Per Korncoot, Darius Robinson makes his commitment to Clemson official today. He is a 4-star commit, #16 at his position. Robinson is a cornerback who seems to have no fear and is extremely confident in his abilities. He is also an intelligent student, scoring 1370 on the SAT and maintaining a 3.4 GPA at Westlake HS (Atl., GA). Robinson is being recruited by Coach Harbison.
This addition to the commits of Crawford, Beasley, Jenkins, and Cooper within the last week brings the count up to 14 (and it is still July).
Gary Peters of Heritage HS (Conyers, Ga) is also mentioned as a likely commit within the next week or so. Peters, who was leaning towards the Crimson Tide, has offers from CU, Tennessee, Bammer, UGa, Maryland, Ole Miss, and S. Carolina, is 6' 1", 180 lbs and runs a 4.5 sec 40. Peters would be the 4th defensive back commit for this class (assuming Joe Craig will play on the offensive side of the football). Peters is being recruited by Chris Rumph.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2010 Recruiting Evaluation: August
There have been an unusual amount of stupid posts (at least for DT) on TardNet the last few weeks about the 2010 recruiting class, so we decided to take a closer look at what we've got so far committed and some of our best shots for the 2010 class that might still be out there. I don't like to spend a considerable amount of time worrying about 18 year old kids and their whims, but it should be covered ever so often.
Most posters complain that we haven't brought in the talent, because they pay too much attention to a player's Scout or Rivals star rating. Its been commented on in the past, by a former Clucker assistant, that a player's rating can be influenced by the comments of any particular coach. If Steve Spurrier or Urban Meyer want him, then you would see a 2-star guy go to 3-stars, because clearly he's wanted, so he must be good. It works in the opposite sense as well. You think a school like TCU or Utah would get a 4-star guy who's on the board at USC, Texas, or Alabama? No, not likely. Its also been admitted, by Ard himself, that a player's star rating also can be affected by when he commits to a school. The earlier he does, the less time the services spend re-evaluating and re-ranking him. But its still a measuring stick, because height/weight/speed don't always show you how good (or bad) a player is. All the ratings I use to describe a player below are Rivals ratings.
Lets think about who we've got on staff before we go criticizing the coaches for going for lesser talented players. Dan Brooks, Woody McCorvey, Fat Brad, Charlie Harbison, Billy Napier, and Kevin Steele have all been highly ranked by Rivals for their prowess at bringing in talent over the years. Given the players that Chris Rumph has been pulling in, I think it will not be long at all before you see his name among the best recruiters in the southeast. Jeff Scott got us Bryant McNeal and is our current recruiting coordinator, but we'll hold off on his evaluation. Dabo Swinney may not be able to recruit as efficiently as the Head Coach now, because of rules regarding contact between the HC and player that are stricter than assistants, but we know he is good at it, and if he can close like Bowden did then we'll be perfectly fine. And just to point out for the nitwits, any offer to a player must be approved by the position coach and then Swinney before the offer goes out by the recruiter (any player in a given region is recruited by a single coach, regardless of whether its his position coach).
Lets look at the biggest questions for 2010:
How big is the 2010 class going to be?
Scholarship breakdowns for 2010 show we're going to have around 22 to give. Last January, Swinney commented that the 2010 class would be about 20 total, but we didn't close on a couple guys, and that freed up a scholarship for a few walk-on players, notably Terrance Ashe. In most interviews since signing day, Scott, Napier, and Swinney have stated the common number of 22. It may turn out that we sign 25, due to grade factors and SATs, but we should aim to bring in 22 players.
Rules prevent bringing in more than 25 new players next Fall, and no more than 85 total on a football scholarship, so thats the cap. Players that go on scholarship the next January (grayshirts) are one way around this rule, but we have rarely used it more than once per year. If you are wondering how UNC or Alabama get around the rules, and sign 30+, this is part of it.
What are our biggest needs?
No question we have depth needs at Safety, LB, and DT. We have good players at LB, but they are young, maybe too young for 2009. DT needs more numbers period.
Offensively, we have great players at WR, but they are all young and have to step up. Also, you always have to bring in linemen every season. We have depth problems at T for now, and Thomas and Jay shored that up some, and Jay will not redshirt, but an injury to Hairston will show you what state our line is really in (see FSU last year).
Here is what we have so far, 12 commits, as of July 29:
David Beasley OL 6-4 287 5.1
Bashaud Breeland ATH 6-1 190 4.41
Desmond Brown ATH 6-0 192 4.5
Martavis Bryant WR 6-4 190 4.4
Ricky Chaney LB 6-3 195 4.45
Sam Cooper TE 6-5 230 4.73
Joe Craig ATH 6-0 170 4.4
Corey Crawford DE 6-5 235 4.76
Kalon Davis OL 6-5 325 5.1
DeAndre Hopkins ATH 6-2 170 4.55
Martin Jenkins DB 5-9 170 4.4
Jake Nicolopulos LB 6-2 220 4.7
Reid Webster OL 6-5 270 -
Hopkins and Bryant are Rivals100 guys, and although Hopkins plays both ways, he is being recruited as a WR. Joe Craig (Rivals250) plays QB at Gaffney, and our offense does not "go" anywhere without him running it unfortunately. Given that people at Gaffney rarely play both ways, I don't see how he's going to play S at Clemson, so he'll almost assuredly be playing WR. Thats 3 Wideouts for 2010. All 3 are rated well, so you'd have to give credit to the coaches here.
Sam Cooper might be a filler at first glance, but he's big and tall, so we'll see. Ethan Farmer (#12 TE) is impressed with Dan Brooks. We certainly needed one true TE for the last class. Keenan Allen is the biggest prospect on the board (#5 ATH), and could play TE or WR at Clemson, right now we stand at #3 on his short list. Kadron Boone (#20 WR) wants to play at Florida, but if they are finished at WR, we have a shot to get him. We thought we needed at least one more WR in last year's group, and the staff appears to be doing well in filling needs here. I think we're going to be thrilled with the WR signees.
After last signing day, we mentioned we would need at least 2 corners in the 2010 class. Martin Jenkins, who is not rated high, is likely a sleeper at Corner. But at 4.35 40', I dont see a problem. Given that we expect the commitments of Darius Robinson and Garry Peters (CB, both 6' 170, both 4-star), and that Breeland was recruited as a Corner, we'd be full at the position with 4 if those two come through.
Should both Robinson and Peters come to CU, Breeland will likely get moved to Safety to start out. Desmond Brown is already slated for safety, and M. Gilchrist will see some cross-training at the position this month. We would be alright at safety, assuming these things work out, but we still need at least one more true safety prospect. David Amerson (#17 FS) is the last big safety on the board, and is still interested in a visit, we're in his Top 4.
Ricky Chaney plays more of a SS position in HS, but is being recruited as a SAM or WILL for Clemson. He has the speed to play either, but will have to bulk up and get much stronger to play. Chris McCain has showed some interest, but apparently has not been offered. Christian Jones and LaDarius Owens (both 4 stars) are in the mix, but it seems to me that Owens is really the only shot.
Jake Nicolopulos is rated #26 at Inside LB, and he's likely a good one to have. If you took the time to review the star ratings, you'd see they ration them out in a complicated way, and that there are only 7 4/5 star players at MLB nationally, 22 for OLB. Justin Parker is the best in the state, and #6 nationally, but SC leads for his services currently. #1 overall MLB Jeff Luc, of Florida, is being recruited by Steele, but its an outside shot against the likes of FSU and UF, and a teammate of his went to UGA so they are also in the mix....he did visit us, but expect FSU to be the team to beat. #21 Ferlando Bohanna is still considering us, and is being recruited by Brooks.
Frankly I am a bit surprised we aren't doing better at LB, particularly compared to DB, even if its early. With Hunter out, likely forever, we will need another. We have the talent at LB on the team now, but they are young. I'd still like to see us get a big name, just to make the splash, its been too long since Clemson pulled in some of the greatest LBs in the country.
Along the OL, you have to anticipate needs 2 years ahead of time and bring in players every season. Austin, Humphries and Lambert will be gone in 2010: two guards and a tackle. Medlin will be out of the rotation due to a medical hardship. We have several young Guards already, and depth at Tackle will be a problem still for this year should we have an injury. Brandon Thomas is already likely bound for a redshirt (knee), J.K. Jay is not. The staff has commented on signing 3-5 linemen for 2010, and we've started out pretty well with Beasley, Webster, and Davis. Davis is so big he could play both positions but listed at Guard (#26 nationally), Webster is a Tackle in HS, Beasley is a Guard (#27). Dan Koenig is probably our highest rated prospect who is uncommitted so far (#58 OT) and we're in his top group, likewise for Max Garcia (#63 OT) (both 3 stars). Losing out on Eric Mack and A.J. Cann to SC really dwindles our prospects to add any more big name guys up front. I still think we need another Tackle to compliment Webster (who will RS, too skinny) and Davis.
Corey Crawford is our first DE commit so far, but there are several DL still out there. We really don't have depth problems at End, but you'd like to take a couple if youre shooting for 22 signees, because the same argument as OL applies. It seems though that we're not on anyone's short list at weakside, unless of course we steal someone away. I don't see us getting Brandon Willis from Byrnes, and the other top guys on the board are leaning in other directions.
At DT, where we need them the most, we don't have anything. It doesnt look fantastic either, but we could sign a couple 3-star guys. With Dan Brooks coaching them, I'm not ready to hit the panic button.
We'll need a RB to replace CJ Spiller, but dont hold your breath on Marcus Lattimore. Jawan Jamison seems to be the scatback type, and is high on us. Mustafa Greene from Irmo is another highly-rated prospect. I saw him in person and was not impressed, however. There are a few others on the board but I'm not worried about our RB corps. I'm not even going to cover QBs, if we have problems at that position then we're in deep shit.
