ways the offense can utilize similar concepts within the current offensive framework.

Read-option game

The next set of images highlight some of the read-option concepts observed. In the first image we see what looks to be a packaged play concept. Ash appears to be reading the slot defender while meshing with the RB on the inside zone run play. I expect to see this concept fleshed out more going forward. There are different route concepts that may be run here, but I suspect the slot receiver is running a stick route in this pic. This type of concept is what I'd focus on with Swoopes in at quarterback. Whether from 1 or 2 tight end sets or spread sets it allows the quarterback to focus on 1 defender and also allows him the option to give on the mesh if he's unclear about what he's seeing. With Swoopes in the game, much of the game plan will focus on mitigating large downside risk regarding tackles for loss (TFL) and sacks.

The next example is the zone-bubble packaged play. Ash did a poor job with this play in my opinion as the screen receiver has already won leverage on the alley defender. He holds the ball too long and doesn't get the ball out on time. The throw is not shown here, but the ball sails high and results in an incompletion. This is a play that simply requires more repetitions and is something I'd expect to see a lot considering the team's strength is the run game and there are very capable receiver to both block and catch these screens.

The following play really stood out to me, the tunnel screen and running back screen packaged play. I wasn't sure what the read was pre-snap, but I liked the idea very much. I suspect we'll see this again and it will have to be cleaned up with respect to the blocking and running back path. Nevertheless, I lumped this into the option plays, as it is a packaged double screen.

Quarterback Movement Game

The next images are a glimpse of what some refer to as the bootleg or as I call it, the waggle. It involves run-action and quarterback misdirection. In the play below, it's a called run, you'll notice the linebacker flow toward the playside. The lack of backside contain is what is punished when the quarterback keeps the ball and looks to pass or run on the backside. Look for this to be featured prominently going forward.

The next two examples build on this concept. It pairs very well with zone and zone slice runs and as you can see below the receiver to the boundary arcs across the offensive line and attacks the short zone to the field side, for an easy pitch and catch.

The next example includes many shifts, the first leading to a bunch formation to the field side, then a double slot field side and wing to the boundary. Again we see zone action, this time with the wing player coming across and attacking the short zone to the field side. The combination of zone and waggle may become this team's best play and will probably be repetitioned to a great extent as the pass read is a simple high-low read, run, or throwaway. Swoopes should feel very comfortable running this scheme. It may be Texas' few potential big play concepts from here on.

The following is of some interest. It is what looks like a read play with a post-mesh quarterback release similar to naked. I suspect there is a lot more to this package as the top receiver can bypass his block for the zone run play, as well as the backside receiver crack blocking the field side contain player, thus yielding a quick pass to the outside receiver. OR, maybe I'm dreaming! 

Pistol Formation

Lastly, I wanted to feature the "Diamond" pistol formation. It would be my suggestion that Texas use this a lot more often. Here we see what I consider our goal line and short yardage diamond pistol formation. In this case, the tight end shifts to the boundary behind the tackle and Lead Iso is the run called, a great goal line play. The in-line tight end's block seals the deal here as it virtually divides the front and creates a pile-up preventing flow across the top of the line.

Now, my hope is that Texas uses different forms of the pistol (diamond and other variants) in different field postions. This formation is one of the best I've seen at isolating the outside receivers in man coverage and yielding easy single-high or two-high safety reads. Not to mention the fact that it can easily bring numbers to bear on either side for the run game, a team strength. It'd also be nice to see this formation with two running backs in the backfield. Perhaps I'm asking for too much, who knows?

In conclusion, the above plays provide a jumping off point from which to build the offensive repetoire. As has been shown, there are many opportunities to simplify and utilize modern concepts that lend themselves to team strengths. Much of the above can be adapted to suit Swoopes and I suspect it was made so with that idea in mind. There was simply no way this staff could count on Ash given the bad run of luck he's had regarding his health. So, there it is. Let's smash some Cougars!!!

The Texas Opener

I thought I'd provide some thoughts regarding the Texas season opener vs UNT. With so much mystery surrounding this team under new head coach Charlie Strong, many didn't know what they might see on Saturday night at DKR. Well, I'm here to tell you that I came away with a positive outlook based on what transpired. The following are some things that stood out to me.

