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- Oct 21, 2011
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Created this to hopefully spark some conversation from people who know them better and others who want to research along with me for the remainder of the week.
I'll start by stating I haven't watched them too much. 2 games (one against Sam Houston and a strange one against App state) this season and about 2 games last season don't combine to make a sufficient sample size.
I did watch last week's App State game twice already and, yes, App State had a very specific plan of attack and controlled the ball, obviously.
But, I think TAMU's defensive issues have been somewhat overblown here and on Twitter.
App State ran 82 plays for 315 yards. At less than 4 yards per play overall, we're not exactly talking about a defensive meltdown. Specifically, they only averaged 3.5 yards/rush. Now, I will concede App state was almost shockingly efficient on 3rd down by converting 9 out of 20 (!). That alone should tell you it was a weird game. It also didn't help that TAMU's offense ran a TOTAL of 38 plays.
Let's take a look at their "depth chart" (I'm using this screenshot because it's an easy format to work with, but seems out of date):
Some initial notes:
- For those of you wondering what they ask their front to do, think of the opposite of a Manny Diaz front. They're not that kind of free-wheeling wildness.
- To me, the DL player who stood out the most from the App State game was Adeleye. Strong dude who may get matched up with Scaife.
- While the above depth chart has two guys above him, the Regis kid appeared to make an impact at NT. Their NTs vs Clark is something to watch.
- Didn't see Walter Nolen (the bigtime recruit) at all, only to realize later he was apparently out for the game. Not sure if he'll be back, but he played in their 1st game.
- Looking over how TAMU likes to run their fronts and match it up with certain coverages, I think TVD will have some opportunities to move his feet and run. I've long said he appears to be 10x the QB after he RUNS for a 1st down (at least last year).
- With a decent deal of 3 down linemen and a standup player, I think everyone will look toward what we bring in the run game. Last week, we saw some sprinkle of zone scheme. I think anyone who watches the lines expects us to run more misdirection this game.
- I've mentioned elsewhere we've basically turned Elijah Arroyo into Fred Baxter circa 1998 - moving across the formation, wham blocks, etc. I hope to see him come across the formation and sent to the edges (or, G-d willing, downfield), but TAMU has some athletes at LB (Cooper) and Safety.
Look forward to the discussion.
I'll start by stating I haven't watched them too much. 2 games (one against Sam Houston and a strange one against App state) this season and about 2 games last season don't combine to make a sufficient sample size.
I did watch last week's App State game twice already and, yes, App State had a very specific plan of attack and controlled the ball, obviously.
But, I think TAMU's defensive issues have been somewhat overblown here and on Twitter.
App State ran 82 plays for 315 yards. At less than 4 yards per play overall, we're not exactly talking about a defensive meltdown. Specifically, they only averaged 3.5 yards/rush. Now, I will concede App state was almost shockingly efficient on 3rd down by converting 9 out of 20 (!). That alone should tell you it was a weird game. It also didn't help that TAMU's offense ran a TOTAL of 38 plays.
Let's take a look at their "depth chart" (I'm using this screenshot because it's an easy format to work with, but seems out of date):
Some initial notes:
- For those of you wondering what they ask their front to do, think of the opposite of a Manny Diaz front. They're not that kind of free-wheeling wildness.
- To me, the DL player who stood out the most from the App State game was Adeleye. Strong dude who may get matched up with Scaife.
- While the above depth chart has two guys above him, the Regis kid appeared to make an impact at NT. Their NTs vs Clark is something to watch.
- Didn't see Walter Nolen (the bigtime recruit) at all, only to realize later he was apparently out for the game. Not sure if he'll be back, but he played in their 1st game.
- Looking over how TAMU likes to run their fronts and match it up with certain coverages, I think TVD will have some opportunities to move his feet and run. I've long said he appears to be 10x the QB after he RUNS for a 1st down (at least last year).
- With a decent deal of 3 down linemen and a standup player, I think everyone will look toward what we bring in the run game. Last week, we saw some sprinkle of zone scheme. I think anyone who watches the lines expects us to run more misdirection this game.
- I've mentioned elsewhere we've basically turned Elijah Arroyo into Fred Baxter circa 1998 - moving across the formation, wham blocks, etc. I hope to see him come across the formation and sent to the edges (or, G-d willing, downfield), but TAMU has some athletes at LB (Cooper) and Safety.
Look forward to the discussion.