All in all, I think youre going to come away from 2010 with a "solid, but not spectacular" impression, kind of like 2009....but with a few decommits from other schools, and some luck, it could very well turn out spectacular.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
GT: Defending the Run & Shoot
The R&S is quite difficult to defend. Each team that uses it has different characteristics and philosophies. One constant, however, is that the QB is the key. If he can scramble and attack the containment, you have an added element of pressure to the defense. If the option and counter have been included in the packages, its still another element to defend. This article is meant to illustrate a few things you can do to stop it, and to cover a few plays that are staples, I recommend going to SmartFootball. It is an addendum to our article on the option.
Most of what you now call a "pro-style" offense contains elements of the R&S. It may not use the standard 1-back, 4-wide or 3-wide/H-back formation that the Houston Oilers or Atlanta Falcons used to run, but its the same concepts and sometimes the same plays. Clemson's offense is loosely based off the R&S: Rob Spence was a R&S guy at Toledo before they evolved it into what it is now. There are a lot of half rollouts, screens and draw plays designed to hold back the pass rush in our offense, just like the R&S.
But we know that Paul Johnson has incorporated a chunk of R&S concepts into the GT offense, and since we've covered the root basics of defending the Flex, its now time to look at how to defend the R&S concepts specifically. The role of the H-back in the old Buffalo Bills R&S ("K-Gun") schemes, or the slot men, is now shared by the Wingbacks/TE in the Flex, so its actually a pretty direct carryover into the balanced formation Flex. The only true conflict is in the linemen splits, you want larger splits with the triple option than the R&S, in theory. R&S offenses use a lot of pre-snap motion and QB movement, just like the Flex. Just move your slot men closer to the OL, formation-wise. This type of passing attack can usually easily read Cover 1 and run routes designed to attack it directly, however if you can get pressure on the QB with good coverage you have a very good chance of stopping it.
There are several cornerstone plays used in the R&S that are its hallmark; the Choice, the aceback draw, the +roll, trap, trap option, and aceback screens I'll cover here. These can be put into any offense but I'll cover their defense as if we were playing against the standard Flexbone/Wing-T set with a diveback (the aceback in this terminology), two wingbacks, and 2 wideouts.
QB Sprint-out/Roll out plays
The primary key to stopping the QB sprint roll is to allow the call side LB a free rush once he reads pass. You do not want him to play containment, which might be his responsibility on a pitch option to one of the WBs (the OLBs are usually responsible for the pitch man, recall), but rather have him force the passer in any possible lane from behind. The responsibility of containment is then left to the DE and DT on the back side of the play, and they have to watch for the reverses. However, that DT plays essentially a "spy" responsibility, waiting for the draw, and delays his pass rush.
Additional pressure could come from the DT on the call side or the other OLB, who also has no containment responsibility once he reads pass. The DE on the play side will attempt to loop around the OT and the Wing, and rush directly, in an opposite lane to the blitzing call side OLB, who would be taught to run directly at the OT's outside hip if possible.
The DB's could line up in any way in Cover 1, but its best to hide the alignment and adjust coverage on the fastest WR. Generally in a rollout play, the SS and FS will shift over to the play side of course, following their key. MIKE would have pass coverage on the aceback, man to man, unless he plays to block in which case MIKE becomes the Robber. His other responsibility will be to watch for the Draw or an aceback screen, along with the backside DT.
The problem, of course, is reading pass in the first place. The play side WB will run over the middle to attack the seam, and the backside WB either goes in motion pre-snap to the play side into the slot before running his route, or follows the QB and then runs upfield as a safety valve into the flats.
The trick, so to speak, is that the Wing to the rollout side or the FB are used in the protection scheme in a R&S offense. Their job is to chuck a DE or OLB on the rush, and then run out for screens or safety valve plays a few times per game. This is what forces you to keep a spy (MIKE) in the middle, and reduces your ability to get creative in blitzing those LBs.
To change it up, you may just want the backside OLB to drop into coverage and help the CB once he reads pass. So if the WB to his side goes in motion away, he will just drop back and could become the Robber, looking for crossing routes. That would help against any type of throwback pass or play-action.
The Trap
The Trap/Trap-option is one of the oldest plays in football and before you think its just a Flexbone-gimmick play, read the article and look at the blocking assignments, and you'll see its in just about every kind of two-back offense there is. Basically the trap option is a fake FB Dive to the (non-pulling) Guard/Center hole, the QB does a reverse pivot and runs out for the pitch with the pulling Guard as his lead blocker. The old tried and true Trap is still run in the NFL, and Clemson runs it too. Its a staple, plain and simple. Here is a counter trap against the 4-3.
So how do you stop the trap or trap option? Its the same as most option plays. You don't want the QB to run it, so when the play side OLB reads run, he waits for the pitch to the Wing. The DE's themselves HAVE to keep the OT from blocking MIKE, and try to help on the keeper, but it is MIKE who attempts to force the pitch.
Again, the problem is reading the Trap in the first place, because the DBs will be watching the backfield motion, and it could nearly the same to them as the rollout above because of the criss-crossing Wingbacks. Thats how your SS comes up to support the pitch and gets toasted by the WB running right by him. The linebackers and linemen are the ones who'll notice the pulling guard, your safety might not.
The Aceback Draw
The back side DT and MLB have the major roles in stopping the draw play. They both have spy responsibility as I stated above. This really isnt a big deal for MIKE because he's already supposed to pick up the aceback, but the DT can get confused easily because it's harder for him to see the flow-to or away with a big lineman in his face.
The Aceback screen
To defense this common and difficult play, you would like to double-cover the ace with OLBs and the MLB. The OLB on the play side of the QB rollout above starts his pressure upfield to blitz and then reads the FB setting up for a screen. Now he is in position to be behind the blocking linemen going upfield. At the same time, MIKE, who is supposed to spy the FB, allows double cover, so both MIKE and the OLB converge on the FB from different directions.
(img courtesy of SF)
The Choice/Go/Switch/Seam read plays
Well you could write dozens of articles on defending this by itself, and I can't hope to do justice to it. Smartfootball has dozens of articles on the specific concepts of the R&S passing game, and the fact that the WR adjusts on the fly means that blanket statements about defensive coverages by myself (or anyone else) tend to look stupid. This type of route is basically like backyard football: the WR reads the defense while running, and then the route changes based on it. What might be a quick-in or hitch under Cover 2 can become a Go pattern if he reads Cover 3 during his initial 10-15 yard run. This type of route is generally run by the slot man, likely the WB in the Flex, while the outside split-end/flanker run their called routes in the huddle. Its a fundamental of the R&S offense, but its harder to defend against it specifically.
This is the Dive Choice, a hybrid play-action play, well suited to any situation where the defense expects a standard triple-option play.
In this play the SE has the choice. If the CB plays inside leverage, he runs a sprint out; if he presses up, a fade route; if outside leverage, a short slant; if a cushion, a hitch. This can be decided in the huddle or pre-snap, which is likely going to be the case unless you have experienced WRs/QB who can make the adjustment on the fly.
Enter the zone blitz. This is really the best bet to stop these plays, because you will either need good man-to-man coverage by the LBs or one of the safeties to beat a slot wideout when you face this play when you're in Cover 1 Robber. So, there is really not much specific in the way of coverage that you do differently against these teams. We'll be a Cover 1/3 team and thats not going to change for the spread or the option. In the week leading up to an opponent who runs such a play, you would go into pattern reading so the DB's can anticipate where a WR will attack, given that they know the coverage they are playing.
Recall this offense uses 6 men in protection schemes, for the most part. If you blitz a LB towards that blocking RB, and drop a lineman into coverage underneath, you create a mismatch. The RB won't be able to handle a fast LB for very long, and you can force the sack or a rushed throw into coverage. Here I'll just showcase the plays without commentary, notice how the routes change for a particular receiver as the coverage changes, to attack the seams in the defense. Cover 3's seams are the hashmarks, or the area between the Middle Deep man (FS) and the Outside Deep man (a Corner usually). Cover 2 is directly between the split safeties, and in Cover 0 (pure man) or Cover 1 (man with a FS playing deep) you would preferably run away from the middle or force defenders to choose who to cover by crossing your routes.
The Switch in a Flexbone:
The Go:
Against Cover 1
Most of what you now call a "pro-style" offense contains elements of the R&S. It may not use the standard 1-back, 4-wide or 3-wide/H-back formation that the Houston Oilers or Atlanta Falcons used to run, but its the same concepts and sometimes the same plays. Clemson's offense is loosely based off the R&S: Rob Spence was a R&S guy at Toledo before they evolved it into what it is now. There are a lot of half rollouts, screens and draw plays designed to hold back the pass rush in our offense, just like the R&S.
But we know that Paul Johnson has incorporated a chunk of R&S concepts into the GT offense, and since we've covered the root basics of defending the Flex, its now time to look at how to defend the R&S concepts specifically. The role of the H-back in the old Buffalo Bills R&S ("K-Gun") schemes, or the slot men, is now shared by the Wingbacks/TE in the Flex, so its actually a pretty direct carryover into the balanced formation Flex. The only true conflict is in the linemen splits, you want larger splits with the triple option than the R&S, in theory. R&S offenses use a lot of pre-snap motion and QB movement, just like the Flex. Just move your slot men closer to the OL, formation-wise. This type of passing attack can usually easily read Cover 1 and run routes designed to attack it directly, however if you can get pressure on the QB with good coverage you have a very good chance of stopping it.
There are several cornerstone plays used in the R&S that are its hallmark; the Choice, the aceback draw, the +roll, trap, trap option, and aceback screens I'll cover here. These can be put into any offense but I'll cover their defense as if we were playing against the standard Flexbone/Wing-T set with a diveback (the aceback in this terminology), two wingbacks, and 2 wideouts.
QB Sprint-out/Roll out plays
The primary key to stopping the QB sprint roll is to allow the call side LB a free rush once he reads pass. You do not want him to play containment, which might be his responsibility on a pitch option to one of the WBs (the OLBs are usually responsible for the pitch man, recall), but rather have him force the passer in any possible lane from behind. The responsibility of containment is then left to the DE and DT on the back side of the play, and they have to watch for the reverses. However, that DT plays essentially a "spy" responsibility, waiting for the draw, and delays his pass rush.
