Question: How should we attack Texas' offense? And is Cody a bad fit for it?

[sononothing]

Well. Reading this makes me think we should just give up...:wink:

Then read this

[FONT=&quot]http://www.burntorangenation.com/2010/1/6/1235389/richard-justice-interruption[/FONT]

 

[bamacon]

Look at how Cody was used in tadem with Dareus and Upshaw and I think that is what you may see the D trying tomorrow.

 

[patriot34]

I keep hearing about this amazing passing attack from Texas. Yes, they have a good QB and capable receivers, but how do you explain the fact that the Texas offense, statistically, falls short of Arkansas’ performance. Take stats for what they are, but given the level and quality of defenses faced, I think Arkansas comes out ahead. See for yourself:

Texas:
Total Passing Yards 3636
Attempts: 498
Yards/Att: 7.3
NCAA Passing Rank: 19
Big 12 Passing Ranking: 6
Passer Rating: 143.7
Top 30 Pass Defenses Faced: 2


Arkansas:
Total Passing Yards 3842
Attempts: 439
Yards/Att: 8.8
NCAA Passing Rank: 8
SEC Passing Ranking: 1
Passer Rating: 149.7
Top 30 Pass Defenses Faced: 6

Plus, Arkansas had more passing TDs, fewer sacks, & threw fewer interceptions. The key stat here is that Texas, with their hurry-up offense gets more snaps per game than most teams. Auburn prepared Alabama for Florida by giving Bama a dose of reality. Ironically, because of their hurry-up offense, Auburn, coincidentally, provided a preview of what Bama will face against the Longhorns’ “O” in terms of speed and pace for the game.

I may be crazy, but if Bama wins, maybe we should send Gene Chiznik a thank you note… Nahhhh!

 

[Alasippi]

As long as Cody is in the middle Texas will abandon the inside running game, which makes them one dimensional. That opens up all of our blitz and coverage packages and free's up the linebackers to either cover receivers,to rush the passer, or to pursue runners, including McCoy, trying to run east and west, which can't be done against the speed of our defense.

If Cody doesn't make one tackle the entire game then he may possibly have played his most effective game as a Tider at the Capstone.

Because if they're not going at him that means they don't have the confidence to attack our defense and they're playing right into our hands.

sip

 

[day-day]

Regarding the question as to whether Cody is a bad fit for Texas' offense...the answer is yes. He is a bad fit for every opponents offense. When he is on the field, the opponents offense has to account for him even if it is a passing play.

 

[Longhorn93]

I have to disagree with you here. That was 08. Bama's Defense is different and better this year! That's like saying the 52 Defense couldnt stop Penn St. so Penn St. would roll over them now. This is two different years. So your 0-2 stat is kinda pointless.

Also, to defend the team last year, they thought they were playing for a nat'l champ last year until Florida ruined it for them. Therefore, they were so unmotivated to even play in the Sugar bowl. I dont care what anyone else says, Utah didnt beat bama... Bama didnt show up. If bama showed up like they did against everyone else that year, they would have won. It wasnt some scheme Utah had that destroyed us. It was the lack of execution from the Defense.

The Defense just needs to play the way they've been playing all year. there's nothing they can't stop if they stay disciplined. It doesnt matter if Cody is in or not. I think he will get some good playing time and I think he will do good too. He's been wanting to play 3rd down's all year and Saban kept telling him he had to lose more weight. I think if he gets the opportunity, he will try to prove himself!

I aint taking anything away from texas, they are a good team. However, you put them in the SEC and they are not playing in the championship game this year. That's why I aint worried about this game. They claim to have the number one rush defense, but they dont play anyone who really rushes the ball. Also, if Nebraska had any kind of offense that game, they would've smoked Texas. I know Neb blew out Arizona. Yeah Arizona, big deal. The QB from Neb sucked against Texas and when he actually hit his receivers, they would drop the ball. Texas doesnt have the defense everyone thinks they do. Bama will put up 30 points on them if Saban doesnt play it safe in the 4th like Fl and run the clock down.

