Our running play designs

[TechnoVol]

To this point after watching the first two games, I don't recall seeing any running plays where the back gets the handoff quickly and then attacks the line of scrimmage.

Do we have this type of running play design, either from the shotgun, pistol or I formations in our offense? I'm just asking because I don't know and I'm hoping we have some folks here who would know.

Currently we seem to only run from the shotgun and it seems delayed slightly as the back starts running. The counter action that we ran some yesterday is even slower to develop and really puts pressure on the O-line to maintain their blocks.

I think Lane and Hurd are much better suited at hitting the designed gap quickly. Our O-line wouldn't have to hold blocks as long and could be more aggressive in firing off the ball. I know Hurd came from an offense in high school where he was an I back and ran quickly to the gap, downhill without hesitation and logic would say that he is more comfortable in that.

Are we putting Lane and Hurd in the best situation to succeed? Perhaps we haven't seen this yet, I don't know. We had about 170 yards rushing yesterday which is really good but once we get to the SEC portion of our schedule I'm not sure our current run play design will produce like that.

 

[VOLorNuttin]

What gaps would they hit? There aren't any. This OL has been extremely disappointing, thus far. Hurd just needs a small crease and he can take it the distance. The OL isn't giving him anything.

 

[kidbourbon]

To this point after watching the first two games, I don't recall seeing any running plays where the back gets the handoff quickly and then attacks the line of scrimmage.

Do we have this type of running play design, either from the shotgun, pistol or I formations in our offense? I'm just asking because I don't know and I'm hoping we have some folks here who would know.

Currently we seem to only run from the shotgun and it seems delayed slightly as the back starts running. The counter action that we ran some yesterday is even slower to develop and really puts pressure on the O-line to maintain their blocks.

I think Lane and Hurd are much better suited at hitting the designed gap quickly. Our O-line wouldn't have to hold blocks as long and could be more aggressive in firing off the ball. I know Hurd came from an offense in high school where he was an I back and ran quickly to the gap, downhill without hesitation and logic would say that he is more comfortable in that.

Are we putting Lane and Hurd in the best situation to succeed? Perhaps we haven't seen this yet, I don't know. We had about 170 yards rushing yesterday which is really good but once we get to the SEC portion of our schedule I'm not sure our current run play design will produce like that.

Agree

 

[KingNick865]

Our team in terms of running is a primarily zone team with some man to man blocking concepts -- we're usually pulling a backside guard or tackle on our counter and power plays, which also gives the read option look to the run game that isn't actually a read option. A lot of teams in college football have some variant of this type of run game.

The problem is that our linemen aren't getting any push off the ball. Both Hurd and Lane are quite good in terms of their vision and ability to make the most out of any run they get, but they're not quite getting into open space, because...well, there isn't any open space to get to.

I don't know why our run plays don't hit more quickly than they do. Maybe this new o-line isn't comfortable with quick hitting plays just yet? Maybe Jones wants to have these plays hit a little slower by design so that the defense is drawn to the play side, so that they can open up the play-action game for our receivers? I can't definitively say one way or the other.

 

[VOLorNuttin]

I do wish Bajakian would incorporate more Pistol sets and I-Formation (QB under center) plays. When the RB has to run across the face of the QB....whom teams KNOW isn't going to run but once or twice a game...it allows the defense to anticipate which holes the RB will try to hit, before the snap.

Sometimes our RB will cut back across the grain, but it kills their forward momentum. Whereas the I formation, or even the Pistol, disguises what gap the RB will hit. Running the read option all the time, with a QB who is not a good fit for it, makes no sense.

Bajakian is trying to force a square peg through a round hole by forcing Worley to run it....thinking that him pulling it and running a few times per game will keep defenses honest. It doesn't. They don't respect it, so Bajakian should adjust the formation to suit a classic pocket passer.

 

[Pump Guy]

The way our O-line is blocking, it doesn't matter what the scheme is. I was at the game yesterday and I have not watched it yet on TV, but we looked plain awful at the line of scrimmage. Way to often, the backs were fighting off defenders in the backfield.