Additional pressure could come from the DT on the call side or the other OLB, who also has no containment responsibility once he reads pass. The DE on the play side will attempt to loop around the OT and the Wing, and rush directly, in an opposite lane to the blitzing call side OLB, who would be taught to run directly at the OT's outside hip if possible.
The DB's could line up in any way in Cover 1, but its best to hide the alignment and adjust coverage on the fastest WR. Generally in a rollout play, the SS and FS will shift over to the play side of course, following their key. MIKE would have pass coverage on the aceback, man to man, unless he plays to block in which case MIKE becomes the Robber. His other responsibility will be to watch for the Draw or an aceback screen, along with the backside DT.
The problem, of course, is reading pass in the first place. The play side WB will run over the middle to attack the seam, and the backside WB either goes in motion pre-snap to the play side into the slot before running his route, or follows the QB and then runs upfield as a safety valve into the flats.
The trick, so to speak, is that the Wing to the rollout side or the FB are used in the protection scheme in a R&S offense. Their job is to chuck a DE or OLB on the rush, and then run out for screens or safety valve plays a few times per game. This is what forces you to keep a spy (MIKE) in the middle, and reduces your ability to get creative in blitzing those LBs.
To change it up, you may just want the backside OLB to drop into coverage and help the CB once he reads pass. So if the WB to his side goes in motion away, he will just drop back and could become the Robber, looking for crossing routes. That would help against any type of throwback pass or play-action.
The Trap
The Trap/Trap-option is one of the oldest plays in football and before you think its just a Flexbone-gimmick play, read the article and look at the blocking assignments, and you'll see its in just about every kind of two-back offense there is. Basically the trap option is a fake FB Dive to the (non-pulling) Guard/Center hole, the QB does a reverse pivot and runs out for the pitch with the pulling Guard as his lead blocker. The old tried and true Trap is still run in the NFL, and Clemson runs it too. Its a staple, plain and simple. Here is a counter trap against the 4-3.
So how do you stop the trap or trap option? Its the same as most option plays. You don't want the QB to run it, so when the play side OLB reads run, he waits for the pitch to the Wing. The DE's themselves HAVE to keep the OT from blocking MIKE, and try to help on the keeper, but it is MIKE who attempts to force the pitch.
Again, the problem is reading the Trap in the first place, because the DBs will be watching the backfield motion, and it could nearly the same to them as the rollout above because of the criss-crossing Wingbacks. Thats how your SS comes up to support the pitch and gets toasted by the WB running right by him. The linebackers and linemen are the ones who'll notice the pulling guard, your safety might not.
The Aceback Draw
The back side DT and MLB have the major roles in stopping the draw play. They both have spy responsibility as I stated above. This really isnt a big deal for MIKE because he's already supposed to pick up the aceback, but the DT can get confused easily because it's harder for him to see the flow-to or away with a big lineman in his face.
The Aceback screen
To defense this common and difficult play, you would like to double-cover the ace with OLBs and the MLB. The OLB on the play side of the QB rollout above starts his pressure upfield to blitz and then reads the FB setting up for a screen. Now he is in position to be behind the blocking linemen going upfield. At the same time, MIKE, who is supposed to spy the FB, allows double cover, so both MIKE and the OLB converge on the FB from different directions.
(img courtesy of SF)The Choice/Go/Switch/Seam read plays
Well you could write dozens of articles on defending this by itself, and I can't hope to do justice to it. Smartfootball has dozens of articles on the specific concepts of the R&S passing game, and the fact that the WR adjusts on the fly means that blanket statements about defensive coverages by myself (or anyone else) tend to look stupid. This type of route is basically like backyard football: the WR reads the defense while running, and then the route changes based on it. What might be a quick-in or hitch under Cover 2 can become a Go pattern if he reads Cover 3 during his initial 10-15 yard run. This type of route is generally run by the slot man, likely the WB in the Flex, while the outside split-end/flanker run their called routes in the huddle. Its a fundamental of the R&S offense, but its harder to defend against it specifically.
This is the Dive Choice, a hybrid play-action play, well suited to any situation where the defense expects a standard triple-option play.
In this play the SE has the choice. If the CB plays inside leverage, he runs a sprint out; if he presses up, a fade route; if outside leverage, a short slant; if a cushion, a hitch. This can be decided in the huddle or pre-snap, which is likely going to be the case unless you have experienced WRs/QB who can make the adjustment on the fly.
Enter the zone blitz. This is really the best bet to stop these plays, because you will either need good man-to-man coverage by the LBs or one of the safeties to beat a slot wideout when you face this play when you're in Cover 1 Robber. So, there is really not much specific in the way of coverage that you do differently against these teams. We'll be a Cover 1/3 team and thats not going to change for the spread or the option. In the week leading up to an opponent who runs such a play, you would go into pattern reading so the DB's can anticipate where a WR will attack, given that they know the coverage they are playing.
Recall this offense uses 6 men in protection schemes, for the most part. If you blitz a LB towards that blocking RB, and drop a lineman into coverage underneath, you create a mismatch. The RB won't be able to handle a fast LB for very long, and you can force the sack or a rushed throw into coverage. Here I'll just showcase the plays without commentary, notice how the routes change for a particular receiver as the coverage changes, to attack the seams in the defense. Cover 3's seams are the hashmarks, or the area between the Middle Deep man (FS) and the Outside Deep man (a Corner usually). Cover 2 is directly between the split safeties, and in Cover 0 (pure man) or Cover 1 (man with a FS playing deep) you would preferably run away from the middle or force defenders to choose who to cover by crossing your routes.
The Switch in a Flexbone:
The Go:
Against Cover 1
Monday, July 27, 2009
Clemson picked #2 in the Division by writers
Clemson was voted 2nd in the ACC Atlantic Division by the Media at the ACC Football Kickoff, behind FSU, and ahead of NC State and WF. Clemson garnered 14 of 87 possible 1st place votes, and 2 picked us to win the ACC outright, telling me that a lot of people are drinking some KoolAid.
Preseason Picks by the Media:
1. FSU
2. Clemson
3. NC State
4. Wake Forest
5. Maryland
6. Boston College
1. VT
2. GT
3. UNC
4. Miami
5. The White Meat
6. Puke
The only difference between my picks and the conference is that I still think so much of Al Grobe's ability to coach that they'll finish 3rd in the division. I'm not buying all the Wilson hype at NCSU. The media also picks VT to win it all, and I'm going for FSU.
Conference Preseason Player of the Year went to Dwyer (39 votes) over CJ (28). I would have to agree until I see Clemson GIVE CJ THE DAMN BALL 20-25 times per. Dwyer will get it 25-30 most likely, so I'd expect him to have at least 1500 yards.
Dabo made a few comments to the media, stating that M. Goodman and J.K. Jay will likely see significant PT if August goes well for them. He also mentioned what we've said here: whomever gets 2nd string QB will still play, and he's more worried about the QB position than WR right now.
He was also asked whether he interviewed other potential Off Coordinators....the answer was no.
Commitments
TE Sam Cooper (6'5 230) committed, choosing us over Michigan State, Duke, and Arkansas State. He runs track in HS as well. He's only rated a 2-star by Rivals.
CB Martin Jenkins (5'9" 166) also committed, considered a sleeper that wasn't really recruited by anyone. He sent tape of himself in to the Staff and they invited him for a visit, and he got the offer. Either everyone else missed this guy or he's a total sleeper. His dad played with Steele at UT, and then played in the NFL for a year. He's quite fast, running a 10.6 100m, finishing 4th in 5A Georgia Track, and is timed at 4.35. I wouldn't turn away speed, but I think the "dad" factor did play a part here. Apparently the kid also badly wanted to come here. Only Syracuse has confirmed offer, but interest was coming from Florida and Ole Piss. He has no star-rating.
At 11 commits, out of likely 22, I think we're shaping up for a solid, but possibly not stellar class. Its fair to point out that all the big guys hold off til January though, so theres no reason to get discouraged yet. I have to say we should be full at DB by now though.
Ron Morris believes we need fewer slogans and more wins. No Shit Ron.
Then he goes into detail about how Bowden and Dabo are polar opposites.
Ricky Sapp has been steadily improving and rates himself at 95 percent so far, though the coaches really believe he's ready to play full-speed again.
EDIT: OG David Beasley, 6'4" 291, a 3-Star (#27 at position) recruit from Carver GA, has also committed. He chose us over offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Maryland, Southern Miss, Miami, UCLA, Ole Piss, and USuCk. This is our 12th commitment. From Scout:
His teammate Corey Crawford, a 6'5" 235lb Weakside DE, rated 43rd nationally (3-stars) also committed this afternoon. Crawford has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, Memphis, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Southern Miss.
Preseason Picks by the Media:
1. FSU
2. Clemson
3. NC State
4. Wake Forest
5. Maryland
6. Boston College
1. VT
2. GT
3. UNC
4. Miami
5. The White Meat
6. Puke
The only difference between my picks and the conference is that I still think so much of Al Grobe's ability to coach that they'll finish 3rd in the division. I'm not buying all the Wilson hype at NCSU. The media also picks VT to win it all, and I'm going for FSU.
Conference Preseason Player of the Year went to Dwyer (39 votes) over CJ (28). I would have to agree until I see Clemson GIVE CJ THE DAMN BALL 20-25 times per. Dwyer will get it 25-30 most likely, so I'd expect him to have at least 1500 yards.
Dabo made a few comments to the media, stating that M. Goodman and J.K. Jay will likely see significant PT if August goes well for them. He also mentioned what we've said here: whomever gets 2nd string QB will still play, and he's more worried about the QB position than WR right now.
He was also asked whether he interviewed other potential Off Coordinators....the answer was no.
Commitments
TE Sam Cooper (6'5 230) committed, choosing us over Michigan State, Duke, and Arkansas State. He runs track in HS as well. He's only rated a 2-star by Rivals.
