Originally Posted by
dawg80
X's and O's
Defense: make Joe Burrow beat us. Do NOT allow LSU to get their running game going. So far, in three games, their rushing attack has been anemic. Their fans claim LSU will use Tech "to work on the running game" like it's a scrimmage for them. Great defense and a solid running game has been LSU's ticket to success over the years, which makes sense since they haven't had any decent QBs. This Burrow kid has the makings of being a "good" QB, which is a step up for LSU. But, he's still struggling making completions at a high percentage. Stuff the run and take our chances with Burrow.
Offense: Get us a real QB. That's it!
Okay, we are stuck with what we got, so...
LSU's front 4 did a number on Auburn's OL, which is a very good OL. They also focused on Auburn's QB, Stindham. It was their plan to not allow him to beat them. So, they blitzed just about every play, from somewhere different and kept Auburn guessing. LSU has the talent and the depth to get pressure and maintain the pressure rushing just four, or even just three at times. That means they can cover with 7 or 8, and they have a very talented secondary and active LBs.
Smith simply won't have a lot of time. But as he usually locks onto his primary receiver anyway, even when not pressured, this won't represent a change for him. He can look at his first option, and if it's there, throw it. If not, chunk it into the seats and live to play another down. Now, how do we give Smith...or another QB...good options? The routes have to be quick. But they also have to be complex. Both are possible. No, I have no confidence in Holtz or our offensive coaches to devise such a scheme. I expect to see the same old, very predictable, stupidly simplistic crap we've seen before. But! just for discussion's sake...
It would help, a great deal, if we had a TE. Kam McKnight could fulfill that role very nicely. He has ability, as a pass catcher and as a runner. With such a player, he would run short, quick routes in the 5-8 yard range. It's those, catch the snap and fling it all in one motion by the QB. And it's also using that as a decoy to open up something else, in the 8-12 yard range. Hit a few of those quickies and I guarantee the LSU defenders in that area will try to jump the route. That's when you use their aggressiveness against them.
Then after we enjoy some success in this short passing game, LSU's defenders will adjust. Their DL will change their attack paths, from instead of the DEs flanking, all four will join in a central push designed to bring immediate pressure into our QB's face, denying him a clear line of sight on those short routes. Their DL will be instructed to "stand up our OL." And that is when, our QB moves the pocket. Slide left or right and step away from this central push. That will allow clear sight lines to other WRs on short routes more to the outside. It still all has to be quick though.
Running attack. Don't expect much success here. LSU's defense has crushed opponents' rushing attacks, and that includes ranked Miami and Auburn. Yes, you have to occasionally try something, but puhleeze!! no slow developing crapola. Quick hitters and traps, and a few draw plays, but that's it. Mostly our RBs will have to pass block and be safety valves in the quick passing scheme. A dump off to a back and play that gains a modest 3 yards will be a HUGE victory in the face of one their blitzes. Beats our QB being clobbered for a 10 yard loss, or worse, a turnover.
And this...make every drive end with some kind of kick. PATs are the most desirable kind of kick! But a FG is okay, and punts beat turnovers.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