Texas doesn't just lead the nation is run defense, but is also at or near the top in tackles for loss, third down conversion rate, turnovers forced and others.

Believe it or not, this Texas defense is really, really good. It's the best Texas defense I have ever personally witnessed and that encompasses alot of very good defenses.

I don't claim to know what's going to happen tomorrow. I don't think anyone knows, but I do know that two very good defenses will be taking the field.

 

[TRUTIDE]

Cody's primary role is to disrupt...timing, the pocket, blocking schemes, etc.

Though Cody won't catch McCoy on his best day in a foot race, Cody will require the attention of the Center and an OG and/or RB which will free up Dareus, Upshaw, RO, Anders, Javy and the kitchen sink to blitz, rush and in some way affect the QB. Cody is all about the numbers game than about his ability to speed rush.

My next day as the DC at Bama will be my first but I say "dance with who brung you" unless/until game performances or schemes require you to change up.

I agree completely. Cody is a pretty big time college football player that is as much part of this stunning defense than anybody. We are where we are because of the complete unit. People buying into the horns talking points are following the wrong horse here. We seemed to make it through such a demanding and physical SEC schedule with Cody being "too big" and "too slow".

The biggest thing Cody does is take multiple blockers out of the play on every play. This not only benefits our DEs but allows gaps to blitz the QB. Colt will never know what hit him when Ro or Javy shoot a gap. It wont be like a stroll with Suh.

Texas relies on McCoy escaping up the middle for long hauls. This bailed them out against A&M several times. I want to see how this will work out for them with Cody and Ro hanging around. It never developed for Tebow.

I think Kirby Smart is pretty thankful for what he has in Cody and we will see if the faster paced NFL think he is "too big" or "too slow".:rolleye2:

Except he sees a nearly identical "dizzying array" of looks in practice every day. Same scheme and talent level.

You must not watch much SEC football. He certainly has not seen anything like an Alabama defense.

 

[afadam07]

I keep hearing about this amazing passing attack from Texas. Yes, they have a good QB and capable receivers, but how do you explain the fact that the Texas offense, statistically, falls short of Arkansas’ performance. Take stats for what they are, but given the level and quality of defenses faced, I think Arkansas comes out ahead. See for yourself:

Texas:
Total Passing Yards 3636
Attempts: 498
Yards/Att: 7.3
NCAA Passing Rank: 19
Big 12 Passing Ranking: 6
Passer Rating: 143.7
Top 30 Pass Defenses Faced: 2


Arkansas:
Total Passing Yards 3842
Attempts: 439
Yards/Att: 8.8
NCAA Passing Rank: 8
SEC Passing Ranking: 1
Passer Rating: 149.7
Top 30 Pass Defenses Faced: 6

Plus, Arkansas had more passing TDs, fewer sacks, & threw fewer interceptions. The key stat here is that Texas, with their hurry-up offense gets more snaps per game than most teams. Auburn prepared Alabama for Florida by giving Bama a dose of reality. Ironically, because of their hurry-up offense, Auburn, coincidentally, provided a preview of what Bama will face against the Longhorns’ “O” in terms of speed and pace for the game.

I may be crazy, but if Bama wins, maybe we should send Gene Chiznik a thank you note… Nahhhh!

I was actually thinking the same thing, but i didnt know the stats on it. Great Post. I think everyone is really giving Texas a lot more credit than they deserve. They are a good team, dont get me wrong, or they wouldnt be 13-0. I do not think they are outstanding though!

:biga2: Roll Tide!

 

[afadam07]

Texas doesn't just lead the nation is run defense, but is also at or near the top in tackles for loss, third down conversion rate, turnovers forced and others.

Believe it or not, this Texas defense is really, really good. It's the best Texas defense I have ever personally witnessed and that encompasses alot of very good defenses.

I don't claim to know what's going to happen tomorrow. I don't think anyone knows, but I do know that two very good defenses will be taking the field.

I agree that Texas leads the nation in all of that stuff and I wasnt saying the were bad. I am telling you though, you cant claim that you are the best with stopping the run! Only because you dont play anyone who really runs!

