🏈 Mac Jones

[TerryP]

What would you have called?

Probably something along the same lines.

In the second half we saw runs to the outside that were successful. With only 12 yards to work with (including the end zone) I don't see that having as much success that close. We saw passing plays that were successful in the second half.

What we did not see were running plays that were successful versus their run blitz. I believe I've made that pretty clear, eh?

A chip on that defensive end by the FB would have made a hell of a lot of difference. If Mac had thrown it out in front of Najee that would have made a difference. That's easy to say looking back because we saw how the play developed.

It's just as easy to see the play called was a good one because we could look at the game and how it was progressing at the time and know a running play there would not have made a difference in what we'd already seen.

 

[Tidestalker]

Probably something along the same lines.

In the second half we saw runs to the outside that were successful. With only 12 yards to work with (including the end zone) I don't see that having as much success that close. We saw passing plays that were successful in the second half.

What we did not see were running plays that were successful versus their run blitz. I believe I've made that pretty clear, eh?

A chip on that defensive end would have made a hell of a lot of difference. If Mac had thrown it out in front of Najee that would have made a difference. That's easy to say looking back because we saw how the play developed.

It's just as easy to see the play called was a good one because we could look at the game and how it was progressing at the time and know a running play there would not have made a difference in what we'd already seen.

Not even the heavily one-sided Pros vs Cons argument could move you. Next time I'll have to pull out the vector matrix...

You're Nuts. RTR

 

[TerryP]

You're Nuts. RTR

Glad to be nuts in this case. Have you happened to notice we've got a former QB for Bama here that's saying the same?

Quite ironic though...noticed a former Bama player make the same comment yesterday. So, I guess we're both nuts. One thing we haven't noticed? Former players who are now analyst pointing to the call and labeling it as bad. I do wonder why ...

 

[mando]

likely the best defense in college football

Using the Barn and this statement in the same sentence is just crazy talk lol. Its the Barn lets not prop them up and make them more than well the Barn...

We still beating this dead horse? Poor thing only has the bones left.... let him rest in peace.

 

[Tidestalker]

Glad to be nuts in this case. Have you happened to notice we've got a former QB for Bama here that's saying the same?

Quite ironic though...noticed a former Bama player make the same comment yesterday. So, I guess we're both nuts. One thing we haven't noticed? Former players who are now analyst pointing to the call and labeling it as bad. I do wonder why ...

I don't wonder why at all...

-I'm assuming you're referring to @UAgrad93 as the former Bama QB here? He isn't nuts at all, in fact very rational Here's what he had to say:

With all of that said, Sark probably could’ve or should’ve called a run on 1st down instead of that ill fated pass. I always liked play action on the goal line on 2nd down anyways.

-I can't ever remember you second guess any Saban or staff related decisions on the field. So that's no surprise

-Former players who are now analysts need access... It's much easier for them to go along & get along.

 

[rocknthefreeworld]

I remember folks saying Auburn wouldn't give up much more than 20 to us because their defense was so good. They gave up over double that due to the play calls of Sark. Had that goal line pass been a little better or just fallen to the turf folks would be praising him for the win. Fickle as hell man.

 

[UAgrad93]

-I can't ever remember you second guess any Saban or staff related decisions on the field. So that's no surprise

I second guess him and other staffers from time to time. I just like to keep it to myself. After playing the position and then called plays for 13 years in HS. I learned from Homer Smith that 1st and 2nd down were the best downs to run some type of play action. Running play action on 2nd down was just my personal preference.
If the play call worked, damn Sark was a genius and Mac deserves the Heisman!! I kid. It is what it is calling plays though. Had the DE crashed hard on the run fake, Mac could’ve just had easily run it in. I worked with coaches that would’ve preferred them run it as to throw it anyways. We were always taught to throw the ball on an outside route, if you miss low and away from the receiver. Never ever do you miss behind the receiver and that is with no pressure. Crashing DEs have a tendency to make one rush a throw or two.

 

[UAgrad93]

@Tidestalker , I thought you were referring to me on the second guessing.

 

[Tidestalker]

@Tidestalker , I thought you were referring to me on the second guessing.

Oh no not at all.... I believe (believe...If I'm wrong I apologize) @TerryP was alluding to your stance as a former QB on that play call. Ironically I think it was supposed to be in support of his opinion but it appears to be the opposite. No biggy.

All that makes really good sense. And for the 10th time - I thought Sark called a fantastic game as a whole. That particular play call was questionable for a lot of reasons... Pointing it out and talking through it is what fans do! Especially on a football forum. Regardless I'm hoping Sark comes back, in general I thought he was really good this year. Not to mention the much needed continuity for the staff. RTR

 

[UAgrad93]

Oh no not at all.... I believe (believe...If I'm wrong I apologize) @TerryP was alluding to your stance as a former QB on that play call. Ironically I think it was supposed to be in support of his opinion but it appears to be the opposite. No biggy.