We start blocking, the running backs will take care of the rest.

 

[volinbama256]

would love to see a couple of pitches around the corner to mix it up. Hurd is more explosive but Lane can squeeze and shimmy and get 5-6 yards on what would normally be a 2yd run. O line stinks.

 

[Spartacavolus]

too slow to develop and the defense just hits the gaps as they know we are not a threat outside of the tackles and if Worley does run they will catch up in 5 yards.
Really needs adjusting and the young OL has to think too much of who to block or ends up just blocking whomever fires the gap, which may take away from their responsibility.

 

[volstuff37641]

What gaps would they hit? There aren't any. This OL has been extremely disappointing, thus far. Hurd just needs a small crease and he can take it the distance. The OL isn't giving him anything.

matbe you haven't noticed,but neither Hurd nor Lane start moveing toward the line of scremmiage till Whorley hands them the ball.the line has an opening,but already closes by the time the back gets the ball in there hands.

 

[ILOVEMYBIGVOLS]

I think the running scheme that CBJ runs kinda sucks. I've thought that since last year. With the type of running offense the vols are trying to run requires strong physical lineman that are capable of holding blocks for a long time. Lane and Hurd both IMO would benefit big time from a I formation or even just a straight up hand off instead of only giving them the ball on a read every time. With the young/less talented line like what they have,straight up power,one on one,would help the line and backs in the running game.

 

[ILOVEMYBIGVOLS]

matbe you haven't noticed,but neither Hurd nor Lane start moveing toward the line of scremmiage till Whorley hands them the ball.the line has an opening,but already closes by the time the back gets the ball in there hands.

Yes! This is exactly what I tried to say in my overly long post.

 

[volman126]

The way our O-line is blocking, it doesn't matter what the scheme is. I was at the game yesterday and I have not watched it yet on TV, but we looked plain awful at the line of scrimmage. Way to often, the backs were fighting off defenders in the backfield.

We start blocking, the running backs will take care of the rest.

You guys are missing the point. The zone scheme calls to block an area(zone). it has been used at UT even during the CPF years. OUR ISSUE is not all the blocking scheme its the play selection. We are not getting very good running plays called. The zone read is crap for this offensive personnel that we have now. Worley doesn't scare anyone with his feet. SO WHY EVEN RUN THE PLAY.....NO ONE RESPECTS IT! giving our backs the ball running down hill no matter how the play is blocked will help!

 

[Nashvol2]

What gaps would they hit? There aren't any. This OL has been extremely disappointing, thus far. Hurd just needs a small crease and he can take it the distance. The OL isn't giving him anything.

Not necessarily. While I agree that overall the line is not getting it done from a run blocking standpoint, there has been some holes. There just closing up quickly.

I think the op makes an interesting point and it's definitely something that i've been thinking about. The easiest fix is to start connecting on a few more deep balls. I don't see us lining up in the I formation much because we would also need to pass out of those formations to keep the D honest.

 

[governmentmule]

on the Sports Source , David Ligon was talking about the lack of communication by the Offensive line and they said the running game was averaging 3.3 yards per play this year and i think that was counting Worleys yards too

so all this hype about Hurd right now isn't really paying off,I would like to see Lane get more touches on the ball,but the slow developing run plays aren't doing either back any good,at least to me,for what that is worth


of course this all goes back to a very young Offensive line and a lack of experience and communication,they will get better as the year goes along

but i don't think they are getting much help,play calling wise ,this will have to improve,to pull off an upset or 2 this year

 

[American Pig]

too slow to develop and the defense just hits the gaps as they know we are not a threat outside of the tackles and if Worley does run they will catch up in 5 yards.
Really needs adjusting and the young OL has to think too much of who to block or ends up just blocking whomever fires the gap, which may take away from their responsibility.

Yep, what Spartavolus said.

 

[JohnMcA60]

We can't change our whole rushing attack. With a good OLine the holes will be there but we are currently inexperienced. Our running game improved a lot since the first game. Patience it will improve and Jalen has missed some holes as well. (Still don't understand lane getting under half the carries compared but that's another topic)

I do agree that we need an I form or something to spice it up. I saw butch use it some on 3rd and 2 but I'd like to see it more often with a play action or a couple quick hitters out of it just to give a different look.

We are young. Once we get in some OLine talent and improve them then it will be better. We have been spoiled last couple years with a great OLine but they couldn't shine due to the idiot know as Derek Dooley.

 

[Berry4Heisman14]

I cant stand our offensive scheme. I miss the I formation, off set I, etc. Our running plays take forever to develop.

 

[P.O.T.S. VOL]

You guys are missing the point. The zone scheme calls to block an area(zone). it has been used at UT even during the CPF years. OUR ISSUE is not all the blocking scheme its the play selection. We are not getting very good running plays called. The zone read is crap for this offensive personnel that we have now. Worley doesn't scare anyone with his feet. SO WHY EVEN RUN THE PLAY.....NO ONE RESPECTS IT! giving our backs the ball running down hill no matter how the play is blocked will help!

So which is it......just curious what ya think?

We're saving our better run plays for bigger games?

We don't have the quick running plays that you describe?

Our OC is incompetent?

It doesn't really matter b/c our line is young, thin and just not there yet?

 

[VOLorNuttin]

Not necessarily. While I agree that overall the line is not getting it done from a run blocking standpoint, there has been some holes. There just closing up quickly.

I think the op makes an interesting point and it's definitely something that i've been thinking about. The easiest fix is to start connecting on a few more deep balls. I don't see us lining up in the I formation much because we would also need to pass out of those formations to keep the D honest.

I remember late in 2011, after Tyler Bray came back from a thumb injury, Chaney modified the scheme to incorporate the Pistol a lot more, so we could run from the I, and Bray wouldn't have the ball slammed against his sore thumb, from under center.

So, if Chaney can make those modifications late in the season, surely Bajakian can modify our run sets, to change things up a bit.

If you look at Hurd's tape in HS, his offense doesn't run any read option. They run out of a jumbo alignment (22...2TE's), and it's straight at the defense. From the I, Hurd can see where the hole is or is developing, and crash it.

The way the read option is being forced on a QB that is a classic Pocket Passer and an prospective All-American RB who never ran this in this kind of offense, I'm not surprised that it's looking like a soup sandwich (except when we pass).

This is why I was saying during fall camp that if Dobbs is even close to Worley in terms of passing efficiency, then they NEED to go with Dobbs. He is the ONLY QB on our roster that fits Bajakian's scheme...and no, they are not doing a good job of adapting to the players. Instead they are trying to force players to play in their system.

Worley is just a poor fit....period. If we go heavy on the pass from here on out, then maybe they can make it work. But our run game will suck until they use Dobbs to keep defenses honest. It's way too predictable without a TRUE running threat at QB...period.

 

[KYVolFan]

I have watched both of our games and have been really disappointed with the running game overall. The offensive line gets no push and provides no holes for the running backs. The run plays take far too long to develop. We don't seem to have a quick-hitter or dive play in the playbook. We got away with these obvious weaknesses against the likes of Utah St. and Arkansas St., but now we must look some real football teams in the face. From what I have seen so far we don't have a run threat to worry any of next three defensive coordinators we will face.

Maybe, and hopefully, Coach Jones has just restricted the playbook saving the surprises of a power running game for the real football teams. I hope. I hope. I really do hope.

 

[VolFootballlover]

What running plays? I have yet to see us run anything other than this slow developing crap

 

[GAVol]

The o-line has been bad, but I suspect it's something that will look just a little better each week.

 

[governmentmule]

I remember late in 2011, after Tyler Bray came back from a thumb injury, Chaney modified the scheme to incorporate the Pistol a lot more, so we could run from the I, and Bray wouldn't have the ball slammed against his sore thumb, from under center.

So, if Chaney can make those modifications late in the season, surely Bajakian can modify our run sets, to change things up a bit.

If you look at Hurd's tape in HS, his offense doesn't run any read option. They run out of a jumbo alignment (22...2TE's), and it's straight at the defense. From the I, Hurd can see where the hole is or is developing, and crash it.

The way the read option is being forced on a QB that is a classic Pocket Passer and an prospective All-American RB who never ran this in this kind of offense, I'm not surprised that it's looking like a soup sandwich (except when we pass).

This is why I was saying during fall camp that if Dobbs is even close to Worley in terms of passing efficiency, then they NEED to go with Dobbs. He is the ONLY QB on our roster that fits Bajakian's scheme...and no, they are not doing a good job of adapting to the players. Instead they are trying to force players to play in their system.

Worley is just a poor fit....period. If we go heavy on the pass from here on out, then maybe they can make it work. But our run game will suck until they use Dobbs to keep defenses honest. It's way too predictable without a TRUE running threat at QB...period.

the problem there,is you then have Dobbs passing the ball,he had a chance to take the QB spot last year and couldn't take it or he would have been the starter this year,so it is a damned if you do and damn if you don't

in my opinion they need to adjust to our running backs better

or so it seems from my arm chair

 

[Nashvol2]

I remember late in 2011, after Tyler Bray came back from a thumb injury, Chaney modified the scheme to incorporate the Pistol a lot more, so we could run from the I, and Bray wouldn't have the ball slammed against his sore thumb, from under center.

So, if Chaney can make those modifications late in the season, surely Bajakian can modify our run sets, to change things up a bit.

If you look at Hurd's tape in HS, his offense doesn't run any read option. They run out of a jumbo alignment (22...2TE's), and it's straight at the defense. From the I, Hurd can see where the hole is or is developing, and crash it.

The way the read option is being forced on a QB that is a classic Pocket Passer and an prospective All-American RB who never ran this in this kind of offense, I'm not surprised that it's looking like a soup sandwich (except when we pass).

This is why I was saying during fall camp that if Dobbs is even close to Worley in terms of passing efficiency, then they NEED to go with Dobbs. He is the ONLY QB on our roster that fits Bajakian's scheme...and no, they are not doing a good job of adapting to the players. Instead they are trying to force players to play in their system.

Worley is just a poor fit....period. If we go heavy on the pass from here on out, then maybe they can make it work. But our run game will suck until they use Dobbs to keep defenses honest. It's way too predictable without a TRUE running threat at QB...period.

The pistol would be a solid option for these guys although it's still a bit slower than a good old fashion hand off from under center. I thought I saw some pistol yesterday but I'll have to go back and watch the film.

 

[golf437]

I remember late in 2011, after Tyler Bray came back from a thumb injury, Chaney modified the scheme to incorporate the Pistol a lot more, so we could run from the I, and Bray wouldn't have the ball slammed against his sore thumb, from under center.

So, if Chaney can make those modifications late in the season, surely Bajakian can modify our run sets, to change things up a bit.

If you look at Hurd's tape in HS, his offense doesn't run any read option. They run out of a jumbo alignment (22...2TE's), and it's straight at the defense. From the I, Hurd can see where the hole is or is developing, and crash it.

The way the read option is being forced on a QB that is a classic Pocket Passer and an prospective All-American RB who never ran this in this kind of offense, I'm not surprised that it's looking like a soup sandwich (except when we pass).

This is why I was saying during fall camp that if Dobbs is even close to Worley in terms of passing efficiency, then they NEED to go with Dobbs. He is the ONLY QB on our roster that fits Bajakian's scheme...and no, they are not doing a good job of adapting to the players. Instead they are trying to force players to play in their system.

Worley is just a poor fit....period. If we go heavy on the pass from here on out, then maybe they can make it work. But our run game will suck until they use Dobbs to keep defenses honest. It's way too predictable without a TRUE running threat at QB...period.

Dis agree. I feel sure that the coach is using what will give the most success for the team. If Dobbs was it He would start.