Alabama - Clemson CFP Semifinal Game Discussion

[jthomas666]

OK, my 2 cents...

1. Have someone on the staff chart our tendencies in our harder games; playcalling has been too predictable. A big part of our win in the LSU rematch was that we went in a different direction.
2. As many have noted, build the passing plan around quick hitters.
3. Part of me wonders if we should have some plays with Tua at QB and Jalen at RB (can Jalen block ). You know, deep handoff to Jalen, who take a few steps forward and then throws a jump pass to a streaking TE...
4. Unleash Buggs and Davis.
5. Our two x-factors on offense are Jacobs and Jeudy--I'd like to see both of them involved early.

 

[BamaMoon]

OK, my 2 cents...

1. Have someone on the staff chart our tendencies in our harder games; playcalling has been too predictable. A big part of our win in the LSU rematch was that we went in a different direction.
2. As many have noted, build the passing plan around quick hitters.
3. Part of me wonders if we should have some plays with Tua at QB and Jalen at RB (can Jalen block ). You know, deep handoff to Jalen, who take a few steps forward and then throws a jump pass to a streaking TE...
4. Unleash Buggs and Davis.
5. Our two x-factors on offense are Jacobs and Jeudy--I'd like to see both of them involved early.

This keeps coming up about JH throwing "quick hitters" and people wondering why the OCs (about 3 of them now) didn't do more of that.

All three of the last OCs know more about football than any of us arm chair guys so there's a reason they are not calling these plays.

Now, us arm chair guys ought to be able to figure that out just by observation and the two reasons have got to be:

1. JH isn't quick enough in his decisions and his release on these "quick hitters."

2. JH struggles with his accuracy. A ball a foot or two behind the receivers on these kind of routes end as an incomplete pass about 90% of the time OR worse can get deflected for a tipped INT or the route can get jumped for a pick six the other way.

If it were just about Daboll calling better plays CNS would have made sure that was happening. It's just deeper than that!

 

[B1GTide]

If it were just about Daboll calling better plays CNS would have made sure that was happening. It's just deeper than that!

I get what you are saying, but you need to remember that Saban and Daboll put everything on execution. They believe that other plays being called offer a greater chance of success. But they have been wrong.

You are saying that they are not calling these plays because Jalen cannot execute them. Everyone else is saying that the plays that are being called are failing because, wait for it, Jalen cannot execute them (against these tougher defenses).

Alabama cannot continue calling plays that do not work. Something has to change. This is a discussion of some of those things. And nobody here thinks that we are smarter than Saban or Daboll, but that doesn't mean that we can't see the obvious.

 

[westide]

I get what you are saying, but you need to remember that Saban and Daboll put everything on execution. They believe that other plays being called offer a greater chance of success. But they have been wrong.

You are saying that they are not calling these plays because Jalen cannot execute them. Everyone else is saying that the plays that are being called because, wait for it, Jalen cannot execute them (against these tougher defenses).

Alabama cannot continue calling plays that do not work. Something has to change. This is a discussion of some of those things. And nobody here thinks that we are smarter than Saban or Daboll, but that doesn't mean that we can't see the obvious.

To keep doing the same failed things and expect a different outcome is just plain.........(fill in).

 

[jthomas666]

This keeps coming up about JH throwing "quick hitters" and people wondering why the OCs (about 3 of them now) didn't do more of that. All three of the last OCs know more about football than any of us arm chair guys so there's a reason they are not calling these plays.
Now, us arm chair guys ought to be able to figure that out just by observation and the two reasons have got to be:

1. JH isn't quick enough in his decisions and his release on these "quick hitters."
2. JH struggles with his accuracy. A ball a foot or two behind the receivers on these kind of routes end as an incomplete pass about 90% of the time OR worse can get deflected for a tipped INT or the route can get jumped for a pick six the other way.

1. We've seen Jalen's accuracy on these passes improve over the course of the year.
2. If we need a quick passing game (which an assumption on my part) and Jalen is incapable making such plays (which is your assumption), then what is the solution?
3. If we can't have a quick hitting passing game and our OL struggles in pass protection on deeper routes, what kind of passes can we throw against arguably the best DL in college football?

If it were just about Daboll calling better plays CNS would have made sure that was happening. It's just deeper than that!

They have more experience; that does not make them infallible (witness Nussmeier calling four straight passes inside the A&M 5 yard line with Eddie Lacey in the backfield.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

Does Saban approve the gameplans developed by the OC and DC?

