Offensive Game Plan

[Rick83]

We had it 2nd and 2 from about midfield in the second quarter when we ran that trick play and then on third down got tackled for a loss. That was the one series that stood out to me where I thought we could have got some more points before half. Other than getting a little run heavy in the second half I thought Drink was really trying to milk the clock and trust the defense since they were playing so well.

Didn't MTSU run a similar play last year in New Orleans? IIRC, it didn't work for them either.

[yosef69]

This was the gameplan. 35 minutes to 25 TOP vs a running team is the kiss of death.

[TomA415]

We had it 2nd and 2 from about midfield in the second quarter when we ran that trick play and then on third down got tackled for a loss. That was the one series that stood out to me where I thought we could have got some more points before half. Other than getting a little run heavy in the second half I thought Drink was really trying to milk the clock and trust the defense since they were playing so well.

The play after the trick play was 5 receivers on 3rd and 2 and we threw a slant to darrynton and the pass was on time but early. Didn’t like that play call at all since we didn’t even try to fool them in to thinking we were running

[Longrifle28]

I can't say that I was comfortable with relying on defense winning the game. Congrats to the defense and I am ecstatic with the way it turned out. We are definitely capable of shutting down the run. The goal line stand and the penetration was awesome. D Taylor continues to be a stud, but we saw some other players starting to figure things out also last night.

We got very conservative in the second half, possibly trying to shorten the game and not have any turnovers. We quit trying to throw on first down, and tried to let DE carry us on offense. It was obvious they keyed on him. They also tried spying Zac in the second half but at least one of the spies was not quick enough. The final run play on the final drive for us just showed that they 100% thought we were going to hand it to DE.

Nice win with a weird schedule, mid week game, in a hostile environment.

[ArmantiWaterSafety]

This was one of the strangest games I've ever watched. It seemed EVERYTHING was going wrong for us and we still held out for the win. The game was called pretty fairly (with the exception of the non-PI call against us that stalled their drive, I'd be upset if I was their fans too), but I don't think I've ever watched a game where we consistently started every drive within our own 10 yard line. Their punter played lights out, and our punting wasn't particularly great. Our kickoffs also weren't particularly great and I know he's capable of touchbacks because he's been doing it a decent bit this season, but these weren't close 90% of the time. Strange, strange game, but championship teams win regardless of the circumstances and we did just that.

[EastHallApp]

Did not love the game plan, but loved the result. Sometimes you win even if the coaches' decisions (and/or players' execution) weren't all optimal.

ULL was loading up to stop the run and I think throwing more on first down could have torched them. If Hennigan gets 6 inches less on that 4th and 5 this might be a very different conversation. But in the end we all loved that last drive and the big win, so kudos to the whole team for making it happen.

[MAD Doctor]

I'll take a W any day, but Zac and Evans can't take that kind of physical punishment on a regular basis. It was puzzling seeing our speedy, talented receivers used so sparingly, but I'm trusting the visor, and 1-0 is 1-0.

[appstatealum]

Big things to pay attention to:

1. UL did a great job of pinning us back. They won the field position game. Kudos for them.

2. No offense to UL, but their defense was never going to be good enough to stop our receivers. No offense to Drink, but at some point he decided he could win the game by bleeding the time of possession and not making any attempt to get our receivers involved. He got the one TD lead, and decided he would shut down the passing game unless UL made it a game. Even at 7-7, I didn’t feel like UL had a chance. It’s like playing billiards and leaving that one ball that is right in front of a pocket and ignoring it until later to try and hit all of the other balls in. Our TE and Corey had ideal matchups/coverages ALL NIGHT. You could even stretch Corey out and have Malik come across their formation all game for easy underneath throws. Drink intentionally did not make these calls. He would keep going to our passing formation to see how UL lined up, but then run a simple hook or a Zac keeper. I thought he was playing with Fire a little, because if our defense made one big mistake, the game could’ve turned quick. It all worked out, but I’d be crazy to say that I loved what I saw. What I did love was that I saw what we could’ve done, and I saw him manage a clock like a master again. I’m impressed and baffled,

[NeersBy90]

Big things to pay attention to:

1. UL did a great job of pinning us back. They won the field position game. Kudos for them.

2. No offense to UL, but their defense was never going to be good enough to stop our receivers. No offense to Drink, but at some point he decided he could win the game by bleeding the time of possession and not making any attempt to get our receivers involved. He got the one TD lead, and decided he would shut down the passing game unless UL made it a game. Even at 7-7, I didn’t feel like UL had a chance. It’s like playing billiards and leaving that one ball that is right in front of a pocket and ignoring it until later to try and hit all of the other balls in. Our TE and Corey had ideal matchups/coverages ALL NIGHT. You could even stretch Corey out and have Malik come across their formation all game for easy underneath throws. Drink intentionally did not make these calls. He would keep going to our passing formation to see how UL lined up, but then run a simple hook or a Zac keeper. I thought he was playing with Fire a little, because if our defense made one big mistake, the game could’ve turned quick. It all worked out, but I’d be crazy to say that I loved what I saw. What I did love was that I saw what we could’ve done, and I saw him manage a clock like a master again. I’m impressed and baffled,

I feel exactly the same way. We had matchups we could exploit and chose not too. That's where my thoughts on not tipping our hand come from. I saw what you saw. Impressed and baffled sums up my feelings perfectly as well.

