Hey yo. We're back and ready to dive into the 2015 ou.. I mean the 2016 ou.. uhhh 2019 LSU offense. In this thread, we are going to look at couple of different aspects of this offense. We will look at tempo, run game, formations and Joe Burrow doing his best Baker Mayfield impersonation.
First, we are going to start with some general overall statements about this offensive team.
1. They use tempo like we used to. They use tempo in spots, especially 2nd or 3rd down and short. They will hurry up to the line and run a play to get that first down.
2. Their run game is basically just mash it up in there. The OL doubles where they can and Clyde Edwards-Hilaire (CEH from this point forward) does a good job of finding holes. They very rarely line up with an inline TE. He is lined up in a wing about 75% of the time. He also gives away if it is a run. The TE has two alignments; he will line up with his toes even with the heels of the tackle to about half a yard back, or he will line up 1 - 2 yards off the tackle. If he is lined up in his deeper position it is run about 80% of the time and he will fold back in to run ISO on about a third of those runs. So as you are watching the game, look to see how he lines up and see what it tells you.
3. They are a pure spread team. They go empty, they go trips and they run a tight bunch with their TE and 2 receivers. They do a lot with their formations to create mismatches. They will line CEH up all over the field, split wide, in the slot and in the backfield. They will also line up receivers in the back field when CEH goes wide.
4. CEH is underrated/underappreciated. That guy really makes this offense. As I was watching the film, G. Danielson commented on how they use him like Kamara from the saints. They surely do. That guy keeps the offense on schedule and is a good hard runner. He does more in the passing game than he does in the running game. That's not to say that he does nothing running the ball, he is just that good of a pass catcher out of the backfield. If he does not play, I would argue that it is a bigger lose for LSU than anything OU has lost up to this point.
5. Joe Burrow can run. Burrow is very elusive. Hard for me to think of a good comp to him, but maybe Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill sort of, maybe a little like Baker. Probably somewhere in between. I would say more athletic than Baker but not as much arm talent. We must be able to contain him in the pocket and if we have a free runner on him, he has to be taken to the ground. We also can not be caught looking in the backfield. Let him pull the ball down and run for 15 yards as opposed to pressing the line and then hitting a receiver over the top. He also does a great job of finding the open man regardlesss of the number on the jersey. Just a really, really good overall QB.
6. Lastly, They attack the middle of the field. They run a lot of the same concepts we do, just with their spin on in. They don't run crossers like we do. They will have two to three guys run 5 yard in routes where everyone breaks left no matter where they are on the field, and then have a deep in route about 10 -15 yards behind that. They run slants under seems. They throw it deep a bunch. they will also throw the wheel route to their back some too.
Ok enough reading lets get to the tape.
OK. So here we have them trying to run crossers. They have their RB and TE lined up as wings off the OL. They attempt to run crossing routes, but end up running square into each other. I did not see a lot of times where they ran crossers. They run the next clip more often. Even though the crossers take themselves out, they still do their job and bring up the LB's to cover them, leaving a void behind for burrow to throw into. This concept is something we have run for years under Riley. Also, we have to create pressure with four. Georgia looks like its rushing four, but the LB jumps inside and then becomes a spy. I feel like UGA gave too much respect to Burrows scrambling and basically wasted a defender. If I am trying to defend this defense, I let Burrow run some, especially early. DO NOT give up a deep throw on a scramble play. Also, I may not get a hit on him using a spy, but if he tucks it, I WILL get a hit on him. The more we hit him the better.
This is the very next play. This is one of their favorite concepts. They run the TE and CEH on left breaking routes at about 5 yards. Then they have different levels beyond that (which we can not see due to camera angle.) Again, UGA rushes with 3 and spies with a LB. It looks almost like the entire DL is trying to contain an athlete like Kyler. I am just shocked at how those guys are not trying to get up the field. We must get pressure! Having said that, with all the time in the world on this play, it takes a super accurate ball to fit it in there.
This play showcases Burrows ability to take what the defense gives and diagnose a play quickly. CEH rarely stays in to block. He is always slipping out. It is on Burrow to get the ball out quick if the OL breaks down. Here, UGA brings an overload blitz from the short side of the field. This is something that OU has shown before. We must account for the hot route if we run this blitz. CEH hurt UGA and Bama in the passing game. These are the ttypes of plays that set up the long throws. Take note of the TE alignment on this play.
This play right here is absolutely deadly. It's a two man route off play action inside the five. The play is made by the TE here. He creates enough space for the wide receiver to run a clean route. The play action holds the ILB eyes so that he doesn't see the WR coming inside. The next available defender is the safety in the endzone. WR runs and excellent route and this is just an extremely well designed play. We will see this play a week from tomorrow.
Now lets take a look at some run game.
Notice the TE alignment on this play. He is a little deeper in the backfield. This looks a little like our split zone, but the TE doesnt block anyone and CEH just punches it up in there. THere is noting really secial about this play, but LSU does not live or die by the inside zone.