CB Martin Jenkins (5'9" 166) also committed, considered a sleeper that wasn't really recruited by anyone. He sent tape of himself in to the Staff and they invited him for a visit, and he got the offer. Either everyone else missed this guy or he's a total sleeper. His dad played with Steele at UT, and then played in the NFL for a year. He's quite fast, running a 10.6 100m, finishing 4th in 5A Georgia Track, and is timed at 4.35. I wouldn't turn away speed, but I think the "dad" factor did play a part here. Apparently the kid also badly wanted to come here. Only Syracuse has confirmed offer, but interest was coming from Florida and Ole Piss. He has no star-rating.
At 11 commits, out of likely 22, I think we're shaping up for a solid, but possibly not stellar class. Its fair to point out that all the big guys hold off til January though, so theres no reason to get discouraged yet. I have to say we should be full at DB by now though.
Ron Morris believes we need fewer slogans and more wins. No Shit Ron.
Then he goes into detail about how Bowden and Dabo are polar opposites.
Ricky Sapp has been steadily improving and rates himself at 95 percent so far, though the coaches really believe he's ready to play full-speed again.
EDIT: OG David Beasley, 6'4" 291, a 3-Star (#27 at position) recruit from Carver GA, has also committed. He chose us over offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Maryland, Southern Miss, Miami, UCLA, Ole Piss, and USuCk. This is our 12th commitment. From Scout:
Beasley has the size and athleticism we like to see for the guard position at the major level of competition. This is a tough aggressive player who can maul defenders when he gets into their pads; works hard to finish with quite a few pancake blocks. Looks long legged and a little stiff in the lower body but displays good balance and plays on his feet well; adjusts well to change of direction moves. Too high coming out of his stance hindering his initial explosion into a defender; can get stalemated and will narrow his base, does sustains well with good leg drive; continues to battle and eventually gets movement off the line of scrimmage. Shows the initial quickness to gain leverage when reach blocking; consistently gets to 2nd level defenders; have yet to see him pull and trap. Inconsistent in pass protection but his athletic ability allows him to succeed at the high school level of competition. Flashes quick set ability but will have to improve his knee bend and learn to slide his feet and play flat footed. Has light feet and can adjust to change of direction moves. Must improve his initial punch, location and extension; plays too tall and leans in with his head; should be a good out of the box player. We like his tough aggressive play, however he must improve his flexibility and techniques; playing with a lower center of gravity will help. Right now he wins a lot of battles on toughness, shear playing strength and athleticism. Beasley does not project as an immediate starter; after a red shirt year which will allow him the time to polish his skills he should begin to see playing time and eventually become a solid starter.
His teammate Corey Crawford, a 6'5" 235lb Weakside DE, rated 43rd nationally (3-stars) also committed this afternoon. Crawford has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Louisville, Maryland, Memphis, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Southern Miss.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
LB Buster Hunter gives up football
TI and The State report that OLB Buster Hunter has given up football due to his epileptic seizures becoming uncontrollable and not responding to medication.
>"I still haven't really swallowed the pill yet," Hunter said. "I'm just hurting so bad knowing I went from working out, getting ready to play this season and being right in the rotation, to 'I can't play anymore.'
My body has basically been rejecting my medicine," he said. "When that happens, it makes it complicated to live normal."
"They didn't want to take any more chances as far as me being out there on the field and having one, to where it could be dangerous. You can't predict a seizure, when it's coming on. You can't say, 'Well, at 6 o'clock I'm going to have a seizure.'
"It's hard, because you wake up and you see all the pictures on the wall of you playing, and you know you're not going to do it anymore. I've been hurting so bad. But I'm trying to stay positive about everything, trying to keep my head up. That's the most important thing. A lot of people have it worse off than me.
"I honestly believe God is showing me a different way of doing things. This is not what I wanted, but it's what I need."
He will be put on medical redshirt and will serve as a student-assistant this season, overseeing the LBs.
Hunter was in line for a 2nd string position this season and had been praised by Steele several times this offseason, before having to sit out towards the end of spring practice because of his seizures. He led the team in snaps per tackle last season.
Recall Hunter had to sit out most of last spring because of the seizures and a knee injury, and enrolled in January 2008 after working very hard to get his scores up just to get into Clemson after signing in February 2007. Just a few months ago, this article was written on his life and struggles with health and family.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Kalon Davis commits to Clemson
Chester OL Kalon Davis (6'6" 330) has committed to Clemson per Rivals, he's the #26 Guard prospect nationally and is capable of either T or G at Clemson. He was originally recruited by Napier, but Jeff Scott sealed the deal.
The three-star lineman said why he chose Clemson over offers from Wake Forest, NC State, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and strong interest from Alabama:
This is our 9th 2010 commit.
The three-star lineman said why he chose Clemson over offers from Wake Forest, NC State, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and strong interest from Alabama:
First, the coaches and the way they handle themselves in public and on the field, Next the facilities. The big changes they are making there and the direction the program is headed.
Third, it's not real far from home, so I can still visit my parents on the weekend and also still get away from the house, Plus, I've been talking with Clemson for so long. Since my freshman year and I feel like I really fit in now.
This is our 9th 2010 commit.
Loose Ends, Spot the Damn Ball Already!
Dr. B posted an article a few weeks ago regarding the wing-t/spread option/flex bone slicing apart the Ga Tech style of scoring points. Here is an addendum to that piece that further reflects the facts presented by Dr. B here .
-Clemson obviously has the CJ Spiller for Heisman campaign up and running. I personally have to wonder if this was promised to Spiller last season, and if this has much to do with his return. It will be extremely difficult for CJ, especially with two previous winners of the award still in college football. These sentiments are further outlined in this upstate fish rap .
There is no doubt this guy is a special player...I just hope he touches the ball 25 times per game.
-Da'Quan Bowers is another player that everyone expects big things out of. He had an extremely productive freshman campaign last season, and appears to be taking the summer workouts more seriously this year. Most importantly, with Sapp back, Kevin Alexander proving to be a solid player, and Brown able to play a few snaps, I feel the end position will be the strongest group for the Tigers this season.
-Tim Tebow values himself at $2 mil for insurance purposes, and the great Lou Holtz fields a better team of retirees for a game against the Japanese than he pulled together in Columbia.
-Otherwise, practice is just around the corner and the season cannot get here fast enough!
-Clemson obviously has the CJ Spiller for Heisman campaign up and running. I personally have to wonder if this was promised to Spiller last season, and if this has much to do with his return. It will be extremely difficult for CJ, especially with two previous winners of the award still in college football. These sentiments are further outlined in this upstate fish rap .
There is no doubt this guy is a special player...I just hope he touches the ball 25 times per game.
-Da'Quan Bowers is another player that everyone expects big things out of. He had an extremely productive freshman campaign last season, and appears to be taking the summer workouts more seriously this year. Most importantly, with Sapp back, Kevin Alexander proving to be a solid player, and Brown able to play a few snaps, I feel the end position will be the strongest group for the Tigers this season.
-Tim Tebow values himself at $2 mil for insurance purposes, and the great Lou Holtz fields a better team of retirees for a game against the Japanese than he pulled together in Columbia.
-Otherwise, practice is just around the corner and the season cannot get here fast enough!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Deptula needs to work on his delivery
He's still an arrogant prick but he makes a VERY valid point in this rant, going off on TardNet posters.
Sapakoff talks about the meaning of "All In" to Dabo Swinney and what he thinks it should mean to all Clemson fans. I'm really getting sick of this slogan, he better win if I have to hear him say it 1000x per year, but in this article he says he might be a bit less "all in" than he was last year, and that he's delegating to the new staff.
"Our message of all in is filtering out the way we want it to," he said. "But let me just tell you, it's not a slogan. It's a way of life. It's a lifestyle. It's not just something you put on your hat. It's got to be a way of life. And if I can get enough people to be all in, then we've got a chance to be successful."
He had this to say about the tweaks to Clemson's offense by Napier this offseason:
Swinney said his offense will be a mix of the spread, ball-control and option elements — in addition to some formations the Tigers have used in the past.Which is really no different than expected.
As for Quarterback, no hint was given, but he mentions that both will see action with the 1st team offense.
The Coordinators are planning for our first 3 opponents already, and they have installed the practice schedule for the first 10 days of camp, from installations to walk-throughs. Napier had a few things to say about it:
"Both coordinators are back with three of our first four opponents, so that could be the same, somewhat. And with TCU, we've taken a good look at those guys, just trying to anticipate things and move forward building installation to some degree."
"Coach Swinney has done a great job of anticipating things and putting the schedule together ahead of time. We've got a majority of our concepts down in the order we'd like for them to be taught. Right now we're really finishing up the details on Middle Tennessee before the grind of camp starts."
"The first thing we have to do is make sure that C.J. Spiller is getting every opportunity to take the game and put it on his shoulders. And we have the supporting cast to do that," Napier said. "C.J. is a one-in-a-million type of player. And we're not going to have a game where we look back and say we didn't give that guy enough opportunities."
Kevin Steele sat down for an interview at the Media golf outing as well and commented that the DL here is just as talented as what he had at Alabama and the installation of packages and instilling toughness. He had this to say when asked about the LB Corps consistency and inexperience:
"Getting them in the right place. They've got instincts; they're good players. But when you total up the true number of snaps, you've got Scotty (Cooper) and (Daniel) Andrews and that group over at SAM. You've got Jeremy (Campbell) and Brandon (Maye) and that group at MIKE. Well, Brandon's the old guy. He's been here a year. Then you go to WILL and you've got Kavell (Conner) and that group. Well, Kavell is the only one. The rest of them, Tig (Willard) and all of those guys, they haven't played. So there's not a lot of snaps.
"In this game, as multiple as it is now, it's so many formations, so many changes of things. One week, you're playing the zone-read option. The next you're playing the spread, the next week you're playing the Georgia Tech option. That comes from guys who have done it. So it just makes it easier."
