In the post-game presser, Sark made mention of something that I was feeling during the game, especially related to the running game.
From kick-off through the 3rd quarter, we were never able to get in a rhythm due to the nature of the game. We scored 14 points on 2 off snaps and a punt return. As a coach, you could make an argument that though that was fun, it might have worked agains us and played into ASU's gameplan as they are a ball control team that thrives on wearing people down. They avg almost 33min TOP a game.
Scoring fast gave ASU a tremendous TOP advantage and never allowed our OL to get time to lean on their DL. They also were playing good backside help (prevents cut backs) and they were playing 8 in the box daring us to throw early on (even after the 1st drive). Credit ASU, they stayed with their DEF game plan even after QE torched them on the first drive. They could have backed out of it and played 7 against our 6 which should have opened the running lanes up a little, but they stayed with 8 against our 6 (generally, obviously not every play).
Side note: This is where Arch's ability too throw deep (assuming we have someone like Bond as a threat to take the top off) will prevent teams from doing this as much as they will need safety help over the top. Many of QE's downfield passes are short, but I think Sark values QE's experience, short, and mid game better right now, especially with Bond out or only a decoy.
On the flip side, our DEF was on the field a ton through 3 qtrs and ASU uses Scattebo to wear people down, plus the scrambling QB adds additional wear. Chasing around a QB in the backfield combined with trying to stop a 225lb bowling ball for 30+ minutes in 3 quarters will wear anyone down. BTW, Scattebo is not his listed 215, nor is he the listed 5'10. He is more like 5'9 and 225 with low pads and short tree trunks for legs, hard to get below the pads on that.
ASU had the ball for 32:49 to our 12:11 through first 3 quarters and our OL was not able to lean on them. We have been able to run better late in games because our big OL can gas DEF. That was not the case yesterday. Final TOP was 37:54 to 22:06 so we gained some back in the 4th quarter, but by then damage was done. To give you more context, we avg 30min TOP during the season with much more balance through 3rd quarter. Also more context, tOSU averages 30min TOP as well.
So, point is that a combination of their scheme, lack of possession on our part, and most likely bad day on OL led to runing problems. Not letting our team off the hook for bad running, but it goes deeper than face value. Adjustments should have been made, however sample size through 3 quarters was small and then dynamics of the game changed.
So a view from the couch.
From kick-off through the 3rd quarter, we were never able to get in a rhythm due to the nature of the game. We scored 14 points on 2 off snaps and a punt return. As a coach, you could make an argument that though that was fun, it might have worked agains us and played into ASU's gameplan as they are a ball control team that thrives on wearing people down. They avg almost 33min TOP a game.
Scoring fast gave ASU a tremendous TOP advantage and never allowed our OL to get time to lean on their DL. They also were playing good backside help (prevents cut backs) and they were playing 8 in the box daring us to throw early on (even after the 1st drive). Credit ASU, they stayed with their DEF game plan even after QE torched them on the first drive. They could have backed out of it and played 7 against our 6 which should have opened the running lanes up a little, but they stayed with 8 against our 6 (generally, obviously not every play).
Side note: This is where Arch's ability too throw deep (assuming we have someone like Bond as a threat to take the top off) will prevent teams from doing this as much as they will need safety help over the top. Many of QE's downfield passes are short, but I think Sark values QE's experience, short, and mid game better right now, especially with Bond out or only a decoy.
On the flip side, our DEF was on the field a ton through 3 qtrs and ASU uses Scattebo to wear people down, plus the scrambling QB adds additional wear. Chasing around a QB in the backfield combined with trying to stop a 225lb bowling ball for 30+ minutes in 3 quarters will wear anyone down. BTW, Scattebo is not his listed 215, nor is he the listed 5'10. He is more like 5'9 and 225 with low pads and short tree trunks for legs, hard to get below the pads on that.
ASU had the ball for 32:49 to our 12:11 through first 3 quarters and our OL was not able to lean on them. We have been able to run better late in games because our big OL can gas DEF. That was not the case yesterday. Final TOP was 37:54 to 22:06 so we gained some back in the 4th quarter, but by then damage was done. To give you more context, we avg 30min TOP during the season with much more balance through 3rd quarter. Also more context, tOSU averages 30min TOP as well.
So, point is that a combination of their scheme, lack of possession on our part, and most likely bad day on OL led to runing problems. Not letting our team off the hook for bad running, but it goes deeper than face value. Adjustments should have been made, however sample size through 3 quarters was small and then dynamics of the game changed.
So a view from the couch.
