Breakdown Sports

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Iowa vs Michigan Big Ten Championship. Just the film this week, but as always, you can find links to previous films reviews for overall summaries of each team provided the tags for each post. Each team has a tag. Other Michigan Reviews:  LINK Other Iowa Reviews:  LINK All Film Reviews:  LINK All 2021 Season:  LINK   First play, Michigan vs Iowa. Insert Zone RPO with orbit motion. Swing and run open on this one, Michigan takes the swing and gets a good 1st down gain pic.twitter.com/WITSgVNjTM — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) December 6, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Ohio State at Michigan football game. Just the film this week, but as always, you can find links to previous films reviews for overall summaries of each team provided the tags for each post. Each team has a tag. Other Michigan Reviews: LINK Other Ohio State Reviews: LINK All Film Reviews: LINK All 2021 Season: LINK First play: OSU vs Michigan. Counter OH. See some things that Michigan will lean on the rest of the game pic.twitter.com/7Nus9sxiXZ — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) November 30, 2021

 I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan State at Ohio State football game. Just the film this week, but as always, you can find links to previous films reviews for overall summaries of each team provided the tags for each post. Each team has a tag. Other Michigan State Reviews: LINK Other Ohio State Reviews: LINK All Film Reviews: LINK All 2021 Season: LINK First play MSU vs OSU. OZ to boundary with a leverage pre snap bubble read. Zig zag motion to help with leverage and take a solid first gain pic.twitter.com/qQBiSv9j74 — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) November 23, 2021

 I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Penn State football game. Just the film this week, but as always, you can find links to previous films reviews for overall summaries of each team provided the tags for each post. Each team has a tag. Other Michigan Reviews:  LINK Other Penn State Reviews:  LINK All Film Reviews:  LINK All 2021 Season:  LINK Michigan goes Poach coverage. Pass rush through immediately pic.twitter.com/IEdQUzzh8U — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) November 18, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Penn State football game. Just the film this week, but as always, you can find links to previous films reviews for overall summaries of each team provided the tags for each post. Each team has a tag. Other Michigan Reviews: LINK Other Penn State Reviews: LINK All Film Reviews: LINK All 2021 Season: LINK First play, UM at PSU. Insert Zone Bang 8 RPO. Good coverage on the outside. Gotta clean up LB level pic.twitter.com/uZOHzMv3o5 — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) November 15, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Penn State at Ohio State football game. Part 2 here.  First, some thoughts: Penn State Offense This offensive line continues to be a massive liability for the offense as a whole. The right side particularly struggles, but the left side isn't without its issues. This is more pronounced in the pass game, but is pronounced in the run game as well, where poor technique and missed assignments occur often. Clifford started out looking like his pre-Iowa self. Even before injury, he had issues facing the blitz. OSU put a lot of pressure on Clifford, and as the hits mounted, you started to see Clifford's eyes drop and technique suffer. Jahan Dotson deservedly gets a lot of the attention, but I really like Parker Washington as well. With Dotson getting a lot of the focus, Washington has slowly improved his game and can do a lot of nice things out of the slot. This offense feature...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Penn State at Ohio State football game. Part 1 here.     Tough formation to run sweep against but OL gotta rip and run here  pic.twitter.com/AaynWnPeLS — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS)  November 10, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Michigan State football game. Part 1 can be found here Tempo #4. Get Michigan communicating a bit. Poor route though and UM gets a 3rd down stop pic.twitter.com/mMZ7MLGfKf — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) November 4, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from and execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Michigan State football game. Two parts, due to the length. Part 2 here. First includes some thoughts. Michigan Offense I felt like Michigan came out with a really good game plan offensively and it showed. On the ground, they started with a lot of counter plays which were very close to breaking if they were just able to complete the margins. In the air, they dominated by attacking the LB level with the TE, RB, and crossers that achieved inside leverage vs MSU's Cover 1. They mostly forced MSU to abandon their standard passing down package as well. Even in the red zone, they recongnized: 1) they had issues finishing when the field got compressed; 2) MSU was great at preventing red zone TDs. Because of that, around the 15-25 yard line, they took shots several times, they pulled out some trick plays and tendency breakers, etc. While it didn't consistently work,...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan State at Indiana football game. At the end of the article, I will briefly look ahead to Michigan vs Michigan State. Michigan State I have previously broken down MSU, which you can find here:  LINK The strengths and negatives are largely holding from previous viewings, but a few things stood out. Slade had a great game at DT in this one, and was probably the most disruptive DL for MSU. Both offensively and defensively a few key adjustments really helped MSU. Offensively, a change from strong side split zone to more weak side stretch really helped make the LBs be a little more static and to utilize the slant-heavy DL momentum against them Defensively, a move from their typical Cover 3 and Cover 4 MOD to more man/press on the outside limited some of the screen elements that were very effective in the first half (especially to the boundary). Downside of this was that it...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Nebraska football game. Due to length, it has been broken into two parts. Part 1 here. Breakdown  Continued Nice opening call from option series. Flood, but Michigan ready with coverage. Now, knock down makes it null, but receivers can help QB with route adjustments  pic.twitter.com/ebPXvJS0mR — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS)  October 19, 2021

