Chew on this for a while, and yes, there will be a test...

Jul 6, 2023, 8:50 AM

there is always a test.

Some American Gridiron Basics

Zone Run

Mid = run behind center
Inside = play side guard
Wide = play side tackle
Outside = TE area
Power = most often dbl team w/ lead

Route options

Snag - 5-7 yrds, sit unless man then work to sideline. Some plays, this is the rub.
Cross - slant, drag which crosses the field
Switch - Outside rec to post, inside rec sideline wheel
Stick - 5 yard drive, plant, then option - come back, mid or out
Shock - wr release in press

Some very good sites out there that compile "tendencies" based on the scientific method, observation, what actually happened; base, alignment, package, personnel different words that can mean the same and lend to track what an O tends to do out of them. There are variables, down, distance, situation, defensive alignment, which drives much at times, some at others. Read option, a phrase some have come to love, others to hate although hate is a very strong word. Still, just line up and knock their ##### in the dirt echoes often at times through the hallowed halls of Tigernet.

This site is just one of those mentioned, but lends early insight into what Clemson's O might look like in 2023-24. Duke's and every other DC covets this as well, along with every bit of available film of anything Riley has touched. It's the game within the game. Francis Marion® could speak for hours on the days and days of cut ups & film study, but I'm afraid without a foundation built on the basics, his vast expertise and knowledge may fall upon death ears - no good can come of that.

Some basic numbers of how Clemson O might look in 2023-24? Feel free to replace any name with your current or future Clemson favorite.

How TCU Aligns

Like most offenses Georgia has faced this season, TCU bases out of 11 personnel, running on 46% of its offensive plays. 10 personnel ranks second amongst TCU’s most frequently used packages at 29%. From both these packages the Horned Frogs go Twins and Trips, occasionally detaching the tight end in 11.

As the only other package used more than 15% of the time, 12 personnel allows the Horned Frogs to put two tight ends to one side and twin receivers to the other.

For defenses whose fronts and secondaries align according to the same principles, they likely will have too few defenders over the tight ends or receivers, depending on which position they emphasize covering. Defenses that align the front according to the interior and secondary according to the receivers, also known as detaching the secondary, can better manage this. But not without costs. They still may struggle with defensive backs facing tight ends in the running game.

From these packages the Horned Frogs run the ball 52% of the time. TCU bases out of Inside Zone, but changes it up with Power and Outside Zone. Off these runs Max Duggan provides another threat, as he can keep the ball off the Zone Read, run the Power, or take the Draw. Emari Demercado may take the bulk of the carries depending on Kendre Miller’s condition, a tribute to TCU’s depth at running back but Miller’s absence would be a blow nonetheless.

When passing, Duggan takes a 3-step drop 47% of the time, 0/1 steps 32% of the time, with hardly any screens or rollouts. Snag, Shock, Switch, Stick, and Cross all play major roles in TCU’s passing repertoire, usually with Quentin Johnston as Duggan’s primary target.

https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2023/01/06/what-will-happen-when-tcu-has-the-ball/