🏈 Offensive game plan for Utah?

[Crimson Hawk]

Anybody else think we will try to line up & run straight at them?

 

[elbatider]

Mix in some play action and the occasional deep ball to keep them honest.

 

[ElephantStomp]

Line up and watch their defense wet their pants.

 

[NTT]

With our OL consisting of 330, 300, 305, 300, and 298 including 2 all-americans vs. the Utah DL consisting of 263, 260, 245, and 250 and 0 all-americans. I think we will run down their throat more than any team we have faced all year. Their defense is designed to stop the west coast high flying speedsters. They don't know what its like to smashed in the mouth. Even their LB's are all 230 and less.

The last time we faced a defensive line this small was Western Kentucky and they had bigger LB's. We had 557 total yards including 281 rushing and Terry Grant was running the ball in the 2nd quarter and Coffee didn't play a down in the 2nd half. In fact I don't think any starter saw 4th quarter action. We won 41-7. Oh btw we kneeled on the ball in the last min while sitting inside the 10 yard line.

 

[redandwhite10]

I know people here aren't really familiar with Utah and do not have the local inside info, but those thinking Utah has no size on the Dline need to understand something: Our starting DT (Eliapo) was hurt first game of the season but is back and played in the last part of the season. He is 6'0 303lbs and will start in place of Shelby (the one who weighs 245)

In addition to Eliapo, we have Sealver Siliga who weighs in at 330lbs. He rotates with Newman and is a good run stopper. Utah goes small as part of a philosophy, not necessarily because they don't have any size.

Alabama will undoubtedly run a lot between the tackles, but we've been stout all year. Your line isn't even the biggest line we'll have faced. BYU averaged about 6'7 326lbs. They had 4 seniors on the line and all 4 will likely play on Sundays. 3 will be drafted and the other will most likely land on a team as a free agent.

We've played physical teams and we ourselves are physical. Your line will likely be more talented than BYU's, but to say we've never seen anything like it is incorrect.

 

[capooth]

I know people here aren't really familiar with Utah and do not have the local inside info, but those thinking Utah has no size on the Dline need to understand something: Our starting DT (Eliapo) was hurt first game of the season but is back and played in the last part of the season. He is 6'0 303lbs and will start in place of Shelby (the one who weighs 245)

In addition to Eliapo, we have Sealver Siliga who weighs in at 330lbs. He rotates with Newman and is a good run stopper. Utah goes small as part of a philosophy, not necessarily because they don't have any size.

Alabama will undoubtedly run a lot between the tackles, but we've been stout all year. Your line isn't even the biggest line we'll have faced. BYU averaged about 6'7 326lbs. They had 4 seniors on the line and all 4 will likely play on Sundays. 3 will be drafted and the other will most likely land on a team as a free agent.

We've played physical teams and we ourselves are physical. Your line will likely be more talented than BYU's, but to say we've never seen anything like it is incorrect.

I know this really wasn't your point but...
in that game against BYU, they ran for 214 yards on 7.1 yards per rush.

 

[redandwhite10]

I know this really wasn't your point but...
in that game against BYU, they ran for 214 yards on 7.1 yards per rush.

Yes, they did. But again, just like those reading the depth chart and seeing Shelby as a starter at 245lbs, there is more to the Utah football team than what you see in the paper (a.k.a the stats on our game against BYU.)

In games where BYU has dominated, they have thrown the ball well. Robert Anae (BYU's OC) is predictable and runs a vanilla offense. Utah's game plan was to stop the pass and give them the run. They did this by usually only rushing 4 DL and having the LBs sit back on the option routes. In addition, Utah's DL had the assignment of getting hands in certain passing lanes. The result: 9 tipped balls, 5 interceptions, and a 24 point win.

Against rushing teams, we would blitz more, and stack 8 in the box (see AFA, OSU, TCU) AFA had 53 yds on 42 carries. Granted, AFA is NOT Alabama. But it's just an example of Utah game planning a team's strengths and taking those away first.

While BYU rushed well that night, it didn't really matter. Their strength is to throw for 350+ yds. Once they start throwing well and get a lead, they run it to finish you. Utah completely disrupted that.

Every good team does what it can to take away a team's strengths. I suspect Utah to take deep shots early after establishing the short and mid-range passing game.

The only way I see Utah being able to disrupt Alabama is to get an early lead. If our offense can get a few quick scores, Alabama may throw just a little more than they normally would and this plays out of their strengths and into Utah's.