[HighPointApp]

Coach D said he was too conservative but trusted the D

[The Rock]

I think that those early near-interceptions, especially the one where Hennigan made an incredible play and picked up the first down which very easily could have been a pic 6, changed Drink's play calling to be more conservative. Also, UL said they were going to shut Evans down and they pretty much did but that's what gave Zac those amazing runs. Seeing how the defense was in control on their side allowed Drink to go conservative instead of airing it out.
I'm a little concerned with our punting units now, both kicking and receiving, they've been great all year but had a bad night giving the offense horrible field position and UL's offense good field position.

I agree on the ints. Zac was lucky he didnt throw 3 early in the game. could have changed the plan some.
Clayton Howell had 1 bad punt in the ETSU game and got benched; I thought last night he should have gotten another opportunity. we had 2 25+/- yard punts. We started every drive at the 25; most inside the 10; whereas they got the ball at the 35 or beyond every time.
When you think of that, our defense's performance is even more impressive.

[bigdaddyg]

great play calls by La OC on the 4th downs (LOL). Especially loved the inside handoff. Who couldn't see that coming a mile away?

[The Rock]

This was one of the strangest games I've ever watched. It seemed EVERYTHING was going wrong for us and we still held out for the win. The game was called pretty fairly (with the exception of the non-PI call against us that stalled their drive, I'd be upset if I was their fans too), but I don't think I've ever watched a game where we consistently started every drive within our own 10 yard line. Their punter played lights out, and our punting wasn't particularly great. Our kickoffs also weren't particularly great and I know he's capable of touchbacks because he's been doing it a decent bit this season, but these weren't close 90% of the time. Strange, strange game, but championship teams win regardless of the circumstances and we did just that.

I think the questionable PI was offset by the bad PI call on Jolly. That one extended their drive that ended in the only score of the night for them.

[Saint3333]

That last drive can provide so much confidence to the team to trust each other and the coaches in future games. I can't think of another drive in our history with that many clutch plays made, inches gained, that made a difference. And truly soul crushing for a defense.

[Rick83]

I think that those early near-interceptions, especially the one where Hennigan made an incredible play and picked up the first down which very easily could have been a pic 6, changed Drink's play calling to be more conservative. Also, UL said they were going to shut Evans down and they pretty much did but that's what gave Zac those amazing runs. Seeing how the defense was in control on their side allowed Drink to go conservative instead of airing it out.
I'm a little concerned with our punting units now, both kicking and receiving, they've been great all year but had a bad night giving the offense horrible field position and UL's offense good field position.

I agree on the ints. Zac was lucky he didnt throw 3 early in the game. could have changed the plan some.
Clayton Howell had 1 bad punt in the ETSU game and got benched; I thought last night he should have gotten another opportunity. we had 2 25+/- yard punts. We started every drive at the 25; most inside the 10; whereas they got the ball at the 35 or beyond every time.
When you think of that, our defense's performance is even more impressive.

Yep, and the offense would've scored much more easily if they weren't constantly digging out of deep holes. The punting teams need to get back to where they were, not sure what happened to them last night.
BUT, as someone else already posted, if we get all 3 phases clicking in the same game we're going to be totally dominant and I pity the fools who dare to suit up against us.

[Saint3333]

This was one of the strangest games I've ever watched. It seemed EVERYTHING was going wrong for us and we still held out for the win. The game was called pretty fairly (with the exception of the non-PI call against us that stalled their drive, I'd be upset if I was their fans too), but I don't think I've ever watched a game where we consistently started every drive within our own 10 yard line. Their punter played lights out, and our punting wasn't particularly great. Our kickoffs also weren't particularly great and I know he's capable of touchbacks because he's been doing it a decent bit this season, but these weren't close 90% of the time. Strange, strange game, but championship teams win regardless of the circumstances and we did just that.

I think the questionable PI was offset by the bad PI call on Jolly. That one extended their drive that ended in the only score of the night for them.

I don't see that PI as questionable at all. If you have an under thrown ball and the WR is coming back to the ball to make a play the CB HAS to turn their head around and certainly not run into the WR. Tough spot for a CB, but that is the call every time in CFB or NFL (unless your the Saints).

