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110%er [7123]
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Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 12:45 PM
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Seeing the team play against top-notch competition reveals some things that we really can't see as clearly when playing teams like the coots, TAMU and UVA. I don't claim to be an expert, and I am often wrong... just ask my wife. She'll tell you. But here's what I came away with:
1. OSU was a MUCH better team than the one we trucked back in 2016. Those guys are strong, fast and talented. They're also a dirty team - lots of cheap shots. Call it "physical", "violent", whatever.
2. OSU's receivers made some big plays; more than our guys did. Overton's sideline tiptoe fallover and Amari's YAC on the last drive are about all we had. Higgins and Ross were obviously affected by injury during the game, but they both came back in. Neither had a big standout play that I can recall. Both had some drops. This may not be a popular statement, but I'm going to make it: both of those guys are going to have to play harder and better than they did in that game if we're going to beat LSU. They need to get some separation and make the kind of catches we've seen them make. Evidently Ngata and Ladson aren't ready to make big contributions yet. It would really help if those two guys could step up. Tight end continues to be a non-factor in the passing game.
3. Our DL is obviously in big-time rebuilding mode - needs lots of help there. Not surpising considering what we lost. But the inability of our DL to get consistent pressure on the QB puts us in a hard spot. Against the bucknuts we were able to get some redzone stops, but they did also drop a couple of TD passes. Field's last INT was a gift - he threw an easy TD in the exact same situation against Nolan Turner earlier in the game. Hopefully we can get a little more push against LSU's OL. Our DBs are good, but we cannot give Burrow all day to throw it. If we try to blitz too much they can hurt us with the screen and short passing game. If our DB's give too much cushion LSU will spend most of the day in the red zone. In my view we have to have the courage to press their receivers and make plays, like OSU's DBs did on our guys.
4. Trevor Lawrence was named the MVP, and while his 67-yard TD run was indeed an all-time epic play, that honor should have gone to Travis Etienne. He made the plays that won us that game. Without him, we lose. Overall perhaps the greatest performance by a Clemson tailback on history as far as game impact is concerned for a game of that magnitude. Travis put the team on his shoulders and won that game for us.
Fortune favors the well-prepared. Clemson proved that we can take some big punches, get up off the mat, and win the fight. I suspect that the game Monday week will be a different kind of fight, but we will still require some fortune and better performances from our big receivers to beat a very good LSU team. Should be a great game, but I don't think this one will be easy like last year. Just my opinion.
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All-TigerNet [10829]
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Re: Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 2:04 PM
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I don't think it will be easy either. LSU's offense is outstanding. Clemson's defense is outstanding. Irresistible force against immovable object kind of game. But, Clemson's offense is outstanding and LSU's defense is good, but not great. Given that edge, plus our coaching, I like our chances.
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Orange Blooded [4365]
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Re: Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 2:11 PM
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I have to strongly agree with point # 2. Our wides have to step up against some very good people in their secondary. They will dominate us physically if we let them.
The other points have some validity, although I cannot quite support your conclusions.
I think it is crucial that we can play press coverage or they will eat us up.
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Rock Defender [57]
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Re: Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 6:57 PM
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I predict a huge game from our receivers. Seems whenever a position group, whether Offense or defense, has a “down” game, they comeback big next game.
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CU Guru [1661]
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Re: Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 5:35 PM
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good analysis, here's my beef, DL not getting pressure, they are taught to maintain their gaps, that makes it harder for the quarterback to scramble... when he wants pressure they bring some extra off the edge, Simmons, Wallace were in the backfield alot. Nolan Turner got burned the first time. The Int he was in perfect position, if you watch again Turner breaks on the throw and the receiver was breaking off his route, he actually broke off the route after the ball was released.
LSU is going to score points. We need to make it long and painful for them to do that and control the ball on offense so they get fewer opportunities with the ball.
Will be a fun game.
"Fortes Fortuna Juvat" ...Fortune Favors the Bold is the phrase... prepared teams can be bold teams.
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Scout Team [165]
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Re: Observations after re-watching the CFP semi-final
Jan 4, 2020, 6:52 PM
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I agree on the ETN point. My take on this game is very simple. I think we can score in the 40’s. If we hold Burrow to 5 TD’s or less I think we can win it, and that is allowing for one rushing TD by another player. It is going to be a 4 quarter slugfest.
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