Observation #1: Sluggo had to crack a smile yesterday because PSU made an in-game adjustment up front that he has talked for quite a while. Actually, let me clarify that.... I don't believe they made a blocking change but, rather, they called another play instead of the RPO that blocks the same look differently and generated a better setup for the back. Go back and look for yourselves.
Observation #2: Indiana utilized a similar recipe on defense to that of other opponents and I believe PSU is too stubborn to make certain adjustments to force the hand of the defense. If you look at the two high base sets we are seeing, you realize that we need to adapt our scheme and formations to exploit them. Specifically, teams are parking safeties over Hamler and Freiermuth to lessen the direct vertical threat from the two spot. Our primary response has been to run the box fade but now teams are countering that by getting friction on Hamler/Freiermuth and not allowing free release to the alley.
Observation #3: Playing off of #2, PSU has become too predictable in how they attack segments of the field and it is translating into the keys and reads of opposing defenders. Let me give some examples:
Do we attack the middle of the field from the RB position? I can't recall a single Nike route. It's always flat or swing.
Do we attack the middle of the field from #1? I haven't seen us do this with success in about a month.... and the token slants don't count because PSU runs slant as a skinny so it doesn't impact linebacker keys and reads.
Do we run bubbles and tunnel screens to force safeties to run the alley and not just sit high in coverage? Make those safeties play downhill on the outside.
Having said all of that, I'm not actually trying to be critical of the staff as much as I'm saying that the staff needs to devote more focus to dictating what the opposing defense does rather than threading the needle of what they are giving us. This is a major distinction and I believe they are simply saying 'OK, the defense is cover two with friction so we have to run this...' My preference would be that they utilize base formation, personnel grouping and route variety to dictate to the defense and force them out of all of the two high stuff.
OK, great... how do they do that, right? I believe a couple adjustments could change what defenses are able to do fundamentally.
First, get Hamler out at the #1 more often. This stresses the defense and forces them to modify coverage. You can't press Hamler and not expect PSU to make you pay with the hole shot against Cover 2. This will make the defense roll coverage or play more split coverage to open up the other receivers.
Second, modify the 3x1 sets to isolate Hamler on the one side. This eliminates the possibility of two high coverage and creates a matchup nightmare that demands help over the top.
Third, attack the middle of the field from the RB position. This lessens the underneath help that LBs can give to restrict throwing lanes and opens the field under the safeties.
Anyway, enough for now and sorry for the long post. I'm not a negative nelly and I'm quite happy with the team's success. I'd just like us to dictate to the defense rather than take what they give us because the defenses we're seeing make you take lower percentage throws.
ziplock
Observation #2: Indiana utilized a similar recipe on defense to that of other opponents and I believe PSU is too stubborn to make certain adjustments to force the hand of the defense. If you look at the two high base sets we are seeing, you realize that we need to adapt our scheme and formations to exploit them. Specifically, teams are parking safeties over Hamler and Freiermuth to lessen the direct vertical threat from the two spot. Our primary response has been to run the box fade but now teams are countering that by getting friction on Hamler/Freiermuth and not allowing free release to the alley.
Observation #3: Playing off of #2, PSU has become too predictable in how they attack segments of the field and it is translating into the keys and reads of opposing defenders. Let me give some examples:
Do we attack the middle of the field from the RB position? I can't recall a single Nike route. It's always flat or swing.
Do we attack the middle of the field from #1? I haven't seen us do this with success in about a month.... and the token slants don't count because PSU runs slant as a skinny so it doesn't impact linebacker keys and reads.
Do we run bubbles and tunnel screens to force safeties to run the alley and not just sit high in coverage? Make those safeties play downhill on the outside.
Having said all of that, I'm not actually trying to be critical of the staff as much as I'm saying that the staff needs to devote more focus to dictating what the opposing defense does rather than threading the needle of what they are giving us. This is a major distinction and I believe they are simply saying 'OK, the defense is cover two with friction so we have to run this...' My preference would be that they utilize base formation, personnel grouping and route variety to dictate to the defense and force them out of all of the two high stuff.
OK, great... how do they do that, right? I believe a couple adjustments could change what defenses are able to do fundamentally.
First, get Hamler out at the #1 more often. This stresses the defense and forces them to modify coverage. You can't press Hamler and not expect PSU to make you pay with the hole shot against Cover 2. This will make the defense roll coverage or play more split coverage to open up the other receivers.
Second, modify the 3x1 sets to isolate Hamler on the one side. This eliminates the possibility of two high coverage and creates a matchup nightmare that demands help over the top.
Third, attack the middle of the field from the RB position. This lessens the underneath help that LBs can give to restrict throwing lanes and opens the field under the safeties.
Anyway, enough for now and sorry for the long post. I'm not a negative nelly and I'm quite happy with the team's success. I'd just like us to dictate to the defense rather than take what they give us because the defenses we're seeing make you take lower percentage throws.
ziplock