All that makes really good sense. And for the 10th time - I thought Sark called a fantastic game as a whole. That particular play call was questionable for a lot of reasons... Pointing it out and talking through it is what fans do! Especially on a football forum. Regardless I'm hoping Sark comes back, in general I thought he was really good this year. Not to mention the much needed continuity for the staff. RTR

After teaching for 26 years, I think the ADHD from all of these kids has rubbed off on me!
My opinion was probably good for both sides to be honest. I can see it taken that way. Now I worked with coaches that would prefer to run it 3 straight times into the teeth of the D and I even had one that would assume play calling on goal line situations just to prevent me from putting it in the air!

 

[Tidestalker]

After teaching for 26 years, I think the ADHD from all of these kids has rubbed off on me!
My opinion was probably good for both sides to be honest. I can see it taken that way. Now I worked with coaches that would prefer to run it 3 straight times into the teeth of the D and I even had one that would assume play calling on goal line situations just to prevent me from putting it in the air!

Haha... Now if that's not confidence in your play caller I don't know what is!

 

[TerryP]

I don't wonder why, at all.

The poster you've referred to is awesome....

You rarely if ever second guess anything on the Saban staff or players.

Former players who are now analyst's need access. Going against the grain isn't in there best interest.

There are a few swings and misses here. To be clear, more than one.

 

[TerryP]

@UAgrad93, what are you calling there? I know you're not between the tackles. Outside? You see room?

 

[TerryP]

That particular play call was questionable f

...now. Questionable, because it didn't work.

Curious. What are you calling there? I believe you've made it a point it's "pound it with Najee," right?

 

[Tidestalker]

There are a few swings and misses here. To be clear, more than one.

TP - I edited that post pretty significantly this morning - Not sure why it's showing up that way? But check it out above.

...now. Questionable, because it didn't work.

Curious. What are you calling there? I believe you've made it a point it's "pound it with Najee," right?

No doubt I'm spreading it out a little and running up the gut. 3 WR's to force an 8 man box and giving it to the stud RB.

Same on 2nd and if that doesn't work, shotgun handoff to Najee.

I think @UAgrad93 makes a good point about play action on 2nd down... Key factor is getting there. Getting stuffed on 1st isn't back breaker

 

[UAgrad93]

@UAgrad93, what are you calling there? I know you're not between the tackles. Outside? You see room?

I would’ve likely called an off tackle power. Block everyone down and kick out the end man with the FB. 2nd down would’ve likely been the bootleg. If I went pass first, the boot or power action with a 3 TE look with Billingsley playing the HB. Slam him down then back to the back pylon and send Kaho about a yard deep toward the front pylon. Najee has to sell it hard though.

 

[footballer]

QB under center. Randolph tight end right side of line, Billingsley left side, Jeudy right wide out, Smith left wide out. Harris at rb. Play action because as Terryp says aub is blitzing on first down expecting us to run. Fake hand off to Harris who is headed between R guard and tackle gives help on Brown or a blitzer. Billingsley goes across goal line and turns away from any cover, right or left. Jeudy and Smith run the same route, depending on how the corners cover. If either corner is shading inside, they cut to the out side back corner. If cb is shading outside, they should turn their route inside.If read right by Jones, he should be able to see right away who should be open. If no one is open or he does not want to chance it, then throw the ball away. If this play doesn't result in a TD, then line up and play smash mouth football for the next three plays.

 

[TerryP]

No doubt I'm spreading it out a little and running up the gut. 3 WR's to force an 8 man box and giving it to the stud RB.

Same on 2nd and if that doesn't work, shotgun handoff to Najee.

Six blocking eight? That's your call there? If not, running shotgun in a goal line situation for a handoff against a run blitz?

The latter is arguable the most panned play call in football regardless of the level. The former? Six into eight? I'm left speechless.

 

[BamaFan334]

I have always LOVED that play call we ran for the second touchdown against Notre Dame, release Michael Williams who was wide open as they prepared to stuff Lacy.

 

[Tidestalker]

Six blocking eight? That's your call there? If not, running shotgun in a goal line situation for a handoff against a run blitz?

The latter is arguable the most panned play call in football regardless of the level. The former? Six into eight? I'm left speechless.

Hate to break it to ya Terry - But any run play at the goal line you're going to be around -2. Unless you're expecting the QB and RB to block.

I'd prefer that over the tight goal line 9 on 11... I have a lot of faith that our RB who flew over the goal line once can make it happen again with less congestion if necessary.

Ultimately the results are what they are. A questionable play that ended in disaster.