GNews has an article about the personal life of CJ Spiller and his journey from a top-flight recruit who has bucked the trend to the man he is now. He had this to say about the team over the last few years:
“I've worked the whole off-season to be ready for this and I think I'm prepared; the time is right to change that perception people have of Clemson.
“We've been the ones that started good and finished sloppy, or we started sloppy and we finished on an up note, but if we want to be considered with the great teams we have to start strong and finish strong.”
Another article by the P&C talks about Spiller's hopes for this season and possible draft future. Unfortunately, Dabo doesnt have a set number of touches for CJ:
Still, Swinney said he has not created benchmark numbers for Spiller, like, 250 touches.
"There's no limit," Swinney said of Spiller's 2009 potential. "But there are no set numbers like 22 carries a game."
-All players return August 3rd, practice begins August 4.
Injuries
-OT Jamal Medlin will take a medical redshirt and likely will end up as a student-coach, because of microfractures in his knee.
-Buster Hunter is medicated for epilepsy.
-Ricky Sapp is fully cleared to play, as are Spencer Adams and Barry Humphries.
-Tajh Boyd has not yet been cleared.
Nick Saban has given permission to soph. DB/WR Chris Jackson to look elsewhere, so long as its not an SEC school. He's reported to be friends with Markeith Ambles, a Clemson target. He is considering Clemson. Jackson was a 3-star recruit in Saban's first class, and is 6'0 187 and runs a 4.45 according to Rivals. Saban is likely clearing the road for his oversignage the last 3 years.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
BC: Spaziani's 3-5-3 Defense
Frank Spaziani has been the defensive coordinator at BC for about a decade now, and was in the CFL immediately before that, and prior experience was under George Welsh at UVA. In 2008, the Eagles ranked in the top 10 in the nation in seven defensive categories, including interceptions (first, 26); turnovers gained (second, 36); total defense (fifth, 268.14 ypg.); red zone defense (sixth, 72%); first downs allowed (sixth, 14.71 pg.); rushing defense (seventh, 91.2 ypg.), and pass efficiency defense (98.81). In addition, junior linebacker Mark Herzlich was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Now you can certainly believe that BC has been good the last few years because of Matt Ryan and had made a great decision to hire Coach Jagz in the first place, but you have to admit they were very consistent, if not flashy, under Tom O'Brien before that, and alot of it is because they play good fundamentally.
For the most part, Spaziani is a read-and-react type of guy, and the 3-5-3 Defend is one of his gimmick defenses that you'll see alot of in definite passing situations. Now he's the head coach at BC, and while I don't expect them to go to the ACCCG again soon, they will probably still be a tough opponent for years to come. This article makes use of one of his published articles on the 3-5-3 defense, which is suited as a base package against teams with alot of underneath patterns, with 5-step drop protections (like Clemson). Its also a good package to run in the Red Zone.
With the emergence of complex passing games in college football, defensive schemes have had to adjust to keep pace. It used to be that you would either play back and react, or that you'd apply pressure. But nowadays, the packages must have enough variety to meet all contingencies. They have to have been installed and practiced in the game week, or you'll lose against a good opponent. A pressure package is essential, but the variety is the real key to success. You dont want your defense to look the same to the offense as what they practiced that week, so you always try to hide coverages and blitz packages.
The biggest liability of the 3-5-3 is obviously the pass rush, and vertial stretch (which Clemson DOESNT do enough of), so BC expects the 8-man coverage itself to be the timing breaker, and the DL can get a coverage sack. BC uses LARGE DTs, and they arent expected to be very fast, just disciplined (this is also why they'll handle GT's FB Dive well). The two Tackles and the NG are in containment rush, both trying to go around the OT's and force the pocket to collapse around the QB to get the sack. The NG himself must be a walrus who can take a double-team, and is the man responsible for screens and draw plays.
The basic package appears as a variation on the 33 Stackset with an extra OLB/Nickelback playing, with the SS being the 5th guy in the underneath zone. BC's base is still a 4-3. WILL and SS take the flats underneath, with the two interior LBs playing hook/curl zone and the SAM taking a slot/TE (curl) zone up the seam (note that it could also appear as a shifted 4-3, with the Sam playing in a 3pt stance). The two CBs and the FS are playing the usual 3-deep zone coverage. In the figure above, W, S, and B are LB's (Will/Sam/Bandit), and the SS's are called "Dogs" on the callside, "Rover" on the weakside. One of them will most likely be a OLB or backup Safety/Nickel. Its just terminology.
Simple adjustments
When field position doesnt give help to protect against deep stretch plays, the first adjustment Spaziani makes is to swing out his WLB and SS to match up across from the two WRs. In this "out" adjustment, they are told to bump the wideouts and throw off the timing so that they cant get past the 3-deep or into the seam before the pass rush can do something.
A second adjustment is simply to switch SAM and SS's responsibilities, with SAM taking the flat (and possibly lining up across from the WR) and the SS running back into the slot zone. Why does that help at all? Well first it helps control the seam better by giving another look to the QB (remember they attack the seam against a 3-deep), and second the SS is a better pass defender than SAM or the Strongside End.
So the 3-5-3 allows BC to defend 5 underneath zones, and helps cover an additional spot on the wide side of the field. However, pass offenses don't quite work that way and if you chart plays you'll see they tend to work from the TE over. This forces other adjustments unless the offenses are designed to attack that area with the extra defender underneath.
The next adjustment you'll often see them make is an Umbrella-look, which might appear as a 2/4-deep to the QB in presnap reads. The weakside CB will roll over, standing opposite the FS in a 2-deep style coverage, but with the Strongside CB coming up a little, and the SS matched across from a WR, it could also fool the QB into thinking all 4 will drop back deep. Spaziani will call for rolling coverages after the snap to trick the offense into a presnap adjustment from this look, disguising the true coverage.
A simple strongside roll will drop that SS, umbrella-CB (taking the deep middle), and FS into 3-deep, with the other players taking the underneath zones. The other CB can either play soft or bump & cover the flat zone underneath.
On the hash, it would be better to roll weak, saturating the zones that the offense will try to attack and disrupting the patterns. You want to bump with the SS and not allow them to attack the seams through the slot, and that means the Split-end will be forced to read 2 or 3-deep and adjust. The major weakness is the front-side out, and you can really nail BC with that play if they are rolling weak.
Note that with only 3 guys definitely coming at the QB, you have alot of flexibiliity in the fronts you show with this defense, and you can technically blitz from anywhere and not really be losing anything. In this figure you see the OLB/Dog stunting, then he comes on the blitz, and that is easily changed to the other Dog or a LB.
A standard 3-deep from a 4-3 set would be no different in coverage than a 3-5-3 blitzing one of the underneath backers. If you ever blitz out of it, then from that point onwards the offense doesnt know where the blitz could come from. Its solid against the run because its a Gap-8 (33 Stack) scheme, so all the guys have particular gap responsibilities to control.
In the base defense the nose will have one "A" gap and the MLB will have the other "A" gap, depending on the blocking scheme.
The outside linebackers will have the "B" gap to their side. The tackles will have the "C" gap to their side. The SS's will be responsible for the "D" gap to their side. Versus the run, the front eight play their gap responsibilities. Versus the veer, MLB and F/S play Dive, QB, to Pitch.
Of course there are no ends to the adjustments made to the fronts based on personnel and plays the offense are good at, but this is intended just as an introduction and primer to one of BC's better defenses. They don't play the 3-5-3 often, but you will see it against Clemson in definite passing situations.
Now you can certainly believe that BC has been good the last few years because of Matt Ryan and had made a great decision to hire Coach Jagz in the first place, but you have to admit they were very consistent, if not flashy, under Tom O'Brien before that, and alot of it is because they play good fundamentally.
For the most part, Spaziani is a read-and-react type of guy, and the 3-5-3 Defend is one of his gimmick defenses that you'll see alot of in definite passing situations. Now he's the head coach at BC, and while I don't expect them to go to the ACCCG again soon, they will probably still be a tough opponent for years to come. This article makes use of one of his published articles on the 3-5-3 defense, which is suited as a base package against teams with alot of underneath patterns, with 5-step drop protections (like Clemson). Its also a good package to run in the Red Zone.
With the emergence of complex passing games in college football, defensive schemes have had to adjust to keep pace. It used to be that you would either play back and react, or that you'd apply pressure. But nowadays, the packages must have enough variety to meet all contingencies. They have to have been installed and practiced in the game week, or you'll lose against a good opponent. A pressure package is essential, but the variety is the real key to success. You dont want your defense to look the same to the offense as what they practiced that week, so you always try to hide coverages and blitz packages.
The biggest liability of the 3-5-3 is obviously the pass rush, and vertial stretch (which Clemson DOESNT do enough of), so BC expects the 8-man coverage itself to be the timing breaker, and the DL can get a coverage sack. BC uses LARGE DTs, and they arent expected to be very fast, just disciplined (this is also why they'll handle GT's FB Dive well). The two Tackles and the NG are in containment rush, both trying to go around the OT's and force the pocket to collapse around the QB to get the sack. The NG himself must be a walrus who can take a double-team, and is the man responsible for screens and draw plays.
The basic package appears as a variation on the 33 Stackset with an extra OLB/Nickelback playing, with the SS being the 5th guy in the underneath zone. BC's base is still a 4-3. WILL and SS take the flats underneath, with the two interior LBs playing hook/curl zone and the SAM taking a slot/TE (curl) zone up the seam (note that it could also appear as a shifted 4-3, with the Sam playing in a 3pt stance). The two CBs and the FS are playing the usual 3-deep zone coverage. In the figure above, W, S, and B are LB's (Will/Sam/Bandit), and the SS's are called "Dogs" on the callside, "Rover" on the weakside. One of them will most likely be a OLB or backup Safety/Nickel. Its just terminology.