 

[TIDE-HSV]

You must not watch much SEC football. He certainly has not seen anything like an Alabama defense

I saw the same remark about facing Bama's defense every day. Why in the world would they do that? If they're a normal FB team, the 1st team offense faces a scout team simulating that week's opponent. I'm sure they ran some good on good, the way we did, but the underlying philosophies being similar doesn't equate to facing Bama's defense every day. Also, in the same simplistic vein, he dismissed Cody saying that zone block and don't run the A and B, anyway. One can just hope the UT staff takes the same approach with Cody. I'm getting tired of hearing the same talking points being hammered over and over by one UT poster after another. I do like to see new ideas and insights...

 

[TRUTIDE]

I saw the same remark about facing Bama's defense every day. Why in the world would they do that? If they're a normal FB team, the 1st team offense faces a scout team simulating that week's opponent. I'm sure they ran some good on good, the way we did, but the underlying philosophies being similar doesn't equate to facing Bama's defense every day. Also, in the same simplistic vein, he dismissed Cody saying that zone block and don't run the A and B, anyway. One can just hope the UT staff takes the same approach with Cody. I'm getting tired of hearing the same talking points being hammered over and over by one UT poster after another. I do like to see new ideas and insights...

I know exactly what you mean. I do not think they have faced a 4 quarter defense all year except for (maybe?) Nebraska and Nebraska did not have any kind of an offense. I pity the offensive linmen that have to battle Cody for 4 quarters.

I am telling you though, you cant claim that you are the best with stopping the run! Only because you dont play anyone who really runs!

They claim the title of "top ranked run defense" in the most pass happy conference in the NCAA. Their super great defense gave up mega points and yardage to a team that was destroyed by two SEC teams.

 

[RayDog]

Well. Reading this makes me think we should just give up...:wink:

My point is only that it is unlikely that Cody will have a statistically significant effect on the game. The Texas scheme simply doesn't suit what Cody does. Alabama has plenty of playmakers who will be in position to make plays.

 

[patriot34]

As long as Cody is demanding double teams and, sometime, triple teams he is doing his part. He will make a difference, but much like the rest of the season, it won't show on his individual stats. Luckily, it is the entire BAMA "D", not just Cody, going up against the Texas "O".

Cody will be used, much like he was in the Arkansas game. He will be in most 1st and 2nd downs, most 3rd and shorts, but not many 3rd and longs.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

My point is only that it is unlikely that Cody will have a statistically significant effect on the game. The Texas scheme simply doesn't suit what Cody does. Alabama has plenty of playmakers who will be in position to make plays.

And what we've been trying to tell you is that you are both misunderstanding his role and underestimating his game. We've watched him for two years and you've probably seen a few film clips. We'll just agree to disagree and, now, let's drop it...

 

[Boclive]

The Texas scheme simply doesn't suit what Cody does. .

If I understand this correctly, you believe that Mt. Cody does not match up well against what Texas is trying to do.

I would counter with the idea that when attempting to pass Texas scheme may have to choose between an unacceptably disruptive inside push/rush (whether that be from Cody, Chapman, or someone else) and rolling the passer into a couple of true defensive ends playing containment, assignment football at which time your leading rusher will have varying degrees of success turning back to the inside. The irony is that having attempted to flush outside there is no joy there, and the quarterback is forced back inside where he sometimes encounters the man that started the sequence of events in the first place. Best case scenario is he evades the lineman and gains yardage. That may work to a limited extent for Texas all day, but if it does it is going to be the Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns fight all over again.

That will be one beat up quarterback trying to play football on heart late in the game.

 

[RayDog]

You must not watch much SEC football. He certainly has not seen anything like an Alabama defense.

Based on how SEC teams did in bowl games the Alabama defense doesn't look all that special. Based on total yardage against a common SEC opponent Alabama's defense did not do as well as Clemson, Virginia Tech, UConn, and Penn State, only slightly better than East Carolina. Based on this data I will give you that Bama has a better defense than Northwestern is quite a bit better than Cincy.

