Some really nice Buffalo film analysis - from Collegian

[tboyer]

This is outstanding, kind of like Andrew Callahan's film reviews when he was with Lebanon Daily News.

Nicely explains what Buffalo did offensively that gave PSU so much trouble -- zone blocking and misdirection. Basically it was preying on PSU linebackers who were a little slow in recognition. Obviously it was better in the 2nd half as they got used to it.

It was NOT that Buffalo was more physical or athletic than PSU's D-line. It was that the linebackers weren't getting to the right gaps.

https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_496a96b8-d348-11e9-b7be-1b100970d024.html

 

[BBrown]

This is outstanding, kind of like Andrew Callahan's film reviews when he was with Lebanon Daily News.

Nicely explains what Buffalo did offensively that gave PSU so much trouble -- zone blocking and misdirection. Basically it was preying on PSU linebackers who were a little slow in recognition. Obviously it was better in the 2nd half as they got used to it.

It was NOT that Buffalo was more physical or athletic than PSU's D-line. It was that the linebackers weren't getting to the right gaps.

https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_496a96b8-d348-11e9-b7be-1b100970d024.html

Nicely done.
Some of the other things I saw.
Wade whiffed badly at the LOS on the first clip.

#67 of Buffalo could play for Wiscy or Michy, that was some prime time big10 holding on Oweh.

Also #40 (Luketa) had a rough first half he missed a lot of tackles.

after seeing those clips it I didnt' realize how bad the tackling was, that looked like as much a problem as the scheme Buffalo was using.

Nice find and write up.

 

[sluggo72]

This is outstanding, kind of like Andrew Callahan's film reviews when he was with Lebanon Daily News.

Nicely explains what Buffalo did offensively that gave PSU so much trouble -- zone blocking and misdirection. Basically it was preying on PSU linebackers who were a little slow in recognition. Obviously it was better in the 2nd half as they got used to it.

It was NOT that Buffalo was more physical or athletic than PSU's D-line. It was that the linebackers weren't getting to the right gaps.

https://www.collegian.psu.edu/football/article_496a96b8-d348-11e9-b7be-1b100970d024.html

thanks for posting!
Why we dont zone block like Buffalo does, still makes you say Huh?
1st play, the S misses the tackle, and allows a longer gain
2nd play, it appears to me both 13 and 11 are out of position at the snap
4th play looks like PSU is guessing pass. On the snap the OLB (s?) runs a bizz/buzz on the WR, and the DL a E/T stunt right where they run the ball
6th play 13 needs to strike the OG coming around to compress the hole, 11 should make the tackle if he does.

Again why we dont zone block like Buffalo does is still my biggest question.

 

[tboyer]

It shows that the PSU D is a work in progress, just like the O. They played a LOT better in the 2nd half once they started to understand what Buffalo is doing.

The aggressive rotations are also part of it. They're playing some very young people like Oweh and Brisker and they are inevitably going to struggle in their first college game action. It is absolutely necessary if they're going to be contributors during the B1G season.

It's really interesting not knowing what to expect of Pitt this week. So far this year Pitt has kind of gotten away from the Matt Canada misdirection running attack -- it's more like a West Coast short passing type attack now. Very different from what Pitt's been. And that may be because they don't have the quality OL and running backs that they've had.

Or it might just be their first two games. Last few seasons Pitt has shown almost nothing so they could have a few surprises for PSU -- I'm sure this year will be similar.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Didn't look like misdirection or zone blocking. Had single back and no plays started one way and then came back the other way. Most of the time they pulled linemen and the plays were run right at the holes. Backs did a great job of reading and finding the seams.

D looked slow to react. Need to learn to follow pulling linemen to the hole. One play the right side lineman all had their backs to the ball!

As for missed tackles, thats common in early games. Teams don't go live in practice at all so the timing is off. Hard to learn how to tackle when they don't tackle in practice. Thats why second half is usually better on D.

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

thanks for posting!
Why we dont zone block like Buffalo does, still makes you say Huh?
1st play, the S misses the tackle, and allows a longer gain
2nd play, it appears to me both 13 and 11 are out of position at the snap
4th play looks like PSU is guessing pass. On the snap the OLB (s?) runs a bizz/buzz on the WR, and the DL a E/T stunt right where they run the ball
6th play 13 needs to strike the OG coming around to compress the hole, 11 should make the tackle if he does.

Again why we dont zone block like Buffalo does is still my biggest question.

“Again why we dont zone block like Buffalo does is still my biggest question.”


When I was coaching had the opportunity to hear George DeLeone and Alex Gibbs present at a clinic. Gibbs is basically The Godfather of zone blocking. There is a lot to it. This Coach Gibbs clip does a fantastic job.

Considering The Penn State offense is centered around inside zone runs, your question is indeed the biggest question.

 

[HazletonLion]

Buffalo's guards were very athletic and quick, most future guards will be a little more stout and maybe a tad less quick on the pulls making it easier for our D to read, hopefully.

 

[sluggo72]

“Again why we dont zone block like Buffalo does is still my biggest question.”


When I was coaching had the opportunity to hear George DeLeone and Alex Gibbs present at a clinic. Gibbs is basically The Godfather of zone blocking. There is a lot to it. This Coach Gibbs clip does a fantastic job.

Considering The Penn State offense is centered around inside zone runs, your question is indeed the biggest question.

View embedded media

I've watched all of Alex's cuts up on Youtube, I wish others would as well.

 

[Nitt1300]

just wait a damn minute- PSU played better in the second half? how could that be, with our stupid coaching staff?

 

[Shadow99]

Last few seasons Pitt has shown almost nothing so they could have a few surprises for PSU -- I'm sure this year will be similar.

You are probably correct, although it would be ironic if "saving surprises for PSU" cost them an opportunity to be competitive in the Virginia game.

 

[tboyer]

They came fairly close to losing to Youngstown State a couple years ago because they were only running like 2 offensive plays the whole game trying to keep it all under wraps. The fixation on PSU is unhealthy for them. PSU is doing them a favor ending this series.

You are probably correct, although it would be ironic if "saving surprises for PSU" cost them an opportunity to be competitive in the Virginia game.