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Nebraska football game. Due to length, it has been broken into two parts. Part 2 here. First, some general thoughts: Michigan Strengths: The run blocking continues to improve, even with the run game diversity continuing to grow. It puts a lot of pressure on defensive fronts.  Michigan found a way to generate a few explosives in the run game, something that has been missing the few weeks before this game. They have been highly efficient, but if they can get explosives too, the ground game really takes off They have found a comfort zone with matchups out of empty. I expect they continue to emphasize that on passing downs The DL really, really showed up. Nebraska's front struggles, but Michigan really dominated the 1 on 1 blocks. Michigan Weaknesses: Too many missed shot plays. You have opportunities to convert TDs and pull away, have to execute those when you get t...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Penn State at Iowa football game. Some general thoughts first: Penn State Positives: I believe in their offense with Clifford on the field. It was a pass first gameplan that understood the teams strengths and weaknesses and felt like it was good enough to generate 30+ points. While I think Iowa was starting to settle in and close to getting off the field in more key situations, PSU does just enough in a variety of ways (screen, intermediate, deep, scramble) to make it very difficult to generate stops Despite the OL, I thought the RBs ran pretty well. The run game as a whole I'll touch on in a second, but RB is not the position of issue. I still really like this DL, even after injuries. Very challenging scheme for DL to go against, made some big plays to knock Iowa off schedule. Again, defensive coverage diversity is a real strength. Makes it very difficult to dial up plays a...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Nebrasa at Michigan State football game. Some general thoughts first: Nebraska Positives Defense has turned a corner. Very disciplined throughout this game, from front to back. Allowed very few explosive plays DL, especially the DTs, are very good. Disruptive, strong, athletic.  LBs understand scheme and what offense is showing. Athletic enough to make plays, but most important is that they play within the defense Offense really starting to show diversity of schemes and sequencing Nebraska Negatives The OL is really problematic. Right side got whooped, but as a whole, the OL struggled. Very hard to scheme success despite an OL Martinez has an ability to make plays outside the frame of the play, but still too consistently doesn't make the play that is schemed up  From a defensive standpoint, they are pretty static. Some late safety rotation and cloud not-withstanding, yo...

I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan at Wisconsin football game. Michigan Positives: The OL proved that they could maintain a run threat against one of the best run defenses and maintain their run-based offense (the run-pass ratio adjusted to more pass heavy, but Michigan didn't have to abandon who they are) QB showed ability to hit deep touch throws, along with WRs adjusting to the ball in the air. Helps maintain vertical threat Michigan had several schematic wins against a top flight DC Michigan DL again stepped up, showing more consistency than they have all year, and getting great pass rush off the edge Michigan diagnosed and attacked protection tendencies in their pressure package  Michigan Negatives: The pass game still struggles to show much from a quick/intermediate game. Struggled adjusting on underneath throws to many of the Wisconsin zone looks, and timing wasn't good enough to provide m...

