Defending the GT Triple Option

[Crusty]

I have scoured the Internet for information on defending the Triple Option Offense. Here is a summary of what I found.

The first thing that becomes obvious is that Paul Johnson has employed this system everywhere he has been. The coaching staff and players are not your run-of-the-mill triple option - they are very good at it. They will disguise what they are doing with different blocking angles, inside and outside dives and crack back blocks hoping to slow down the d and making them watch the play develop instead of attacking.

GT will get its 200 yard - we won't stop them we can only slow them down.

Their keys to the game are:

1. Keep ahead of the chains - first down is critical (even more so than usual). GT will convert a large number of 3 rd and 4 or less however, they will convert few 3rd and 6 or 7's.
2. Control the clock and,
3. Pressure our D into making errors - GT will attempt to have the D out manned on the play side forcing the D to decide which of the 3 option not to defend. They must chose wisely.

Our keys to the game are:

1. Don't Blitz - When players blitz they wind up up-field and run right past their assignments. This is where they gut you.
2. Plug the A & B gaps - the A & B gaps will probably decide the game. Good play by the O Line especially the Nose Tackle - if we can plug the A & B gaps we can take away option 1 and help force the play laterally and into our strength - the LB's. IF GT can run up the middle they have no need to go to option 2 or 3 and we will be in big trouble.
3. Make the QB beat us. He is least likely to take one to house and if we tackle well he will wear down as the game goes on.
4. Force turnovers - when the play is forced outside and a lot of pitches are involved they will put the ball on the ground.
5. Get a lead/Don't fall behind. GT is good at playing from teh front but is not built to come from far behind.

I learned a lot with this exercise and came away thinking that our D has the D Line (and NT) as well as LB's to get the job done if they can just be disciplined.

Go Orange!

 

[All4SU]

Good stuff. Strangely, I feel like our defense will hold its own. But we've got to score some points.