Simple adjustments
When field position doesnt give help to protect against deep stretch plays, the first adjustment Spaziani makes is to swing out his WLB and SS to match up across from the two WRs. In this "out" adjustment, they are told to bump the wideouts and throw off the timing so that they cant get past the 3-deep or into the seam before the pass rush can do something.
A second adjustment is simply to switch SAM and SS's responsibilities, with SAM taking the flat (and possibly lining up across from the WR) and the SS running back into the slot zone. Why does that help at all? Well first it helps control the seam better by giving another look to the QB (remember they attack the seam against a 3-deep), and second the SS is a better pass defender than SAM or the Strongside End.
So the 3-5-3 allows BC to defend 5 underneath zones, and helps cover an additional spot on the wide side of the field. However, pass offenses don't quite work that way and if you chart plays you'll see they tend to work from the TE over. This forces other adjustments unless the offenses are designed to attack that area with the extra defender underneath.
The next adjustment you'll often see them make is an Umbrella-look, which might appear as a 2/4-deep to the QB in presnap reads. The weakside CB will roll over, standing opposite the FS in a 2-deep style coverage, but with the Strongside CB coming up a little, and the SS matched across from a WR, it could also fool the QB into thinking all 4 will drop back deep. Spaziani will call for rolling coverages after the snap to trick the offense into a presnap adjustment from this look, disguising the true coverage.
A simple strongside roll will drop that SS, umbrella-CB (taking the deep middle), and FS into 3-deep, with the other players taking the underneath zones. The other CB can either play soft or bump & cover the flat zone underneath.
On the hash, it would be better to roll weak, saturating the zones that the offense will try to attack and disrupting the patterns. You want to bump with the SS and not allow them to attack the seams through the slot, and that means the Split-end will be forced to read 2 or 3-deep and adjust. The major weakness is the front-side out, and you can really nail BC with that play if they are rolling weak.
Note that with only 3 guys definitely coming at the QB, you have alot of flexibiliity in the fronts you show with this defense, and you can technically blitz from anywhere and not really be losing anything. In this figure you see the OLB/Dog stunting, then he comes on the blitz, and that is easily changed to the other Dog or a LB.
A standard 3-deep from a 4-3 set would be no different in coverage than a 3-5-3 blitzing one of the underneath backers. If you ever blitz out of it, then from that point onwards the offense doesnt know where the blitz could come from. Its solid against the run because its a Gap-8 (33 Stack) scheme, so all the guys have particular gap responsibilities to control.
In the base defense the nose will have one "A" gap and the MLB will have the other "A" gap, depending on the blocking scheme.
The outside linebackers will have the "B" gap to their side. The tackles will have the "C" gap to their side. The SS's will be responsible for the "D" gap to their side. Versus the run, the front eight play their gap responsibilities. Versus the veer, MLB and F/S play Dive, QB, to Pitch.
Of course there are no ends to the adjustments made to the fronts based on personnel and plays the offense are good at, but this is intended just as an introduction and primer to one of BC's better defenses. They don't play the 3-5-3 often, but you will see it against Clemson in definite passing situations.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Monday News and Prognostications
Clemson has officially gotten into the CJ Spiller for Heisman campaign, which I hope means that they will give him the damn ball 20-25 times per game. If not, don't waste time and money on it.
ESPN's Heather Dinich gives a rundown of the preseason mags' expectations going into this season. Its her best article, probably because she actually does so little writing.
Dr. Saturday begins his ACC preview week by picking VT as the favorite to win the Conference again, simply because no one else wants to TAKE it. Then comes the argument about P A R I T Y and how we suck in bowl games, and then the big problem we'll have when Miami and FSU get their act together and start doing something with all the immense talent they can recruit.
Alabama ATH Desmond Brown (6' 190) committed to Clemson soon after being offered last week. He is being recruited as a Safety and is our 8th commitment. He had this to say:
"He said they were hurting at safety. I couldn't be more excited. Clemson is the place I want to be. If the NFL called right now, I wouldn't want to go. Coming down here, I had a good feeling something was going to happen. I want a school where the coaching staff is going to be a family to me and guide me and is real tight and strong on academics. Coach Swinney is a world class guy. I wouldn't trade him for another head coach
The AP's Steven Bradley makes his next 3 picks of Clemson's season, 3-0 against TCU, Maryland, and Wake Forest. He had already picked us to go 2-1 in the first three, losing to GT. I agree with him in that the TCU defense will befuddle our QB's, but they did lose A LOT of players off their 2-deep on defense from last season and that will give us the edge with it being at home.
Greg Wallace answers the question as to why Tammy is no longer at Clemson. The truth remains that nobody gives a damn anymore. Strelow takes it a step further and believes that the whole Bowden clan has lost the luster it had around 2000.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What gameday at LSU is like, from the eyes of a Clemson fan
Since I have been down here, people from back home have asked me several times "What's it like down there during a football game?" and I've basically replied that you can take the Clemson student section, and extend that around most of (our) Valley, and you'd have the experience of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. Everyone cusses, nearly everyone stands up, everyone yells when the D is on the field, alot have dip in their mouth, and most of 'em sneak in a flask carrying something.
So, now that I'm finally getting my Ph.D., and leaving Baton Rouge (to come back to SC) for good, I figured I would do a post about what LSU is really like on Gameday, from someone who views things from the outside. I have been here for both national titles, and what might be called (someday) as the golden age of LSU football, so I've seen its best moments up close and the atmosphere here is different from Clemson, whether its because they are just crazier fans or the winning mentality, I don't know.
Tailgating: Well its taken a little more seriously here than Clemson, but mainly because it gets serious here sooner than back home, and here they take all day to drink. The tradition here is for 7pm starts, and the fans begin tailgating the night before (sometimes the Thursday before) by parking along Nicholson Drive, which is analogous to parking along Perimeter Road. Along Nicholson and the area of the old Course is the main area for tailgating here, and fans will tailgate up to a mile away, easily, along Nicholson Drive. There is fairly little green, as this is a large town, so pretty much every ounce of available space is taken up near the stadium, which is not unlike CU. There are large BBQ smokers toted around everywhere, nearly everyone carries a beer in their hands all day long, so their all liquored up by gametime, and you'll see them doing something stupid quite often. Large pots of jambalaya are always seen, along roasting pigs and alligator and any kind of seafood you can imagine.
Fans: All LSU fans yell "TIGERBAIT" to any passersby wearing opposing colors. If you are a Florida, Auburn, or Alabama fan, you do not want to walk along Nicholson before a game. You will be heckled, severely, and this is where Clemson fans really differ from LSU. I know there are bad apples in all crowds, and when it comes to Sakerlina or Jawjaw it can get pretty nasty for us, but I have never ever seen Clemson fans throwing beer bottles at opposing fans weekly. Nor have I seen any of us walk up to an 80 year old lady in Florida colors, who barely hobbled around, and SCREAM 6 inches from her ear when she was minding her business.
Others have asked me, "Whats the noise level like inside?"...and I know how loud it can get at Clemson when we're into a game, but LSU is consistently louder. Clemson can be louder when fans want to get into it. Its just that we aren't sometimes. I recall FSU '99 as being the consistently loudest game I ever went to, and having headaches all night after that one. I wasnt there when we set the noise record for Miami, but you know for the most part Clemson only gets loud when we really have to, and its never insane for also-rans like Louisiana-Lafayette or Tulane, maybe for 10 minutes like we are for Furman or Western Carolina, but its louder by comparison for their whole SEC slate than games like Maryland or Virginia for us. Mostly its because our rivals aren't hated rivals (except UGA and SC, maybe NC State or Maryland), whereas they hate everyone down here.
The student section itself is another world of its own, you must arrive early to get a seat. It all starts at about 30-45min before game time, when they play "Callin Baton Rouge" (G. Brooks) over the PA system. In this video youre opposite the student section.
On saturday night games, after Callin Baton Rouge is played, just before kickoff, the whole crowd sings Louisiana Saturday night.
At usually the same time, like Clemson, the LSU band runs down Victory Hill (which, this being Louisiana, is like 20 feet tall) into the stadium.
Once inside, they do their cadence, then play "Hey Fightin' Tigers"...one of my favorites, and you'll see here why.
Later, Mike the Tiger will make his way around the stadium in his trailer. Mike is really more to look at, and they park him at the opposing team's entrance to the field until kickoff. I keep wishing they'd let him out and scare some people, but they dont listen to me. If they'd only let him play with Uga, i'd be happy. Just before the kickoff, this video is played on the titantron.
The team's field entrance is just not exciting, to me, compared to Clemson. When I see us at the top of the Hill, I go crazy, but here its mostly about the band, and the fans don't get much louder for the team when they run out through the H-style goal posts. The band entrance really is nice though. Fans cheer when the band plays the first 3 notes of "Hold that Tiger" and point in their direction.
At one time the LSU band used to play their version of the Tiger Rag during the pregame, but LSU students yell "ha ha ha ha ha, assholes" and point to the other team during the playing, so the admins stopped the band from playing it at all.
LSU traditionally wears white jerseys at home, a tradition started in the national title season of 1958, when Paul Dietzel decided to wear white at home. The significance is about the same as our orange pants. LSU only will wear purple jerseys for non-SEC games that arent the home opener. The other team must agree to LSU wearing white, and it has happened, but for the most part you will always see LSU wearing white jerseys.
After every 1st down, the band plays Geaux Tigers...In between plays there are also several cheers that are led by the band that I've never seen elsewhere that help to keep the students into the game.
The tradition of the Chinese Bandits dates back to the LSU national championship season of 1958, when they beat Clemson 7-0 in the Sugar Bowl. There were 3 teams, and the defensive backup unit were the Chinese Bandits. Dabo has started something similar for us this year. After the LSU defense forces a punt, or a missed FG, the fans bow to the team as they come off the field. Pretty much everyone in the stadium does it.
NECK...from the student section, one song that wakes up the entire stadium, usually played while the defense is on the field.
Opposite the students
After each touchdown and the fight song, the students have the "Oh EEE Oh" chant. This vid shows the chant after LSU scored against SC on the fake field goal (which was priceless to see in person ), making fun of our favorite yardbirds. There were several chants that day tailored just to piss off cockfan.