I break down interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Auburn at Penn State football game. PSU Positives:  Whole defense is physical, but the DL specifically has a great combination of physicality and athleticism. Defense is multiple in their looks, and while that can create some issues being gap sound, for the most part they are consistent. Left side of the offensive line is good, and can be run behind. Have a few standouts at the skill positions with the ball in their hands QB made plays. OC did a good job simplifying looks and allowing him to gain confidence, but QB was able to make plays outside the scheme in this game PSU Negatives: The right side of the OL can cause some issues for them Focus vs Auburn was on the run, but several windows did appear in the defensive backfield in the passing game First play PSU-Auburn. PSU goes end around under fake jet split zone. Without knowing how D responds to split zone, that can back...

I break down interesting plays - schematicall, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan State at Miami football game. Some general thoughts: A few thoughts Walker continues to show his great vision and ability to erase angles. Haven't seen a lot from him between the tackles, but with the edges open he should take it. But it is TBC on if OL can/will consistently create holes on inside runs and if Walker can consistently make hay from it. Speaking of OL, in the run they still continue to at least get to targets pretty well. Saw them wash down the Miami DL a lot, aided a bit by how much movement Miami uses up front (another reason why attacking the edges vs the middle makes sense), but not a ton of push or mashing doubles on the inside. Pass pro was a little rougher this game, but that's expected with how many exotic pressures Miami runs. Thorne's presence in the pocket has been great so far, and his placement on short routes even under pressure i...

Iowa State shifting the LBs to respond to jet and it messes with the Iowa OL targeting pic.twitter.com/oZ3hYwZDLr — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) September 17, 2021

 I break down interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Washington at Michigan football game.  Here's what Washington is running https://t.co/uAsO36yI0Q — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) September 16, 2021

I break down interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Oregon at Ohio State football game.  Here is the keep (Q split zone) to go with it https://t.co/JM7SoNMEzl pic.twitter.com/BXfpRJpg6R — SyedSchemes (@syedschemes) September 11, 2021

 I break down interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Western Michigan at Michigan football game. Flood coverage vs an empty formation. Good job presnap stemming to cloud the picture, miscommunication though between Ni and CB pic.twitter.com/CBn4JNeU6J — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) September 7, 2021  

I break down interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan State at Northwestern football game. To spring an explosive you usually need a D bust, but credit where it is due, this was an opening play win because of some great combo blocks up front pic.twitter.com/B9hEWg9sPw — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) September 6, 2021

 I break down interesting plays, schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint, from the 2021 Ohio State at Minnesota football game. Nice job by this CB defending the Bang 8 front side RPO in man coverage when the safety triggers down. pic.twitter.com/o38pbN2PVp — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) September 5, 2021

 I look at a few cool schemes from Nebraska at Illinois Trap pass to start off the season from Illinois. Bret Bielema spent to seasons with the Pats recently, who majored in this with Brady/Gronk (and stole from Manning). Vert/wheel from boundary and PAP vacate 2nd level, nice easy opening throw pic.twitter.com/vEtSiomkb4 — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) August 30, 2021

 Jet sweep is one of the core concepts teams use to attack the edge with speed. It's relatively cheap to install, serves as a great constraint for your primary run game, and serves as a great tool to diagnose defensive coverage/rotation as well as trigger down safeties to support the vertical play action pass. But not all teams run it the same, and teams that lean on it more tend to treat the blocking of it a bit different. This post is going to examine some of the ways you see jet sweep blocked. Don't Block the 3-Technique The way I was always taught Jet Sweep was as simple as: Backside to the 3-tech, block the run fake Outside the 3-tech, arc to the 2nd level (seal) or alley, depending on defensive numbers This is a great way of selling the run fake to the backside of the sweep, while gaining back blocking numbers by not blocking the 3-Tech, who will struggle to quickly redirect (either vertically or horizontally) to be able to make a play on the ball carrier. Having it be th...