 

[BamaMoon]

1. We've seen Jalen's accuracy on these passes improve over the course of the year.
2. If we need a quick passing game (which an assumption on my part) and Jalen is incapable making such plays (which is your assumption), then what is the solution?
3. If we can't have a quick hitting passing game and our OL struggles in pass protection on deeper routes, what kind of passes can we throw against arguably the best DL in college football?


They have more experience; that does not make them infallible (witness Nussmeier calling four straight passes inside the A&M 5 yard line with Eddie Lacey in the backfield.

1. Not enough, IMO
2. Someone who reads defenses better, makes quicker decisions, and is more accurate.
3. Not convinced we don't have a qb who can run those called plays.

Of course hindsight is 20-20 and no coaches aren't robots and they'll make their share of mistakes.

I just think we've got to do something different against Clemson that what we did against Auburn. IF we can make the adjustments (whatever they may be) to help JH, then so be it and I'll wildly cheer him on!

If it takes playing Tua some, I'll stand up and clap too!

Whatever it takes!!!

 

[Intl.Aperture]

Does Saban approve the gameplans developed by the OC and DC?

Interesting thought. I've always wondered what was the teams process for assembling a game plan and preparation?

Perhaps they do. If I was Daboll I'd bring him the gameplan on a silver platter loaded with oatmeal cream pies.
"Hey, Coach. As you can see I've got fewer RPO's and some new screen plays - you enjoy those oatmeal cream pies now - would you like me to turn on an episode of "The Love Boat" on my way out? I know it's your favorite. Always great to see you. Be blessed." (Exits room and begins softly sobbing)

 

[B1GTide]

Does Saban approve the gameplans developed by the OC and DC?

He sits in the meetings in which the game plans are organized and provides feedback. Not sure that "approval" is an official thing, but he is very involved.

 

[CrimsonForce]

He sits in the meetings in which the game plans are organized and provides feedback. Not sure that "approval" is an official thing, but he is very involved.

I know you've brought up multiple times about how the coaches did not use Derrick Henry appropriately - and I agree with you. Equally as shocking is the fact that Saban hasn't mandated to Daboll and the offensive staff that Damien Harris gets at least 20 touches per game. It's criminal how much we've under used Damien. That little swing pass to Bo on 3rd and short where Bo got tackled before the first down, that's a first down all day long and then some if Harris were in the game. Just mind boggling how smart our coaching staff is yet it seems the simplest path to winning is hardly ever broached. I understand there were WRs open during the iron bowl but why not just hand it off to the RB who's averaging 8 YPC? Less risk, higher reward, control the game and physically dominate the other team..

 

[gtgilbert]

Everyone do me a favor and watch these highlights of the Ole Miss Game.

Yes, Ole Miss stunk but there are some important things to notice:

1) Watch Jalen go through his progressions. He looks to Ridley several times before finding someone else, he didn't simply zone in on one guy.

2) Notice how Jalen makes quick passes decisively and on time.

3) Notice how we had several misdirection plays (including the TD to Jacobs)

Playcalling and execution in October were much better than November.

play 2 and play 3 showed exactly what the problem has been. on play 2, Ridley broke WIDE open only about 5 yards downfield, but Jalen had already started to tuck and run. No real D line pressure at all. play 3 Jalen had time, and Sims broke open over the middle but jalen had tucked to run instead of standing in there. play 2 was lost yardage. play three Jalen got plenty of yards, but against the better DLs we faced, he's not breaking past the LOS like he did against the lesser teams like Ole Miss. We ran those two plays again, and I'm betting Jalen was showed the error of his ways from the first time around because he hit them the second time. only a few of the other plays got past the first read though...

 

[JTBama]

I know you've brought up multiple times about how the coaches did not use Derrick Henry appropriately - and I agree with you. Equally as shocking is the fact that Saban hasn't mandated to Daboll and the offensive staff that Damien Harris gets at least 20 touches per game. It's criminal how much we've under used Damien. That little swing pass to Bo on 3rd and short where Bo got tackled before the first down, that's a first down all day long and then some if Harris were in the game. Just mind boggling how smart our coaching staff is yet it seems the simplest path to winning is hardly ever broached. I understand there were WRs open during the iron bowl but why not just hand it off to the RB who's averaging 8 YPC? Less risk, higher reward, control the game and physically dominate the other team..

