The Heupel Game Plan

[EZE]

I don't think your friend listened to the broadcast discussions. We are drudging it out in the first half cause the teams we have been playing have been throwing in defensive formations early that have not been seen on film or against any other teams. The staff has to figure this out in real time and make adjustments. They are keeping Nico and company from making mistakes that would would put us down too many points too early in the game. Also, that's why we loosen up in the 2nd half. The commentators addressed this specifically throughout the KY game from conversations with CJH.

Inaccurate.

 

[aRmo]

I mentioned this to a friend last night, and he agreed there may be some validity to it. What if our recent slew of no/low scoring first halves is almost by design? In the previous years, we saw the hurry, up-tempo offense throughout most of the game and usually were largely upside down on time of possession. With that, there were some inherent risks… most notably, the defense was on the field most of the game and gassed by mid to late third quarter. If our offense went three and out, they are right back out. Flip to this year… In the first half, we are slowly and methodically driving down the field. I said “almost by design,” above, because I’m sure there is no intention of us dropping end zone passes and missing multiple field goals, because obviously we want to score… but otherwise, our defense has been stellar. So we suck up time while gaining a few points and allowing our defense time to breathe. Conversely, the other team (as evidenced through the first eight games, minus the first half against Kentucky) has a very hard time moving the ball against our defense, which essentially keeps their defense out there more frequently. It’s like we almost lull them into a fake game plan rhythm going into the half. Queue the second half, and we run right out into the hurry up offense. Catch them off guard. Defense isn’t tired at all and actually increases the energy level, with enough to sustain through the remainder of the game and in response to the offensive tempo, and as a result, the opponent’s defense grows more and more weary. I feel like we’ve seen this in each of our last four or five games, although our inability to move the ball in the second half bit us against Arkansas. My analogy was like tug of war… We “hoooold, hold, hold,” for the first half, and then at the beginning of the 3Q, “pull!” Thoughts?

Also, in case you missed it… We are the 5th team since 2000 to allow under 20 points to each of our first seven (now eight) opponents; the previous four teams all won the National Championship. While I’m not sure that we have the offensive consistency to outright win the NC, I thought that was interesting. A lot can happen in a month, and Nico is looking more comfortable.

Idk where you found hope that this is by design my friend. Its not. at all. You think us as a fanbase is frustrated. Imagine this coaching staff.

 

[VolArmy74]

This is BS, CJH lost his job because Stoops used him as a scapegoat instead of firing his brother the DC. Stoops forced CJH to run the offense he wanted instead of CJH's offense. The offensive scheme is fine the whole problem all year has been execution. Earlier in the year it was Nico and the O-line, last night it was penalties and dropped passes.

This. Oklahoma averaged 38ppg that year and couldn't stop anyone on defense.

 

[volinvegas]

Yeezus, so what about those loses to Oklahomer, Floriduh, and Buma? Probably gonna lose to Gergejah too. Should have beaten Arky, yeah. This isnt 98, its not 22or 23 either. This 24 Team is a very good top 10 playoff contender thats winning close games. The SEC competition is crazy this year, as opposed to (random #)Confrence. Case in point, Vandy was ranked! Im sad the 3-4 at this point in the season negavols arent happy, but for the love of all thats Holy, please enjoy being 7-1 with wins against....and top 10, and still looking good for playoffs even if we lose to nevermind.

 

[GVF]

Inaccurate.

I guess CJH was lying to the commentators in their interviews during the week. Or they were lying when they spoke of it during the game several times.

 

[Other_Guy]

I don't think your friend listened to the broadcast discussions. We are drudging it out in the first half cause the teams we have been playing have been throwing in defensive formations early that have not been seen on film or against any other teams. The staff has to figure this out in real time and make adjustments. They are keeping Nico and company from making mistakes that would would put us down too many points too early in the game. Also, that's why we loosen up in the 2nd half. The commentators addressed this specifically throughout the KY game from conversations with CJH.

The tackles were atrocious early on, Nico was inaccurate, WRs are still dropping balls, Sampson fumbling, and plenty of bad penalties. While what you mentioned is accurate, it's still excuses for so much poor play.

 

[GVF]

The tackles were atrocious early on, Nico was inaccurate, WRs are still dropping balls, Sampson fumbling, and plenty of bad penalties. While what you mentioned is accurate, it's still excuses for so much poor play.

I was only addressing the looks opposing D's are creating and using in the early game that have not been seen or filmed, and the adjustments to be made in order to move the ball. D's are throwing that not only at our coordinators, but also at a freshman QB. THat would be one factor in the inaccurate throws in first half play till they get a plan on what they are seeing that could not have been studied pre-game. Couple that with a couple receivers that are routinely dropping makeable catches & penalties and we end up with a very low scoring first half offense. But, you do list a very accurate bag of deficiencies that are handcuffing our first half performances.