The defense! Whoa! There was pressure provided by every level Saturday night! Texas fans saw a dominant defensive line, fast flowing and coverage savvy linebackers, and a pressure-oriented secondary. It's clear what the staff envisions for this defense this year and moving forward. Vance Bedford plans to attack Big 12 offenses with relentless pressure from all levels of the defense. "Basketball on grass" will now have to face the defensive football equivalent of the full court press, Texas Football's version of the '94 Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team. Except we'll rename it "60 minutes of hell." Bedford's defense will apply pressure using zone concepts and man-coverage techniques. A perfect example was Texas' first INT. Shiro Davis dropped from his typical spot on the defensive line (stand up) to cover the slot receiver, walled him off, then trailed him to force a very difficult throw from the quarterback. We know what happened next. Also, was that 2-man zone coverage? I won't go further, but it was refreshing to see proper leverage, proper pursuit angles, and high effort, all of which tend to aid in sure tackling (hat tip to Mykkele). 

Let's turn to the offense. While we didn't see Ash and the gang short circuit the scoreboard, we did see competent blocking by all (most of the time) and a physical disposition that will be necessary going forward. I felt our offensive collective (OC) called a game akin to an NFL preseason  game. The team worked on base concepts and approached the game as an opportunity to practice against "live fire". It will be interesting to see this offense evolve, for as you know, Texas will likely move forward without David Ash. Nevertheless, I thought the signal-caller played average in his debut as he was inconsistent throughout, held the ball too long on occasion, and probably missed some downfield reads. From an overall scheme perspective, I really liked what I saw on Saturday. It turns out, Watson and Wickline may have put their heads together after all. Texas fans saw glimpses of what can best be described as a convergence of Watson's UL offense and Wickline's OSU offense. I'll explain more in my next post, but what I saw was an offense built around the zone run scheme, complete with a ball control oriented quick passing game, packaged run-pass plays, a running back screen game, and a limited view of the vertical passing game. With Tyrone Swoopes likely serving that role from here on out, I expect the offense to slightly change in order to suit his strengths. 

I hate to exclude special teams, but there wasn't much there but a missed field goal and the positive of no penalties. So, until next time, hook'em!

Texas Offense: Personnel and Formations...

What I'd like to present here are some of the Spring Game formations Texas' starting offense presented to Texas' base defense, the 4-3 under (3-technique DT to the boundary or away from passing strength). For more information regarding the 4-3 under defense, a simple google search of exactly that should suffice. So, what we can gather from these clips are the basics of what Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline may scheme vs an opponent who plays the 4-3 under defense. The general formations and plays will not change vs other defenses, but for those keeping better track of details, they may find that tidbit important. So, let's get to the personnel and formations. I won't get into much detail as those who know football better than me will not need it and it's also easier to keep things simple. Let's take a look at the Texas Spring Game personnel and formation overview.

What you'll see here is "12" personnel (1 RB, 2 TE) with the WR on the left "removed" from the formation in favor of 2 WR's to the right. The QB is under center with the RB deep behind him. This formation is also accompanied by some motion from the wing player. Notice the safety move with the wing player in motion, often indicating man coverage.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416217

Next is "11" personnel (1 RB, 1 TE) with an in-line TE making a 3X1 formation, 3 receiving threats to the right, the field and 1 receiving threat to the left, the boundary.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416283

This is "20" personnel (2 RB, 0 TE) and is referred to as a split-back formation.  We see the same WR alignments as the previous play. The RB's in this formation can stay in for pass protection or they may release into the receiving pattern.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416310

The following is "11" personnel again, except all 3 WR's are split to the boundary. The QB is now in what is commonly referred to as the "pistol" formation, shotgun with a RB lined up a short distance behind him. Notice the RB shift positions to the right and slightly behind the QB. This will alter the type of run called and possible pass protection. The RB may also stay of course and you'll note the possible WR screen threat to the boundary.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416337

Here is "22" personnel (2 RB, 2 TE) and the "I" formation, FB and RB in the backfield with QB under center. Both TE's are in-line. Notice the WR in "jet" motion from the left, he slows up and proceeds to block the edge defender with inside-out leverage, a kick-out block.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3416365

This provides a glimpse of how Watson will move players pre-snap to gain leverage and numbers. I would also anticipate seeing other plays in this series where the motion WR bypasses the block and releases into the pattern.

The following personnel is "10" personnel (1 RB, 0 TE) and the formation is a 3X1 WR spread formation. This personnel will be seen in a 2X2 WR spread formation and in formations with the WR's in "reduced" splits, alignment near the ends of the OL.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3418387

In the above clip, you can see the QB fail to properly set protection. The Mike (middle LB) easily drops down and to the left edge of the OL and has a clear path to the QB. The QB must realize there are 3 "blitzers" to each side of the OL and properly set the protection or recognize the free runner at the snap and immediately get the ball out to his "hot" read.