Julio is going to be a load, but our only hope is Sean Smith can slow him down while we stack the box.

So, Utah goes for big plays early, tries to get a lead. This disrupts the run a bit for Bama, Utah forces more three and outs and gets Alabama's D on the field a lot. Add to that a few good bounces, some turnovers, and a few badly timed penalties for Alabama, and we are in this until the end.

If our offense cannot get going early with the pass, then everything else will fail and it's going to be a long game.

 

[MDBtrumpet04]

The only way I see Utah being able to disrupt Alabama is to get an early lead. If our offense can get a few quick scores, Alabama may throw just a little more than they normally would and this plays out of their strengths and into Utah's.

It's possible this may happen but no one has had "a few quick scores" on this defense. Saban loves to blitz from everywhere to keep the quarterback guessing. Since your offense does not implement the option as much as Florida, expect Alabama to bring pressure, especially with empty-back sets.

Offensively, if Utah does score on us quick, don't expect Alabama from getting away from their gameplan too much. Alabama will stick with the run game to set up play action. Bootlegs, medium crossing routes, and stopping routes are Alabama's favorite. Bamas offense is not "shock and awe," bit this offense plays for ball control.

Julio is going to be a load, but our only hope is Sean Smith can slow him down while we stack the box.

Don't bet the house mortgage on this one. JJ could go pro right now if he was allowed to.

 

[Crimson Hawk]

I have no doubt Utah will TRY to stop Bama from running, but the question is CAN they do it? Not dissin' them at all, it's just that nobody else has been able to stop it. Early on, the talk from the UU guys was that their DL was small, but fast, and very athletic. If that is the case, then wouldn't it be better to run right at them, & negate their speed? That's really where I was coming from.

I think, on the other hand, that slowing their short passing game will be critical, but then again, if their O is on the sidelines watching ours control the ball, and the clock, it's going to be a long day for Utah.

Can't wait for the game to get here, but dreading the football void that summer will bring.

 

[TerryP]

Hawk, I'll get more into this with the next preview...

But, a couple of thoughts I'm working with...

Speed and agility does work in their favor against our OL. But, that comes into play vs our OT's and mostly in passing downs. The chances Utah will be able to tackle our RB's with back side pursuit are slim...a couple of times it may happen, at best.

The speed and agility won't come into play vs the running game, specifically between our tackles. The weak spot on their DL (no matter who it is) is their interior. The leading tacklers on the Utah team this year are their two DE's.

Based on that, who often do we try to hit the edges with our running game?

To stop our running game is going to fall on their LB's more often than not. Ironically, while they are good against the run they aren't as good against the pass.

You can see where I'm going there, I'm sure.

I'm not trying to be egotistical here...but there hasn't been a game this year I didn't understand how we'd attack the opposing team. Granted, our offense is pretty basic...but, this one is very clear.

I'll have Part two of the Sugar Bowl preview up soon...not going to mess with it today...too involved in playing with a new golf toy(s).

 

[BAMAFSTBACK]

The famous words come to mind......"This aint Kentucky!" Utah may have played well against some decent competition but Bama should have their way with the Utes. "What in the %&^* is a ute?"

 

[Guest]

Terry pointed out that the Utes DL strength in the DEs, and that strength is not STRENGTH but speed. That is to say, against our OL who have been run stopping defeating DE all season long, the Utes DE have only speed up the field as a weapon against the likes of All-American Andre Smith. Show we run AT the left DE, that DE is either really fast at getting out of the way or really fast at coming at Andre (just what Andre wants, so he does not have to chase him).

Considering the speed across our conference, one can see why our backs get to the second level so quickly (negating speed rush). This is why, as Terry pointed out, that back-side pursuit is not a threat...because it is a matter of survival in the SEC. And clearly we have done more than just survive.

With pursuit negated, the Utes' Defense comes down to their ability to out physical us, because we will want to shove it down their throats with 12-15 play, clock-eating drives that keep our Defense rested.

Can they do this, sure, but not if they also want to stop the pass -- balanced ability is what they face. They face arguable the most brutal, pounding run game in college football AND a quarterback that holds all the major passing records over Bart Starr, Joe Namath, and Kenny "the Snake" Stabler.

 

[MussMan]

Julio is going to be a load, but our only hope is Sean Smith can slow him down while we stack the box.

Don't bet the house mortgage on this one. JJ could go pro right now if he was allowed to.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=72671&draftyear=2010&genpos=CB

Sean Smith could go pro if he wanted to as well. He's rated by most services as a first round pick, and the 3rd best CB in the draft if he declares.