This is one of LSU more complex run plays. Again, notice the TE alignment on tihs play. He is a little deeper in the backfield again. On this play, her folds back inside. The idea for this play is to lead up on the LB but really it just turns into man on man blocking and CEH just finding a hole. THis play also showcases CEH's quickness. He is able to spin out of a negative play and pick up some positive yards.
I did not see this play run except for this one time against UGA, but it works really well. CEH gets downhill in a hurry and runs hard as hell. He is a tough runner that has a low center of gravity being 5'7. It really is almost like watching the ghost of OU's offense. Baker ran this sometimes with Rodney. Pretty sure Rodney ran for like a 60 yard td untouched on this type of play.
This play was highlighted to show how LSU uses tempo and play design to create all kinds of trouble for UGA. LSU runs the ball for a minimal loss. *TE ALIGNMENT* (Their inside run game is nothing special people) but then they run hurry up and split CEH wide and put WR Jefferson (brother of former LSU QB Jordan) in the backfield and run a little flat pass to him. The bunch creates a mess and confusion for UGA. they leave the WR lined up in the backfield uncoveredf for an easy gain on third and medium. Great play call here. They lined Jefferson up in the backfield on several plays and split CEH out wide. bcause they dont sub out CEH they do not have to allow the defense to sub. Just creates problems.
Finally, the thing that makes BUrrow so dangerous
UGA has a great blit call on here. They get an unblocked defender straight up the alley. Problem is that he comes screaming in there and is out of control Burrow is able to just spin away from it. Because UGA is sending an extra man, they are in man coverage. As soon as Joe looks up, he sees the backs of their jersy's and a lane to run through. He shows off his athleticism here running away from the defense. If we have a free rusher, we must get him to the ground.
Baker Mayfield anyone? UGA gets good pressure here but is unable to corrall Burrow. He sidesteps, spins out, gives ground and then attacks the LOS. The defens all react to this and everyone including those in coverage begin to square up to the LOS. The recievers get behind the coverage and because he is attacking the line and not retreating or going sideways, he is able to make an accurate throw on the run. Eeryone has to do their jobs. Defenders can not lose sight of their responsibility. Again a 10 - 15 yard scramble is better than getting beat over the top.
LSU's offense is good. THeir running game is not as great as some of the other top offenses, but they make up for it with great play design and decision making by Burrow. This film study also illustrates the versitility of CEH. Losing him will be a huge factor if he is ruled out. We have to get pressure with four and we can not sacrifice a pass rush to try and "contain" Burrow. Our LB's and safeties have to have their heads on a swivel. Losing DTY definately hurts, but we have plenty of time to get the reps in for the other guys. The LSU offense is not unstoppable and our defense is built to stop a big XII offense which is what this is.
Thanks again to @Jeremy J and thank you for reading! I will have a post about the LSU defense after christmas. Have a happy holiday!
First, we are going to start with some general overall statements about this offensive team.
1. They use tempo like we used to. They use tempo in spots, especially 2nd or 3rd down and short. They will hurry up to the line and run a play to get that first down.
2. Their run game is basically just mash it up in there. The OL doubles where they can and Clyde Edwards-Hilaire (CEH from this point forward) does a good job of finding holes. They very rarely line up with an inline TE. He is lined up in a wing about 75% of the time. He also gives away if it is a run. The TE has two alignments; he will line up with his toes even with the heels of the tackle to about half a yard back, or he will line up 1 - 2 yards off the tackle. If he is lined up in his deeper position it is run about 80% of the time and he will fold back in to run ISO on about a third of those runs. So as you are watching the game, look to see how he lines up and see what it tells you.
3. They are a pure spread team. They go empty, they go trips and they run a tight bunch with their TE and 2 receivers. They do a lot with their formations to create mismatches. They will line CEH up all over the field, split wide, in the slot and in the backfield. They will also line up receivers in the back field when CEH goes wide.
4. CEH is underrated/underappreciated. That guy really makes this offense. As I was watching the film, G. Danielson commented on how they use him like Kamara from the saints. They surely do. That guy keeps the offense on schedule and is a good hard runner. He does more in the passing game than he does in the running game. That's not to say that he does nothing running the ball, he is just that good of a pass catcher out of the backfield. If he does not play, I would argue that it is a bigger lose for LSU than anything OU has lost up to this point.
5. Joe Burrow can run. Burrow is very elusive. Hard for me to think of a good comp to him, but maybe Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill sort of, maybe a little like Baker. Probably somewhere in between. I would say more athletic than Baker but not as much arm talent. We must be able to contain him in the pocket and if we have a free runner on him, he has to be taken to the ground. We also can not be caught looking in the backfield. Let him pull the ball down and run for 15 yards as opposed to pressing the line and then hitting a receiver over the top. He also does a great job of finding the open man regardlesss of the number on the jersey. Just a really, really good overall QB.
6. Lastly, They attack the middle of the field. They run a lot of the same concepts we do, just with their spin on in. They don't run crossers like we do. They will have two to three guys run 5 yard in routes where everyone breaks left no matter where they are on the field, and then have a deep in route about 10 -15 yards behind that. They run slants under seems. They throw it deep a bunch. they will also throw the wheel route to their back some too.
Ok enough reading lets get to the tape.