[bigdaddyg]

I think that those early near-interceptions, especially the one where Hennigan made an incredible play and picked up the first down which very easily could have been a pic 6, changed Drink's play calling to be more conservative. Also, UL said they were going to shut Evans down and they pretty much did but that's what gave Zac those amazing runs. Seeing how the defense was in control on their side allowed Drink to go conservative instead of airing it out.
I'm a little concerned with our punting units now, both kicking and receiving, they've been great all year but had a bad night giving the offense horrible field position and UL's offense good field position.

I agree on the ints. Zac was lucky he didnt throw 3 early in the game. could have changed the plan some.
Clayton Howell had 1 bad punt in the ETSU game and got benched; I thought last night he should have gotten another opportunity. we had 2 25+/- yard punts. We started every drive at the 25; most inside the 10; whereas they got the ball at the 35 or beyond every time.
When you think of that, our defense's performance is even more impressive.

Yep, and the offense would've scored much more easily if they weren't constantly digging out of deep holes. The punting teams need to get back to where they were, not sure what happened to them last night.
BUT, as someone else already posted, if we get all 3 phases clicking in the same game we're going to be totally dominant and I pity the fools who dare to suit up against us.

What is crazy is that we really haven't played that complete game yet. Against Charlotte we obviously had the defensive issues but offensively and on special teams we were lights out. Forget ETSU that was a scrimmage. Against UNC the heat got to us and we had to go deep into the bench but got the W so whatever. Against Coastal everything on defense still wasn't quite there but was there ever any doubt we would win? Last night most of us figured on a shootout and I personally thought Drink would open up some more of the playbook. There were some head scratching play calls but defense was obviously crazy good. I really believe that La might be the best team we have played and maybe all year (to be determined). Bottom line- once all three phases are in sync we will light some teams up big time.

[AppStFan1]

Does anyone else think Coach Drink is a mastermind? Seems to me he draws up a game plan of just what we need to do, almost the bare minimum in order win. He doesn't ever seem to show his hand or deviate from his plan to blow someone out.

I thought last night especially and in the UNC game, we could've torched them throwing the ball. It was like we got the lead and did just enough to keep us ahead. When we needed to, we took some chances and got the points we needed. I feel like we still have a good chunk of our offensive playbook wide open moving forward.

If this is in fact what is going on, I can't wait to see us open up the playbook.

My only complaint with Drink so far is I do wish we would open up the playbook more but I think he is doing exactly what we need to win because he knows we may see these guys again.

[bigdaddyg]

Does anyone else think Coach Drink is a mastermind? Seems to me he draws up a game plan of just what we need to do, almost the bare minimum in order win. He doesn't ever seem to show his hand or deviate from his plan to blow someone out.

I thought last night especially and in the UNC game, we could've torched them throwing the ball. It was like we got the lead and did just enough to keep us ahead. When we needed to, we took some chances and got the points we needed. I feel like we still have a good chunk of our offensive playbook wide open moving forward.

If this is in fact what is going on, I can't wait to see us open up the playbook.

My only complaint with Drink so far is I do wish we would open up the playbook more but I think he is doing exactly what we need to win because he knows we may see these guys again.

He admitted that he got a little bit conservative. Nice to hear a coach own up. I think he does what is needed to go 1-0 every week. He doesn't seem to give the next team much film. The only curious thing with me is waiting for a long one to Virgil. Perhaps soon.

[AppStFan1]

Does anyone else think Coach Drink is a mastermind? Seems to me he draws up a game plan of just what we need to do, almost the bare minimum in order win. He doesn't ever seem to show his hand or deviate from his plan to blow someone out.

I thought last night especially and in the UNC game, we could've torched them throwing the ball. It was like we got the lead and did just enough to keep us ahead, when we needed to, we took some chances and got the points we needed. I feel like we still have a good chunk of our offensive playbook wide open moving forward.

If this is in fact what is going on, I can't wait to see us open up the playbook.

When drink does it hes a mastermind, but when satt called runs up the middle up 3 he was not....

I agree that Drink was too conservative. The difference in he and Satt is that I have seen Drink and Shawn Clark open it up more than Scott did. Scott was like Jerry Moore in that once you get a lead you sit on it. Scott would not have gone for it on 4th down as much as Drink does.

That is why I said in another thread that I'm excited to see when we open up the playbook. I mean we should have force fed Sutton and Hennigan more but we did not. Drink admitted he got conservative but the defense allowed that to happen. If we are only giving up 7-17 points in a game then why show all we have and be aggressive?

Here is something to consider though. Look at Satt against Troy last year. We almost fell asleep and just wanted to get out of there with a win. We were at home though. That was my complaint. Last night we were on the road. We just needed to shorten the game, take their fans out of it, and get out of town with a W. When on the road you drain the clock and take their fans out of it. When you are at home you don't have to worry about that. T

I have a feeling he would call a very different game in a rematch. Your general point is right that some are hypocritical but when your defense is playing lights out on the road for the first time this year I think that caused him to sit on the ball more.