He probably won't shut Jones down, but I think he's more than capable of slowing him.

Like RedandWhite said, Utah gave BYU the ground game in order to shut down their passing game. After that game, the coaches and DBs said that their game plan was to give them the run and focus on disrupting their passing lanes. BYU's offense is very pass heavy.

We had 5 interceptions and dropped 4 more.

We haven't faced a team with an offensive line and RBs that have the combination of size and athleticism of Bama. We'll give up some yards, but this Utah defense is at least as good and physical as the middle of the pack SEC teams.

 

[TerryP]

We haven't faced a team with an offensive line and RBs that have the combination of size and athleticism of Bama. We'll give up some yards, but this Utah defense is at least as good and physical as the middle of the pack SEC teams.

Maybe taken as a whole in stats, but in terms of individual groupings I don't think so.

Secondary for Utah would rank in the top 3rd in the SEC. Linebackers would be on the bubble of the bottom of the 2nd tier vs the top of the bottom 1/3rd.

We'd have to split your DL in half to judge them. And, the best part of that DL are the DE's and they'd be in that middle tier. DT's? Lower tier.

 

[redandwhite10]

We haven't faced a team with an offensive line and RBs that have the combination of size and athleticism of Bama. We'll give up some yards, but this Utah defense is at least as good and physical as the middle of the pack SEC teams.

Maybe taken as a whole in stats, but in terms of individual groupings I don't think so.

Secondary for Utah would rank in the top 3rd in the SEC. Linebackers would be on the bubble of the bottom of the 2nd tier vs the top of the bottom 1/3rd.

We'd have to split your DL in half to judge them. And, the best part of that DL are the DE's and they'd be in that middle tier. DT's? Lower tier.

People have focused a lot on the abilities of our defense and its supposed inability to stop the run. I don't think enough time is being spent on on the abilities of Utah's offense.

We have seen an incredible defense this year: TCU. I don't care who they played or what stats they've compiled against "weak" teams. They pass the most important test of all: the eyeball test. They ARE fast, they ARE strong, and they FLY to the ball on every play. Playing them exposed some of the weaknesses Utah has on offense.

I would think going into the Alabama game, Utah's coaching staff is expecting the same type of fast, hard-hitting defense TCU had. Utah was close to breaking through all game on that TCU Defense and finally did it when it mattered most. I really think that experience will help the Utes gameplan. Playing in a bowl game in January is NOT the same as playing in the grind of a weekly schedule. I think Utah will show they can score and they'll show it early on. This is the only way to make Bama deviate from the run. I know they will not deviate much, but if Utah can get them to do it even a little and force some 3rd and longs, Utah can stay in it until the end.

 

[Guest]

Julio is going to be a load, but our only hope is Sean Smith can slow him down while we stack the box.

Don't bet the house mortgage on this one. JJ could go pro right now if he was allowed to.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=72671&draftyear=2010&genpos=CB

Sean Smith could go pro if he wanted to as well. He's rated by most services as a first round pick, and the 3rd best CB in the draft if he declares.

He probably won't shut Jones down, but I think he's more than capable of slowing him.

Like RedandWhite said, Utah gave BYU the ground game in order to shut down their passing game. After that game, the coaches and DBs said that their game plan was to give them the run and focus on disrupting their passing lanes. BYU's offense is very pass heavy.

We had 5 interceptions and dropped 4 more.

We haven't faced a team with an offensive line and RBs that have the combination of size and athleticism of Bama. We'll give up some yards, but this Utah defense is at least as good and physical as the middle of the pack SEC teams.

"most services?"

Sorry.

none.

Smith is in his second season after converting from RB. He has played "ok." He would not make the 2 deep on half the teams in the SEC.

He has size.
He is athletic.

But to rate him as #3 at CB over guys who have played the position for years is silly. Most projections I have seen (pay sites) have him as a 5th rounder or even free agent. NFL draft scout has him projected as #3 in next year's class, based on his physical tools and another year of seasoning...right now - 5th round to free agent.

Those who are ranking him higher (3rd round - a few second) are doing so as a safety - his more natural position. He is a bit slow out of the backpedal and against NFL receivers he would get his lunch eaten...might happen against SEC receivers too - though he is pretty good at jamming people on the line, and that is something that gave Julio fits early in the season. It will be interesting to see how the other Bama receivers do...and our TE's.