Probably the biggest moment with the band is the tradition of playing "Touchdown LSU" at the beginning of the 4th Quarter. Only part of the song is played after touchdowns normally, and at the beginning of the 4th or an OT, you'll hear it and it drives the crowd wild.
So thats a taste of what its like, but if you ever get a chance to see a game from the student section in Tiger Stadium, you shouldn't pass it up.
So, now that I'm finally getting my Ph.D., and leaving Baton Rouge (to come back to SC) for good, I figured I would do a post about what LSU is really like on Gameday, from someone who views things from the outside. I have been here for both national titles, and what might be called (someday) as the golden age of LSU football, so I've seen its best moments up close and the atmosphere here is different from Clemson, whether its because they are just crazier fans or the winning mentality, I don't know.
Tailgating: Well its taken a little more seriously here than Clemson, but mainly because it gets serious here sooner than back home, and here they take all day to drink. The tradition here is for 7pm starts, and the fans begin tailgating the night before (sometimes the Thursday before) by parking along Nicholson Drive, which is analogous to parking along Perimeter Road. Along Nicholson and the area of the old Course is the main area for tailgating here, and fans will tailgate up to a mile away, easily, along Nicholson Drive. There is fairly little green, as this is a large town, so pretty much every ounce of available space is taken up near the stadium, which is not unlike CU. There are large BBQ smokers toted around everywhere, nearly everyone carries a beer in their hands all day long, so their all liquored up by gametime, and you'll see them doing something stupid quite often. Large pots of jambalaya are always seen, along roasting pigs and alligator and any kind of seafood you can imagine.
Fans: All LSU fans yell "TIGERBAIT" to any passersby wearing opposing colors. If you are a Florida, Auburn, or Alabama fan, you do not want to walk along Nicholson before a game. You will be heckled, severely, and this is where Clemson fans really differ from LSU. I know there are bad apples in all crowds, and when it comes to Sakerlina or Jawjaw it can get pretty nasty for us, but I have never ever seen Clemson fans throwing beer bottles at opposing fans weekly. Nor have I seen any of us walk up to an 80 year old lady in Florida colors, who barely hobbled around, and SCREAM 6 inches from her ear when she was minding her business.
Others have asked me, "Whats the noise level like inside?"...and I know how loud it can get at Clemson when we're into a game, but LSU is consistently louder. Clemson can be louder when fans want to get into it. Its just that we aren't sometimes. I recall FSU '99 as being the consistently loudest game I ever went to, and having headaches all night after that one. I wasnt there when we set the noise record for Miami, but you know for the most part Clemson only gets loud when we really have to, and its never insane for also-rans like Louisiana-Lafayette or Tulane, maybe for 10 minutes like we are for Furman or Western Carolina, but its louder by comparison for their whole SEC slate than games like Maryland or Virginia for us. Mostly its because our rivals aren't hated rivals (except UGA and SC, maybe NC State or Maryland), whereas they hate everyone down here.
The student section itself is another world of its own, you must arrive early to get a seat. It all starts at about 30-45min before game time, when they play "Callin Baton Rouge" (G. Brooks) over the PA system. In this video youre opposite the student section.
On saturday night games, after Callin Baton Rouge is played, just before kickoff, the whole crowd sings Louisiana Saturday night.
At usually the same time, like Clemson, the LSU band runs down Victory Hill (which, this being Louisiana, is like 20 feet tall) into the stadium.
Once inside, they do their cadence, then play "Hey Fightin' Tigers"...one of my favorites, and you'll see here why.
Later, Mike the Tiger will make his way around the stadium in his trailer. Mike is really more to look at, and they park him at the opposing team's entrance to the field until kickoff. I keep wishing they'd let him out and scare some people, but they dont listen to me. If they'd only let him play with Uga, i'd be happy. Just before the kickoff, this video is played on the titantron.
The team's field entrance is just not exciting, to me, compared to Clemson. When I see us at the top of the Hill, I go crazy, but here its mostly about the band, and the fans don't get much louder for the team when they run out through the H-style goal posts. The band entrance really is nice though. Fans cheer when the band plays the first 3 notes of "Hold that Tiger" and point in their direction.
At one time the LSU band used to play their version of the Tiger Rag during the pregame, but LSU students yell "ha ha ha ha ha, assholes" and point to the other team during the playing, so the admins stopped the band from playing it at all.
LSU traditionally wears white jerseys at home, a tradition started in the national title season of 1958, when Paul Dietzel decided to wear white at home. The significance is about the same as our orange pants. LSU only will wear purple jerseys for non-SEC games that arent the home opener. The other team must agree to LSU wearing white, and it has happened, but for the most part you will always see LSU wearing white jerseys.
After every 1st down, the band plays Geaux Tigers...In between plays there are also several cheers that are led by the band that I've never seen elsewhere that help to keep the students into the game.
The tradition of the Chinese Bandits dates back to the LSU national championship season of 1958, when they beat Clemson 7-0 in the Sugar Bowl. There were 3 teams, and the defensive backup unit were the Chinese Bandits. Dabo has started something similar for us this year. After the LSU defense forces a punt, or a missed FG, the fans bow to the team as they come off the field. Pretty much everyone in the stadium does it.
NECK...from the student section, one song that wakes up the entire stadium, usually played while the defense is on the field.
Opposite the students
After each touchdown and the fight song, the students have the "Oh EEE Oh" chant. This vid shows the chant after LSU scored against SC on the fake field goal (which was priceless to see in person ), making fun of our favorite yardbirds. There were several chants that day tailored just to piss off cockfan.
Probably the biggest moment with the band is the tradition of playing "Touchdown LSU" at the beginning of the 4th Quarter. Only part of the song is played after touchdowns normally, and at the beginning of the 4th or an OT, you'll hear it and it drives the crowd wild.
So thats a taste of what its like, but if you ever get a chance to see a game from the student section in Tiger Stadium, you shouldn't pass it up.
OP talks about incoming freshmen class
Coach Purnell spoke about the incoming class yesterday to the media, heres the TI excerpt.
Q:You said yourself that this is one of the strongest recruiting classes in Clemson history. What does that say about how far you've brought this program?
Purnell: "I think the fact that we're able to attract these kinds of young men speaks to the fact that we're getting better. Our brand is hot. They like what they see. I think obviously the ACC is a great calling card and always has been. The fact that we're in the top echelon now helps. It's just more evidence that winning helps. I think they're attracted to the kind of coaches and players we have in our program."
Milton Jennings reported to CU at 225, but has lost 10lbs this summer already, and thats not what they wanted out of him. He'll have to bulk up more. Purnell commented that while Jennings will get a shot inside, he's more likely going to be on wing (SF), and that exactly where he ends up will depend on Trevor Booker's play.
The AP looks at Noel Johnson, and several articles talk about the press conference with OP and how this talented class is ready to play in the ACC.
Sophomore 7-2 center Catalin Baciu has been cleared to practice after undergoing minor shoulder surgery June 22. Baciu, who weighed 218 pounds as a freshman, recently checked in at 245. ... Former Clemson guard K.C. Rivers was cut by the Dallas Mavericks before the team began participation in NBA Summer League play, a Mavericks spokesperson said. ... Freshmen jersey numbers: Jennings (No. 24), Booker (No. 31), Hill (No. 32) and Johnson (No. 1). (source)
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Now Tammy says he was fired
SHOCKER! Finally those of us who knew he was pushed out hear the other side. He spoke at a fundraiser for Univ. of North Alabama, where Terry is now the head coach, along with brother Jeff. I would not be surprised if the great Jack Hines soon joins the staff, but he's not there yet.
“I went to work that morning fully anticipating coaching that day and night,” Bowden said. “I had been a head coach for 12 years, and I had always turned it around. Never had a losing season. We were going to spin out of this thing. My offensive line was going to get better.
“Now, it might not have pulled out to win the championship. We might have pulled out and gone to a bowl.
"I had always done that. I just figured we were going to do it again. (Fans) were going to be mad, I knew that. I knew the pulse, I wasn’t naive. The natives were going to be restless, but they’d been restless before. We’d get this thing turned around.
“But understanding the climate, I kind of anticipated the knock (on the door).”
Bowden said when it became apparent he lacked the administration’s support, he agreed to begin negotiating terms of a buyout.
“I’m sure if we had talked longer, I probably could have (stayed a bit longer),” Bowden said. “But at that point in time, Dabo (Swinney) was obviously in their thought process, and we had just finished in the top five in recruiting the year before.
“We were moving into a new facility, had a solid staff and players, momentum was going, they had a guy there (Dabo) they were obviously happy with — to me, it was a smooth transition. You like him, he’s here, staff’s in place, let’s make this as smooth and as painless as possible.”
TDP says he stands by his original ocmments, that Bowden put the option of resignation on the table. I'd like to know what he meant by lack of administrative support. TDP put his own neck in the noose with that stupid extension. I don't believe either of them are liars, but Tammy is one to deflect things off himself, we all know that. He didnt have to say the things he said though, he hasnt been derogatory since he left Clemson but chooses to say this now....why?
Maybe Tammy thinks this will wash him of guilt and future employers will forgive and forget that he quit. He couldve stuck around and answered questions when the press conference happened right? (happiest day in my recent memory). Maybe he held some sense of class or tact that is gone now or he just decided it was the time for it, I dont know. I dont think this will win much sympathy from the Sunshine pumpers though.
Larry Williams thinks the same things I do.
Monday, July 13, 2009
What else could go wrong?
Will Korn's mechanics seem to be improving as well as his work ethic this offseason.
Korn said. "I think I am back to normal. It (shoulder) was 100 percent healthy during spring, I just had to fix my mechanics. I'm 10 times better than I was in the spring."