Kentucky offense
Alabama 301 yards
Clemson 275 yards

Tennessee offense
Alabama 339 yards
Va Tech 253 yards

S. Carolina offense
Alabama 278 yards
Connecticut 202 yards

LSU offense
Alabama 253 yards
Penn State 246 yards

Arkansas offense
Alabama 254 yards
East Carolina 280 yards

Auburn Offense
Alabama 332
Northwestern 416

Florida offense
Alabama 335
Cincy 662

The above data supports the theory that SEC offense are bad rather SEC defenses being good.

 

[BLAKE55]

The above data supports the theory that SEC offense are bad rather SEC defenses being good.

RayDog, The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem.

Your conclusion is beyond simplistic and isn't in touch with reality as most of us know it. Good luck though...

 

[patriot34]

Based on how SEC teams did in bowl games the Alabama defense doesn't look all that special.

You bring up some interesting points. I commend you for taking the time to use some stats to support your argument. It is quite refreshing to hear something other than "Well, because we have Colt McCoy and Mack Brown says we are the under dog, and everything is bigger.. yada, yada, yada". Kudos.

Of the teams you mentioned above, the offenses that gave the Bama "D" the most trouble were the ones who could run the ball and had a go-to RB (Tennessee, Auburn most notably).

I keep going back to Arkansas. To me, they are the most similar to the Texas "O", only Texas has the more mobile QB. Plus, both Texas and Arkansas had a common opponent in Texas A&M and both had their way with the TAMU defense in a similar fashion. Outside of this comparison it is difficult to find much correlation to compare these two fine teams.

That being said, if Texas comes into the game one dimensional, as did Arkansas, the results will make Bevo cry. The Bama "D" plays to make an offense one dimensional, then uses formations and player groupings to gain an even further advantage. Putting the Bama "D" in nickel plays right into Saban's hands. If Texas somehow puts together a rushing game, either McCoy rushes for 100 plus and or his other baks get 40-50 yards apiece, it could spel trouble for Bama.

Given the choice between picking a team that simply must do what it has done all year, or a team that must re-invent themselves or find some Vince Young-like magic, who would you choose?

 

[JPT4Bama]

I do foresee Texas running some jet tempo on 2nd and 3rd down to limit Bama's ability to substitute. Bama may need to keep their pass rush front package in much of the game for that reason alone. If they do insist on substituting for Cody on third down you can expect a couple illegal participation penalties.

When Texas does run, they never run to the A gap and not to the B gaps very often, so Texas will not be running at Cody. The only time they do go up the middle will be a draw, likely a QB draw and that will be called if the Bama linebackers are leaving the middle of the field open.

The Texas rush offense is not really predicated on having a guard or center reach the second level anyway, as they almost always zone block. Double teams in this case doesn't really mean anything and doesn't affect the efficiency of the Texas run game one way or the other. The only time they may go at Cody is in the short yardage jumbo package (Houston (DT) at FB, Cobb at FB & 3 TEs, and our own Cody at RB), and that could be interesting in an irresistible force versus unmovable object sort of way. Texas is amazingly efficient with it.

Texas mostly runs either a zone stretch or zone read run play. In the stretch Cody will be going laterally 10-15 yards, and I am curious how he does with that. Not that it matters anyway since the only way Texas makes yardage on that play is for the RB to cut back around tackle and try to beat whoever has backside contain. Cody won't be a factor in the zone read play simply due to the way the play is run, but Bama has the LBs to stop that play easily as long as they aren't caught mugging/blitzing an interior gap.

Zzzzzzzz.. I'm sorry what was that? Oh really? Zzzzzzzz I'm sorry, what was that, for the zillioneth time already.

Very impressive football tongue wagging I must say. :biggrin2: "Jet tempo" seriously??

 

[day-day]

Based on how SEC teams did in bowl games the Alabama defense doesn't look all that special. ...

...
The above data supports the theory that SEC offense are bad rather SEC defenses being good.

Nice jab!