I think this is the issue I have struggled understanding. The limited carries by Harris and in particular a loaded rb group . I honestly think Harris and Jacobs are our two best backs. Even with a solid d line like Auburn, the running game was clicking but the amount of carries deeply favored Hurts. Now, I don't know the amount if runs by hurts that were designed, vs taking off, versus keeping the read himself but I would love to see a rb lead in attempts

 

[CrimsonForce]

I think this is the issue I have struggled understanding. The limited carries by Harris and in particular a loaded rb group . I honestly think Harris and Jacobs are our two best backs. Even with a solid d line like Auburn, the running game was clicking but the amount of carries deeply favored Hurts. Now, I don't know the amount if runs by hurts that were designed, vs taking off, versus keeping the read himself but I would love to see a rb lead in attempts

Yep, at this point I'd rather die by the sword of committing to the running game and our RBs rather than trying to figure out our passing game at this point. I don't want to be misunderstood - we still need to complete some passes - but the focus should be on committing to the best position group on the team which is our RBs. I agree with you about Harris and Jacobs. Bo just hasn't looked right this year unless the play is blocked perfectly. Harris and Jacobs manufacture yards every time they touch the ball..

 

[tusks_n_raider]

i know you've brought up multiple times about how the coaches did not use derrick henry appropriately - and i agree with you.

Equally as shocking is the fact that saban hasn't mandated to daboll and the offensive staff that damien harris gets at least 20 touches per game. it's criminal how much we've under used damien. that little swing pass to bo on 3rd and short where bo got tackled before the first down, that's a first down all day long and then some if harris were in the game.

Just mind boggling how smart our coaching staff is yet it seems the simplest path to winning is hardly ever broached. i understand there were wrs open during the iron bowl but

Why not just hand it off to the rb who's averaging 8 ypc? less risk, higher reward, control the game and physically dominate the other team..

EVERY last WORD!!! Preach IT!!!

 

[MobileBama84]

Everyone do me a favor and watch these highlights of the Ole Miss Game.

Yes, Ole Miss stunk but there are some important things to notice:

1) Watch Jalen go through his progressions. He looks to Ridley several times before finding someone else, he didn't simply zone in on one guy.

2) Notice how Jalen makes quick passes decisively and on time.

3) Notice how we had several misdirection plays (including the TD to Jacobs)

Playcalling and execution in October were much better than November.

This is exactly how I feel about our offense as well. All of a sudden once the LSU game was played, our offense seemed to "let up" and not look as creative. I want to get away from LONG developing plays on offense and to also run Damien Harris more than only 6 times a game!

 

[bamacon]

Everyone do me a favor and watch these highlights of the Ole Miss Game.

Playcalling and execution in October were much better than November.

So was the competition. Clemson has a better front than even Auburn and they kicked our arse on both LOS. If they don’t move the pocket and attack the edges Clemson will dominate. All people are saying is that Bama has to play to its strengths and not try to be something we’re not.


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[bamacon]

First 15 plays are scripted so you know CNS has been in on that. They are looking for an idea as to how the defense is responding to certain situations. In game he lets the OC do his thing. Now if things happen to his dislike he may say do this or that like “RUN THE BALL!!!!” but he’s not the dictator he’s portrayed as being. Malzahn is an example of a coach who won’t let go of the reins.


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[westide]

First 15 plays are scripted so you know CNS has been in on that. They are looking for an idea as to how the defense is responding to certain situations. In game he lets the OC do his thing. Now if things happen to his dislike he may say do this or that like “RUN THE BALL!!!!” but he’s not the dictator he’s portrayed as being. Malzahn is an example of a coach who won’t let go of the reins.


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Get NC State to email their offensive game plan.

 

[bigjue24]

Bama needs a revamp of the offense in this month, and that's not a crazy thing to say. The concepts and plays are already in the playbook. They just need to be emphasized over the next month. Examine what the team has done that worked against teams like MSU, LSU, and the barn, and keep some of those concepts while opening other parts of the playbook that haven't been used much. I remember seeing a toss sweep play a couple of times this season. There is a way to attack the edges. We have run from under center a few times as well. Incorporating those types of plays, that are already in the play book, with a month to prepare should be possible. Bama has done that before. Think back to the first game against LSU vs. the second game with LSU. The offense was like night and day. The difference may be taking some things out of Jalen's hands, as it relates to RPO's, instead of putting more into his hands as they did with AJ. It may be wrong to even think of it as taking it out of his hands as much as giving him a different approach to the game.


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[TIDE-HSV]

I would hope that we see use of the play clock until the magic formula for moving the ball is found. Going fast and not converting 3rd downs doesn't do the defense any favors.

No, it makes the situation worse...