WKU defended run/pass based on Fluker's posture.

[Alakablamo]

The coaching staff of WKU say that Fluker is tipping off whether we have called a run or pass play with about a 90% accuracy rate. I'm sure all coaching staffs do this type of research against the opponents, but still...

LINK

One asset: through film study, WKU's found a tell on the Alabama offensive line. The Topper coaches believe Fluker is tipping off which plays are run and which are pass by his posture, with an accuracy of over 90 percent.

"It's nothing big. If you're subtly looking at it, you won't see it. But if you go back and look, run-pass, run-pass, run-pass, there is a difference," defensive line coach Eric Mathies says. "When [offensive lines] have big guys, like big, big guys, they change how they get in their stance. So Fluker's 6'6', 320. When it's run, he'll get down in his three point stance because he's coming off. When it's pass, he's got that right foot back."

Because of this, one-word calls will be made at the line to alert pass or run based on Fluker's footwork.

 

[RTR91]

I'm not sure this is something really uncommon. DJ isn't the only OL in the nation changing his stance from a run to a pass.

 

[Rasputin]

I'm not sure this is something really uncommon. DJ isn't the only OL in the nation changing his stance from a run to a pass.

It isn't uncommon that their pad level may change, but for a lineman to be in a 3 point stance for run and be in a 2 point stance for pass is very uncommon. This is a huge tell and I can assure you that the coaching staff is not teaching this technique to DJ. I can also assure you that this will be something the staff and DJ will fix.

 

[BamaJeff]

Good grief. That WKU coach should have just said "we noticed that when McCarron didn't hand the ball off to a RB, it was gonna be a pass. We knew that with about 90% accuracy."

 

[tidefan39817]

as NFL HOF tackle Jackie Slater says..."an offensive lineman should line up the same way every time they get in a stance"

 

[257WBY]

This is one of the reasons I was glad Alabama worked on the passing game a bit. These linemen won't be great at pass blocking if they never do it. AJ will have to win a game with his arm before the season is out and he needs pass protection to do it.

 

[uafan4life]

It isn't uncommon that their pad level may change, but for a lineman to be in a 3 point stance for run and be in a 2 point stance for pass is very uncommon. This is a huge tell and I can assure you that the coaching staff is not teaching this technique to DJ. I can also assure you that this will be something the staff and DJ will fix.

I don't think he was saying that it was a three-point stance versus a two-point stance but, rather, that his three-point stance on run plays was "normal" while his three-point stance on pass plays had his right foot a little farther back.

 

[bamabelle1991]

Well, knowing that little "secret" didn't help them *that* much, especially in the passing area. 35-0?

 

[dirtroadlizard]

Interesting article . Thanks for the link. rtr...

 

[TIDEnGA]

Well, knowing that little "secret" didn't help them *that* much, especially in the passing area. 35-0?

Not trying to be rude but six sacks would suggest they knew something, and I saw Fluker get blown past at least twice.

 

[CrimsonEyeshade]

Well, knowing that little "secret" didn't help them *that* much, especially in the passing area. 35-0?

True, Belle, but 6 sacks and only 100 yards rushing? Some of those pass rushes were in on AJ so fast they looked like storm surges. And knowing pass vs. run would give a running start to any blitzes.

 

[bamabelle1991]

True, Belle, but 6 sacks and only 100 yards rushing? Some of those pass rushes were in on AJ so fast they looked like storm surges. And knowing pass vs. run would give a running start to any blitzes.

You know, now that I think about it, I remember saying during the game, "How are these WKU defenders running all over Fluker?" I remember being very puzzled about that. It makes sense now that I read that article. And, I agree--the 6 sacks and pitiful rushing game were frightening. Glad to see the passing game didn't suffer, though.

 

[saraelizabethua]

Well, somebody send WKU a fruit basket for picking up on it, and we'll fix it (or use it to our advantage) for next time, okay?

 

[jthomas666]

So clearly, what we need to do is have AJ look at Fluker, and if he's lined up for a pass, audible to a draw.

 

[bamabelle1991]

Well, somebody send WKU a fruit basket for picking up on it, and we'll fix it (or use it to our advantage) for next time, okay?

I'll pitch in!

 

[RTR91]

Really, this was all in the works by the REC a few months ago. They told DJ to do it against Michigan and WKU and get Taggart to make it public. DJ will do it throughout the season and make the defenses look silly when he has that right foot back on a run.

 

[westide]

Lets see... WKU knew pretty much when we would run or pass and two of our defensive starters didn't play and we still beat them by a score of 35-0. I feel much better now. I will feel much better when I hear some good news about Jalston.

 

[RTR91]

Lets see... WKU knew pretty much when we would run or pass and two of our defensive starters didn't play and we still beat them by a score of 35-0. I feel much better now. I will feel much better when I hear some good news about Jalston.

Like others have said... It was Western Kentucky. Let's do that against LSU or MSU. Teams that have some solid DBs. Glad it was WKU that picked it out (and publicly said it, so CNS can address it) instead of a solid SEC opponent.

 

[saraelizabethua]

My next thought is whether a sports writer will be gutsy enough to ask Coach Saban about it today... I don't think I could do it, even if it is a legitimate issue/question.

 

[Rush]

My next thought is whether a sports writer will be gutsy enough to ask Coach Saban about it today... I don't think I could do it, even if it is a legitimate issue/question.

I'm not sure that God has created the person either gutsy enough - or stupid enough - to ask Coach Saban about it in a presser...

:eek2: