pokercuse08
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We're still chasing the score after Yasin's fumble, and Miami has a crucial 3&4 at midfield late in the third quarter. E Rob dials up a blitz, sending 6. Miami has a good play call in, dialing up a well-timed screen. As Ward gets the ball out, you can see it looks like they're going to get an easy first down and possibly a big chunk play with some blockers in front of him.
But a DART play ensues, great team defense here. First, watch Bellamy. He's engaged by a blocker around the 45 yardline and if he gets sealed off, this will probably be a chunk play. How many DB's only care about coverage, hate physicality, and slack off here? You see it every week at this level and the next. But he's detailed and accountable, and he drives upfield keeping Restrepo inside the hash marks.
Now back it up and watch Wax coming from the other side. He recognizes the screen, sheds the RT, and hustles (relentless) and chases down Restrepo to make a diving tackle. If Restrepo has another foot or two towards the outside to work with, Wax can't make this tackle - he needed Bellamy to do his part.
Now, Wax has prevented a chunk play but he hasn't stopped him short of the marker. Restrepo is still likely to fall forward for the first down without more help, but now he's no longer got full body control and can't shield the ball from other defenders by twisting away.
Finally, Grant is in the right position, avoids the blockers, and times up his hit perfectly and delivers a vicious punch at the ball, knocking it out. The football gods smile upon Syracuse, as the ball bounces right up into his hands. Some Miami players are not being detailed or accountable, dare I say a tad bit lackadaisical? But Grant is off like he's shot out of a cannon, racing 56 yards to glory with Ward in pursuit - we'd later find out Grant did this on a torn MCL. He's tough.
So much of football is everyone doing the little things for their teammates, knowing most people watching will never notice and trusting their teammates to do the same for them when they're the ones positioned to make the big play. Everyone who watched that game will remember Grant's role in that play, but I'll also remember Wax and Bellamy.
Hopefully Fran puts this one into the DART highlight reel when preaching the importance of assignment football in camp next year.
But a DART play ensues, great team defense here. First, watch Bellamy. He's engaged by a blocker around the 45 yardline and if he gets sealed off, this will probably be a chunk play. How many DB's only care about coverage, hate physicality, and slack off here? You see it every week at this level and the next. But he's detailed and accountable, and he drives upfield keeping Restrepo inside the hash marks.
Now back it up and watch Wax coming from the other side. He recognizes the screen, sheds the RT, and hustles (relentless) and chases down Restrepo to make a diving tackle. If Restrepo has another foot or two towards the outside to work with, Wax can't make this tackle - he needed Bellamy to do his part.
Now, Wax has prevented a chunk play but he hasn't stopped him short of the marker. Restrepo is still likely to fall forward for the first down without more help, but now he's no longer got full body control and can't shield the ball from other defenders by twisting away.
Finally, Grant is in the right position, avoids the blockers, and times up his hit perfectly and delivers a vicious punch at the ball, knocking it out. The football gods smile upon Syracuse, as the ball bounces right up into his hands. Some Miami players are not being detailed or accountable, dare I say a tad bit lackadaisical? But Grant is off like he's shot out of a cannon, racing 56 yards to glory with Ward in pursuit - we'd later find out Grant did this on a torn MCL. He's tough.
So much of football is everyone doing the little things for their teammates, knowing most people watching will never notice and trusting their teammates to do the same for them when they're the ones positioned to make the big play. Everyone who watched that game will remember Grant's role in that play, but I'll also remember Wax and Bellamy.
Hopefully Fran puts this one into the DART highlight reel when preaching the importance of assignment football in camp next year.