-Strelow covers 5 reasons Clemson will be better or worse this season:
FIVE REASONS CLEMSON MIGHT BE BETTER
1. The pressure is off
Considering how Clemson has stumbled under the weight of expectations this decade, the underdog role has to be both refreshing and motivating. Plus, the uncertainty that hovered over Tommy Bowden’s job status is gone. Few prognosticators are willing to stick out their neck on Clemson, but the talent difference between the Tigers and Atlantic Division favorites Florida State and N.C. State is negligible.
2. Quantity matters
A Wall Street Journal study concluded that offensive line experience was a predictor of success last season, citing Clemson as evidence. The Tigers last season were forced to groom freshmen Antoine McClain, Mason Cloy and Landon Walker, and in the process figured out they liked their top lineman, Thomas Austin, more at guard than at center. This year, Clemson enters with the fifth-most starts among lineman (79) in the league.
3. Steele got a steal
New defensive coordinator Kevin Steele brings credibility, and he inherits quite a few assets to work with. While Clemson’s linebacker cupboard needs stocking, its starting defensive line and secondary possess as much talent as anyone in the ACC. All four linemen, headlined by ends Da’Quan Bowers and Ricky Sapp, have all-conference potential. Corners Chris Chancellor and Crezdon Butler are proven, and coaches believe DeAndre McDaniel will emerge as one of the league’s top safeties after switching from outside linebacker.
4. Spiller saturation
Taken at their word, Swinney and offensive coordinator Billy Napier plan to make senior running back C.J. Spiller the centerpiece of the offense. Logic dictates that putting the ball more frequently in the hands of perhaps the nation’s most dynamic back — and a projected first-round pick in last April’s NFL draft — figures to trump the alternative (bubble screens to walk-on receivers, anyone?).
5. ‘P’ is for progress
The criticisms of Clemson’s offense in recent years make quite a list: It has been passive, predictable, lacked physicality and pre-snap procedures went at a turtle’s pace. Steps have been taken in an attempt to address all four, with increasing tempo ranking atop coaches’ wish list. Both starting quarterback candidates, Kyle Parker and Willy Korn, appear to possess improvisational and running skills that could add another dimension. Plus, schematic tweaks also have been made to establish a power running game.
Well we certainly agree with those, now for the 5 reasons we could suck:
FIVE REASONS CLEMSON MIGHT NOT BE BETTER
1. Quality matters
Just because the offensive line gained experience doesn’t mean it makes a quantum leap in terms of effectiveness. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the starting personnel. If center Mason Cloy doesn’t play with greater strength, he could be replaced by redshirt freshman Dalton Freeman. The attempts to motivate right tackle co-starters Landon Walker and Cory Lambert included giving freshman early enrollee J.K. Jay a share of the first-string billing.
Paul leaves out our depth issue behind Hairston, see the FSU game last year. He doesnt mention Barry Humphries possibly beating both Freeman and Cloy out as well, which wouldnt be such a terrible thing in my opinion. He does have the experience.
2. Sapp has been sapped
Generating a more productive pass rush rates among Steele’s top priorities, and time will tell how effective Clemson’s most dangerous pass-rusher will be in that department. Sapp is coming off reconstructive surgery for a torn ACL, an injury that usually requires at least a year for recovery. It sounds as if redshirting Sapp, a senior, is not a consideration, and he is expected to be cleared medically for full participation in August.
In this event I think depth is going to be a problem in the 4th Qtr.
3. Bye, bye extra byes
In going 7-6 last year, Clemson notched wins against two instate Football Championship Subdivision teams as well as Duke. There is no gimme on this year’s ACC schedule, and the Tigers face one instate FCS foe. Plus, scheduling difficulties led to adding a Sept. 26 home game against Texas Christian, which finished last season ranked No. 7. Clemson opens with Middle Tennessee, which beat Maryland last year.
No doubt TCU is going to be tough, and Stockstill has Franklin (he who was fired at Auburn for not getting the spread going, despite Tubby's conservatism and stupidity for not hiring spread assistants) running the MTSU offense.
4. A dangerous mix, Part I
N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson’s accomplishments as a redshirt freshman a year ago proved Clemson won’t necessarily have to endure growing pains at the position this season. But Parker or Korn will need help in the passing game from someone other than Spiller or senior wideout Jacoby Ford. The Tigers exited spring ball without establishing the next-best receiving threat from the cast of youngsters Marquan Jones, Xavier Dye, Brandon Ford and Jaron Brown.
I think we must expect growing pains though. LSU didnt with Jarrett Lee and their 8-5 record woke some fans up in Louisiana. I certainly expect either Korn or Parker to start off, but the other WILL play a considerable amount unless one just takes the reins, and thats not good for an offense's rhythm or consistency. You WILL see Korn come in one day and throw 3 INTs, and Parker throw a TD and lead the scoring drive, and the opposite will happen later in the season. Its better to expect that than not to. At WR we have talent but he's correct to point out we dont have any #2 threat.
5. A dangerous mix, Part II
There might be less skepticism about Swinney’s prospects for success if he had not hired an offensive coordinator with similarly atypical credentials. Napier, formerly the tight ends coach, turns 30 on July 21 and has seven games of experience as a coordinator. Having football operations director Woody McCorvey, a veteran coordinator, as a sounding board should help, but it remains to be seen how Napier will handle game-planning and making in-game adjustments.
NO SHIT there.
What else do you think could go wrong that he left out?
Etc.
-GNews covers the OL, and hopefully it being a strength this year. Thomas Austin gets mentioned as having high expectations put on him in just about every article I see, I hope he plays half as good as the press makes him out to be.
-INTENSITY....its the new buzzword.
-Incoming Freshman Bryant McNeal thinks he can play, and so does Napier.
-Greg Oliver writes about what I mentioned a few days ago, showing us how the ACC yet again gives SC the shaft by moving the baseball tournament.
-Which ACC coach is on the shortest leash this year? My pick is Al Groh, soon to be ex-coach of the White Meat. I think he'll be out the door this year, Randy Shannon next year if Miami doesnt win 9 games minimum.
-Another article about the SEC's new TV deal, and the impact it is already having on other conferences, especially the ACC.
Friday, July 10, 2009
DT blows doesnt it
THE HORROR
-Erin Andrews was smacked in the chin by a line drive during a recent ESPN baseball telecast, sending millions of us into an anxiety attack. Dr. Saturday writes about it here. Erin should stick to football, and taking other things on the chin.
-Upstate today's writer Steven Bradley has made his first 3 picks for this upcoming season. He picks us to go 2-1, losing to GT.
-Independent Mail (Anderson) ranks the ACC's best coaches. Dabo is picked #11 of 12, which is clearly understandable, we'll see after this year where he belongs. I might not put Paul Johnson so high, but he should be up there.
-The Strength staff is really impressed with Korn's progress this summer, and has performed extra QB-specific rehab work on top of the summer session drills and workouts. Dabo has asked Kyle Parker to skip the first summer session of workouts since baseball finished, and he's now working with the team in the 2nd session.
-The whiny bitch Cullen Harper has quit football, after an unsuccessful attempt to join Buffalo. He has not decided what he wants to do, and will choose either medicine or the Law. He had a choice to play in Canada, but declined. Remember he was talked about as being a 1st-2nd round pick over a year ago? Should've kept your mouth shut Cullen.
P&C has an article up on the expectations of CJ Spiller going into this season, and looks at the rundown of the ACC's best offensive players this year.
I really dont think Russell Wilson is going to have some phenomenal year, but he will be solid like Tom O'Brien's players usually are. Demaryius Thomas (GT WR) I dont know about, the Flex will have to throw a little more this year but I have a hard time seeing any GT WR putting up huge numbers in that scheme. Theres alot of players in that list I'd move way up as well.
-This article from The State talks about Clemson's baseball draftees and it looks like we will be losing Dwyer, which is really unfortunate. Ben Paulsen has decided to leave, which was expected.
-Charlotte Observer lists the ACC's Top 20 most powerful people. Do you see any Clemson guys on the list? This is all politics. Where the fuck is Ron Cherry anyway?
-Will the Cluckers be better? I dont see the Curse on this list, that should always be #1. They'll never figure this shit out.
-Smartfootball takes a look at SOS's offense in the NFL and why it failed. Its a good primer on offense in general, and its wise to point out that the reason its not working at Sakerlina isn't that the scheme is bad, its his players and coaching......and Ben.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
What is Clemson thinking?
Clemson, in its efforts to increase revenue in Littlejohn, has constructed an idea of building a parking garage. I am all for building a parking garage and attracting more revenue to the University, but don't put the freaking thing right behind the newly constructed West Endzone, and don't get rid of arguably the best place to tailgate before football games.
This is what we see now with all the time, energy, and cash thrown at the West Endzone:
source
Pretty classy, very modern, and a great place to show recruits that we are serious about football.
Here is what is proposed:
(source)
Why would the university not place this eyesore across the street, behind the baseball stadium? Why would it not move it anywhere other than directly in front of the new "centerpiece" of the stadium? Nothing says tradition and excellence like tailgating in a freaking parking garage.
In other news, the former Tiger pro golfers are having a great year. With Glover bringing home a national championship, Trahan, Stanley, and Warren all playing well, CU has gotten a lot of television exposure over the past few weeks. This is great exposure for CU and nice to have well mannered professional athletes representing our school.
There really is not much else going on with the Tigers for another month or so...then the real fun begins.
This is what we see now with all the time, energy, and cash thrown at the West Endzone:
source
Pretty classy, very modern, and a great place to show recruits that we are serious about football.
Here is what is proposed:
(source)
Why would the university not place this eyesore across the street, behind the baseball stadium? Why would it not move it anywhere other than directly in front of the new "centerpiece" of the stadium? Nothing says tradition and excellence like tailgating in a freaking parking garage.
In other news, the former Tiger pro golfers are having a great year. With Glover bringing home a national championship, Trahan, Stanley, and Warren all playing well, CU has gotten a lot of television exposure over the past few weeks. This is great exposure for CU and nice to have well mannered professional athletes representing our school.
There really is not much else going on with the Tigers for another month or so...then the real fun begins.
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