Yes, they did. They roughed the passer on the very first play of the game and actually got a PF penalty for it. They realized right there that they wouldn't be able to win the game by late hits on our QB.
At times, it seems like they just stand there and wait for us to finish. Or, it appears that way on TV.
Thats what any defense wants to do. If they adjust, thats the tell we are looking for. Id guess we want to change their alignment but they dont want to tip their hand either.
Just saying. I see plenty of teams that accomplish that with half the motion, getting to the line quicker, etc. Again, I'm not hammering it. It just feels too busy and there is a lack of crispness, IMO. IDK, that's just what I'm seeing. Spoiled by Spurrier teams that got to the line quick and were always very crisp in their execution.
I also - on a side note - think that getting to the line quick is one of the things that made Brady great. I can't remember the last time I saw him snap a ball with less than 3 seconds on the play clock. Not only does it afford the ability to make adjustments, but it also allows you to use cadence and snap count to keep the defense off balance. Nothing I hate more than teams that are slow to line up. Puts everyone under unnecessary pressure and oftentimes lets the defense off the hook in terms of timing the snap count.
If the D is in zone coverage it doesn't need to move unless the line adjusts its fits slightly based on certain motion.
But then we've got 3 guys in motion. I guess they're changing assignments. But, again, there are times when I feel like it's just overkill and the Defense is like, "Are you done yet?" IDK, maybe it's just me.
Play calling is 50% on the skill and intuition of the play caller and 100% on the quality of athletes. You have to have good-great players to execute a good game plan. Even then, great players can’t always make up for play calling deficiencies. Anyone remember 2009 and all the dive plays called by The Daz? CBN is an adequate playcaller who has had less than stellar players to work with. Things have improved and despite the ridiculous schedules of 2024 and 2025, we now stand a good chance of seeing the fruits of his labor at rebuilding the Gator Brand.
Great qbs are given space to audible and make decisions on their own. Im sure that keeps a defense on their heals to not give them time to evaluate. Spurrier didnt give dc's all day to think about it either. I dont like running play after play but switching it up and dictating the pace is an advantage Napier hasn't used. It doesnt always need to be a chess match. Calling two plays and running em consecutively with no hiddle when you dont need a hurry up offense can catch a defense flatfooted. Napier is fairly plodding.
I get that the motions have a purpose but you are right about it getting down to three seconds. They can run motion twice and still get the snap with ten seconds left if they move their ass like they know what theyre doing. Half the time they stand around for what seems like ten seconds waiting for a call to be made from the sideline ..
Another way to ask/answer the question is - how many of the previous teams since the year 2000 who won the National Championship had an Offensive Coordinator calling the plays and how many had the Head Coach as the play caller? I don't really know without doing a search. Maybe someone will look it up.....thanks! 2024 Ohio State CFP 2023 Michigan CFP 2022 Georgia CFP 2021 Georgia CFP 2020 Alabama CFP 2019 LSU CFP 2018 Clemson CFP 2017 Alabama CFP 2016 Clemson CFP 2015 Alabama CFP 2014 Ohio State CFP 2013 Florida State BCS 2012 Alabama BCS 2011 Alabama BCS 2010 Auburn BCS 2009 Alabama BCS 2008 Florida BCS 2007 LSU BCS 2006 Florida BCS 2005 Texas BCS 2004 Southern California BCS 2003 LSU, Southern California BCS, AP, FWAA 2002 Ohio State BCS 2001 Miami (Fla.) BCS 2000 Oklahoma BCS
"Moe" is a nickname for Kirby because of his haircut? Hadn't heard that one before. Usually hear it as "Bowl Cut".
Play calling (on offense) is all about feel for the game. A very few have an innate feel. Spurrier did. Mullen did. Very different than drawing a good offensive game plan.. it’s not having good plays- it’s knowing when to use them. Having massive offensive weapons ( Tebow, Harvin, Lagway, Danny and his WRs,) certainly helps. We can be a very very good team without an elite play caller. Just have to have elite talent ( I think we have it). And have to hope whomever is calling plays isn’t a BAD play caller.
