If you want to instantly diagnose MOST (not all but most) of Memphis' plays on Saturday, try this. Watch the Guards. Keying the OGs is the standard way to get a quick read on almost any Offense, but there's an interesting thing that Memphis does that makes them even easier to read.
First, I'll explain the different ways a Guard will pull. One way is the normal "Flat Pull" where the OG turns his shoulders parallel to the sideline and normally kicks out an edge defender, or traps a penetrating DT.
A different technique for an OG to pull is called a "Skip Pull". When an OG Skip Pulls his shoulders stay parallel to the LOS. His footwork is almost a shuffle for a few steps, but always with his numbers facing downfield. Then he turns up at the Point of Attack and engages whomever shows up.
SO...watch the Memphis Guards. For the most part (unless they are using a "key breaker" or false key) IF you see the OG do a Skip Pull, it's a run play. Most likely it's the Counter Trey type of play, and you'll see the H-Back pulling behind him and the RB following them both.
If you see a Flat Pull, most likely it's a pass play and the OG is setting up in pass protection either on the backside of the play or kicking out on the playside.
The easiest read of all is when Memphis is running a Dropback Pass play. In that case you'll see the OGs both take that short "Retreat Step" along with the OC and OTs and form the protective pocket.
You'll be making almost the same exact reads as Micah Parsons, except his are a BIT more sophisticated, as he goes onto his second or third Key. But IMO it's a fun way to watch the game.
First, I'll explain the different ways a Guard will pull. One way is the normal "Flat Pull" where the OG turns his shoulders parallel to the sideline and normally kicks out an edge defender, or traps a penetrating DT.
A different technique for an OG to pull is called a "Skip Pull". When an OG Skip Pulls his shoulders stay parallel to the LOS. His footwork is almost a shuffle for a few steps, but always with his numbers facing downfield. Then he turns up at the Point of Attack and engages whomever shows up.
SO...watch the Memphis Guards. For the most part (unless they are using a "key breaker" or false key) IF you see the OG do a Skip Pull, it's a run play. Most likely it's the Counter Trey type of play, and you'll see the H-Back pulling behind him and the RB following them both.
If you see a Flat Pull, most likely it's a pass play and the OG is setting up in pass protection either on the backside of the play or kicking out on the playside.
The easiest read of all is when Memphis is running a Dropback Pass play. In that case you'll see the OGs both take that short "Retreat Step" along with the OC and OTs and form the protective pocket.
You'll be making almost the same exact reads as Micah Parsons, except his are a BIT more sophisticated, as he goes onto his second or third Key. But IMO it's a fun way to watch the game.