I'll go ahead and stop here. There are other personnel and formations, like "23" personnel (2 RB, 3 TE) in "heavy" formations Texas fans may see in short yardage or goal line situations. Also, there is a plethora of other alignments within the same personnel groupings Watson will use to game plan vs certain opponents. What I wanted to get accomplished here was to highlight the basics. I also wanted to hint at a few of the "surface games" played at the line of scrimmage (LOS). Watson and Wickline's "multiple" offense will seek to challenge defenses' gap integrity and physicality on the interior and perimeter of the line of scrimmage. All the while, using those same "surface games" as a jump-off to run various run-action quick passing plays as well as play-action to the intermediate and deep zones in coverage. I hope you enjoyed.

Shawn Watson's Offense

It's about that time! College football is just around the corner, so I thought I'd write about Texas' new offense under Shawn Watson and Joe Wickline. After viewing Texas' Spring Game, I think it's fair to say Longhorns fans can expect an offense very similar to what Watson ran at Louisville. So, what did Watson do at Louisville?

For starters, I can't begin to properly characterize Watson's Louisville offense. I don't think it's as easy as referring to it as a West Coast Offense (WCO), in it's pure form anyway. However, what I do see is a framework based on the modern NFL offense, an "NFL-Lite" offense if you will. That may be a good place to begin.

The reasons I characterize Watson's offensive framework as "NFL-Lite" are due to what I see on Sundays. NFL offenses utilize multiple personnel and formations in both traditional and spread sets. They often utilize shifts and motions to prognosticate defensive intent and gain small advantages in numbers, leverage, space, and confusion. NFL quarterbacks will line up under center and shotgun and will feature a greater variety of handoffs, drop backs, and play-action quarterback movement. The NFL passing game presents a mix of ball control, vertical concepts, and screens meant to attack all zones, short, intermediate, and deep. Lastly, NFL offenses have begun integrating modern read-option strategies and tactics, a welcome change for die-hard college football fans. All of the above are utilized by Watson, presumably in a much more compact and streamlined manner suitable for college football players limited by practice-time rules.

So, in short, it looks complicated. It's difficult to cover the breadth of Watson's offense in one post. So, instead it may be better to start watching plays and begin to see how personnel, formation, and play calls are tied together. It's my view that Watson runs the same concepts from multiple formations with a tiered organization based on down, distance, and situation. So, play series from formations meant more for early downs and ball control will differ from play series meant for vertical passing and late downs. However, that doesn't mean he won't flip personnel and formation on those same downs and within those same play series. Watson's intent is to completely control the initiative and make it so the defense must play honest at all times or get caught playing to a false tendency. That's my take anyway. This is no spread offense that dictates with tempo and spacing, though I wouldn't exclude those strategies. Watson's offense will dictate with a "surface game" of personnel, formations, shifts, and motion all meant to disguise a finite amount of offensive concepts that all coalesce to form the offensive framwork. Get it!? Let's start with some examples. 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3412676

Above we have "11" personnel, split-zone to the right. I chose this play because I anticipate this to be a staple for Texas in 2014 and it will serve as a basis for what is potentially our best personnel. On to the next one.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3412693

Watson makes a similar call 3 plays later with the same personnel on 1st down. The scheme up front is changed to "wide zone" with the same "split" action from the wing player, but here he releases to the flat and the quarterback keeps the ball on the bootleg. Notice how much more space this creates for what is most likely a high-low read with a run or throw away option. Also, notice that the defensive end is completely fooled, ankles "broken". Again, a very basic example, but you can easily see how these two plays relate. The beauty? What if the other team can't stop the zone run? You can run these plays all game, that's what!

Let's turn to another personnel grouping and formation, "22" personnel and the "I" formation. I actually like the "I". I only question Texas' current roster's ability to fill the FB role. Again, another formation with a similar concept, zone. Let's take a look.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3412717

In the next sequence, you'll note Watson run G-Lead, then afterward a play-action pass play off of the same lead run-action. Again, an illustration of how Watson will fit complimentary schemes together and run series from the same look and action. He will do this with regard to the pass game as well and work in draw and screen plays to prey on defensive overcommitment.

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/3412723

Notice where the lead ends up on the 2nd play, besides hurt of course. Also, look at the defensive flow towards the run-action! The Mike is busted, but the Sam is there to save the day (at least I think that's Sam). Once again, you begin to see how a play series is set up in Watson's offense and how the same concepts can be run with different personnel and formations. This is the tip of the iceberg, but what I've gleaned thus far from Watson is that he runs complimentary concepts with various personnel and formations in order to keep defenses "flat-footed" and guessing wrong. It may not soothe many Longhorns fans' yearning for explosive plays and repeat appearances on ESPN highlight reels, but hey! We have our own network for that. I may continue my exploration of Watson's offense and since this is my first blog post ever, please feel free to give me constructive feedback.