OK. So here we have them trying to run crossers. They have their RB and TE lined up as wings off the OL. They attempt to run crossing routes, but end up running square into each other. I did not see a lot of times where they ran crossers. They run the next clip more often. Even though the crossers take themselves out, they still do their job and bring up the LB's to cover them, leaving a void behind for burrow to throw into. This concept is something we have run for years under Riley. Also, we have to create pressure with four. Georgia looks like its rushing four, but the LB jumps inside and then becomes a spy. I feel like UGA gave too much respect to Burrows scrambling and basically wasted a defender. If I am trying to defend this defense, I let Burrow run some, especially early. DO NOT give up a deep throw on a scramble play. Also, I may not get a hit on him using a spy, but if he tucks it, I WILL get a hit on him. The more we hit him the better.
This is the very next play. This is one of their favorite concepts. They run the TE and CEH on left breaking routes at about 5 yards. Then they have different levels beyond that (which we can not see due to camera angle.) Again, UGA rushes with 3 and spies with a LB. It looks almost like the entire DL is trying to contain an athlete like Kyler. I am just shocked at how those guys are not trying to get up the field. We must get pressure! Having said that, with all the time in the world on this play, it takes a super accurate ball to fit it in there.
This play showcases Burrows ability to take what the defense gives and diagnose a play quickly. CEH rarely stays in to block. He is always slipping out. It is on Burrow to get the ball out quick if the OL breaks down. Here, UGA brings an overload blitz from the short side of the field. This is something that OU has shown before. We must account for the hot route if we run this blitz. CEH hurt UGA and Bama in the passing game. These are the ttypes of plays that set up the long throws. Take note of the TE alignment on this play.
This play right here is absolutely deadly. It's a two man route off play action inside the five. The play is made by the TE here. He creates enough space for the wide receiver to run a clean route. The play action holds the ILB eyes so that he doesn't see the WR coming inside. The next available defender is the safety in the endzone. WR runs and excellent route and this is just an extremely well designed play. We will see this play a week from tomorrow.
Now lets take a look at some run game.
Notice the TE alignment on this play. He is a little deeper in the backfield. This looks a little like our split zone, but the TE doesnt block anyone and CEH just punches it up in there. THere is noting really secial about this play, but LSU does not live or die by the inside zone.
This is one of LSU more complex run plays. Again, notice the TE alignment on tihs play. He is a little deeper in the backfield again. On this play, her folds back inside. The idea for this play is to lead up on the LB but really it just turns into man on man blocking and CEH just finding a hole. THis play also showcases CEH's quickness. He is able to spin out of a negative play and pick up some positive yards.
I did not see this play run except for this one time against UGA, but it works really well. CEH gets downhill in a hurry and runs hard as hell. He is a tough runner that has a low center of gravity being 5'7. It really is almost like watching the ghost of OU's offense. Baker ran this sometimes with Rodney. Pretty sure Rodney ran for like a 60 yard td untouched on this type of play.
This play was highlighted to show how LSU uses tempo and play design to create all kinds of trouble for UGA. LSU runs the ball for a minimal loss. *TE ALIGNMENT* (Their inside run game is nothing special people) but then they run hurry up and split CEH wide and put WR Jefferson (brother of former LSU QB Jordan) in the backfield and run a little flat pass to him. The bunch creates a mess and confusion for UGA. they leave the WR lined up in the backfield uncoveredf for an easy gain on third and medium. Great play call here. They lined Jefferson up in the backfield on several plays and split CEH out wide. bcause they dont sub out CEH they do not have to allow the defense to sub. Just creates problems.
Finally, the thing that makes BUrrow so dangerous
UGA has a great blit call on here. They get an unblocked defender straight up the alley. Problem is that he comes screaming in there and is out of control Burrow is able to just spin away from it. Because UGA is sending an extra man, they are in man coverage. As soon as Joe looks up, he sees the backs of their jersy's and a lane to run through. He shows off his athleticism here running away from the defense. If we have a free rusher, we must get him to the ground.
Baker Mayfield anyone? UGA gets good pressure here but is unable to corrall Burrow. He sidesteps, spins out, gives ground and then attacks the LOS. The defens all react to this and everyone including those in coverage begin to square up to the LOS. The recievers get behind the coverage and because he is attacking the line and not retreating or going sideways, he is able to make an accurate throw on the run. Eeryone has to do their jobs. Defenders can not lose sight of their responsibility. Again a 10 - 15 yard scramble is better than getting beat over the top.
LSU's offense is good. THeir running game is not as great as some of the other top offenses, but they make up for it with great play design and decision making by Burrow. This film study also illustrates the versitility of CEH. Losing him will be a huge factor if he is ruled out. We have to get pressure with four and we can not sacrifice a pass rush to try and "contain" Burrow. Our LB's and safeties have to have their heads on a swivel. Losing DTY definately hurts, but we have plenty of time to get the reps in for the other guys. The LSU offense is not unstoppable and our defense is built to stop a big XII offense which is what this is.
Thanks again to @Jeremy J and thank you for reading! I will have a post about the LSU defense after christmas. Have a happy holiday!
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