In this Twitter moment, I looked at some of the schematic choices featuring Purdue and Northwestern from 2000. This is an interesting moment for college football and the Big Ten specifically. Both teams were very early to the spread revolution, but utilized spread quite differently. Here's the box score from the game: LINK 2020 Purdue at Northwestern thread: https://t.co/0P237gNKNV — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) May 14, 2021

 It always bugged me when at Michigan, Rich Rod would call his Lead Outside Zone play "Power". Football terminology is notoriously inconsistent from program-to-program, where the same word can mean very different things. But Power had established a sort of agreement and consistency, it is down blocks on the frontside with a backside puller, a true gap/man scheme. Yet here was Rich Rod calling Outside Zone "Power." It made my head hurt for a long time, until one day I was looking through the Joe Gibbs's playbook, and the rationale behind it struck me.  As I noted in the History and Evolution Series , power itself was originally focused on the Power Sweep, as a sort of variant to the inside run and option series. As Option Teams (often Wing T types) moved more toward zone blocking in the 70s, Power had to be adapted in ways to fit what they did. Rarely did these teams pull within the formation, it was mostly zone blocking, occasional traps as a change up, and mayb...

Previously Part I  - The Power Series Origins Part II  - Off Tackle Power Earns the Name Power Retaining the Power Series While "Power" began to be defined as the Off-Tackle Power O variant in the 1980s, most offenses, including the split back dominated West Coast Offenses, retained much of the Power Series plays within their playbook, albeit under different names. This made use of multiple backs to alter the backfield flow, changing the kick blocker, lead blockers, or sending someone elsewhere altogether. The Way Forward for Power Sweep 18/19 BOB (Big-on-Big, Back-on-Backer) is the classic Power Sweep 1982 San Francisco 49ers Playbook

  Previously Part I  - The Power Series Origins Off-Tackle Power O becomes “Power” While the I-Formation had a scattering of purveyors dating as far back as the turn of the century, it wasn’t really until the early 1960s when a man known as Don Coryell would begin to popularize it within the Air Coryell offense. While at the upper levels of football it remained mostly unknown, by the late 1960s and into the 70s, coaches such as John Madden and Hank Stram started incorporating it within their offenses. By this time, most teams had now gone to 21 personnel, though split backs and near/far formations still held dominance. But, for instance, in the 1968 Chiefs Playbook, we immediately see what we know of today as traditional Power O (though, it should be noted, Power Sweep remained a vital part of the offense). 1968 Chiefs Playbook

“God’s play.” Talk to the majority of football guys and they’ll tell you that one of, if not the best play in football is Power. It’s dynamic, dominating, explosive, yet flexible; its name alone congers up an attitude embedded within the game. But, unlike most schemes that are loved due to nostalgia of a game that no longer exists, Power remains a staple of modern football despite its history dating back to the invention of the forward pass. Like anything, it has morphed and adapted, but at its heart the play retains its core characteristics: Down blocks on the front side A lead block to handle the edge defender Backside pullers wrapping around playside. It looks like this:   And here's a primer Going back to the origins of the game, including in the various iterations that make up football around the globe, numbers and leverage have ruled the day. In American football, that is exactly what Power is. In this post, we are going to look at the origins of “God’s play” and ...

 I took a look at Ohio State facing off against Clemson in the 2020-21 College Football Playoff Semi-Final. Rather than look for specific things, I tried taking in the game as a whole to look for things worthy of breakdown. Enjoy OSU-Clemson Breakdown. 1st play of the game. Jet sweep into boundary pic.twitter.com/3MAz7z7adC — Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) January 9, 2021