JJ would be a first rounder.

 

[TerryP]

"most services?"

Sorry.

none.

Smith is in his second season after converting from RB. He has played "ok." He would not make the 2 deep on half the teams in the SEC.

He has size.
He is athletic.

But to rate him as #3 at CB over guys who have played the position for years is silly. Most projections I have seen (pay sites) have him as a 5th rounder or even free agent. NFL draft scout has him projected as #3 in next year's class, based on his physical tools and another year of seasoning...right now - 5th round to free agent.

Those who are ranking him higher (3rd round - a few second) are doing so as a safety - his more natural position. He is a bit slow out of the backpedal and against NFL receivers he would get his lunch eaten...might happen against SEC receivers too - though he is pretty good at jamming people on the line, and that is something that gave Julio fits early in the season. It will be interesting to see how the other Bama receivers do...and our TE's.

JJ would be a first rounder.

There's one point where you and I are on opposite sides of the fence.

I look at the secondary, as a whole, from Utah and I see a group that would rank in the top half (probably top 1/3rd) of the SEC.

I realize where you are coming from, at least I believe I do, with your thoughts on their pass coverage. Yes, they have given up a lot of yards but that has to be weighed against the fact that they've played teams they are pass-heavy in scheme.

Sure, the actual numbers show one thing, but here's where another stat has to be brought into play as well; the efficiency numbers. They haven't given up a lot of big plays.

Across the board everyone in their secondary has picked a pass. Smith is the one that that leads that group with the most picks and (I'd have to look this one up to be sure) I believe he also leads the group in PBU's.

You know me and know that one thing I look at, and take seriously, is maturity. It's a veteran group in their secondary including their back-ups.

As to the SEC and where they would fall...

The only reason I'd say our group in the secondary is better than Utah's is Rashad. His knowledge of the defensive scheme is one thing that, in the SEC, is almost unparalleled.

SECW: I'd put Utah's group even with LSU, ahead of all the others.

{mentioning LSU...one thing that strikes me just now is one of the problems that group had this year was passing defense in their LB'ing corps...a problem I see with Utah as well.}

 

[TerryP]

People have focused a lot on the abilities of our defense and its supposed inability to stop the run. I don't think enough time is being spent on on the abilities of Utah's offense.

Point of clarification, since you quoted my post.

My point with Utah's defense was case specific. Areas of your DL that were susceptible to be ran against.

I've yet to even broach the subject of your offense, and I will. But, it'll be after I publish the UA offense vs UU defensive preview.

We have seen an incredible defense this year: TCU. I don't care who they played or what stats they've compiled against "weak" teams. They pass the most important test of all: the eyeball test. They ARE fast, they ARE strong, and they FLY to the ball on every play. Playing them exposed some of the weaknesses Utah has on offense.

I have mentioned TCU. (search function is at the top)

I said TCU is comparable to our defense, in terms of their using 3 downlinemen a lot and their use of 5 in the secondary. In terms of numbers, alone.

It stops just after that.

"Eyeball test?" Leaving that one alone.

I would think going into the Alabama game, Utah's coaching staff is expecting the same type of fast, hard-hitting defense TCU had. Utah was close to breaking through all game on that TCU Defense and finally did it when it mattered most. I really think that experience will help the Utes gameplan. Playing in a bowl game in January is NOT the same as playing in the grind of a weekly schedule. I think Utah will show they can score and they'll show it early on. This is the only way to make Bama deviate from the run. I know they will not deviate much, but if Utah can get them to do it even a little and force some 3rd and longs, Utah can stay in it until the end.

I'm sorry, but the thought of this team deviating from their offensive scheme because any team scores early just isn't going to happen.

That thought has to include the notion the staff would panic, and the team would panic, because Utah had an early lead. Yet, that thought has no basis in reality or situational example.

 

[slee]

A little bit off from the x's and o's but a talk show host in Huntsville had an interview with Utahs head coach and was askin about his convesations Urban Meyer and how his gameplan shoud be and his response was. What can he tell me they will line up run the ball down your throat and say what are you going to do about it.

 

[TerryP]

A little bit off from the x's and o's but a talk show host in Huntsville had an interview with Utahs head coach and was askin about his convesations Urban Meyer and how his gameplan shoud be and his response was. What can he tell me they will line up run the ball down your throat and say what are you going to do about it.

A point that doesn't seem to click.

We've had that conversation with opponents since the Clemson game. They have, to a fan base said, we can be just as physical, just as strong...