Wasted First Downs

[PastorVolFan]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

 

[Jaxon_Vol2017]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

You might be gassed after running 25 yards. Sampson isn't.

 

[Carl Pickens]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

If the back is gassed the defense is too. I think the running play is nothing more than making the D hurry up and go again in an attempt to set up the next play…… but I could be wrong….. and I understand your point as I’ve questioned it too

 

[PastorVolFan]

You might be gassed after running 25 yards. Sampson isn't.

Haha...more like 5-10 yards for me...

I understand his conditioning is much better...
Point is...almost every time...the 2nd run is for no gain...

 

[Carl Pickens]

Haha...more like 5-10 yards for me...

Point is...almost every time...the 2nd run is for no gain...

It’s amazing how many times it’s for no gain

 

[BillyHoyleVol]

I think it might be more of an indictment on the offensive line that on Sampson/Bishop…

 

[PastorVolFan]

I think it might be more of an indictment on the offensive line that on Sampson/Bishop…

Could be...

 

[PastorVolFan]

It’s amazing how many times it’s for no gain

I've been watching a long time...like since YOU were playing, hahaha.

The only time I remember it obviously working was the 98 Arkansas game, when they kept giving it to Henry at the end...and he just ran over that defense and won the game.

 

[Eastknox865]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

You will drive yourself crazy questioning what the coaches do.

 

[BanditVol]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

Maybe it worked in Heupel's earlier tenure at UT, but other teams have caught on?

 

[Voltopia]

I mean, I think the explanation is pretty simple. Heupel's system is predicated on tempo, and in particular shows its claws when following up on big plays with quick snaps that place stress on disoriented defenders. You can't take advantage of tempo if you substitute after big plays. That negates the point of the system. I think Heupel places far more value on being able to immediately line up and hit someone again, than he does having fresh legs.

 

[amaralfan1]

I don't think this happens as often as you think it does. Just looking at the Alabama game, he carried back-to-back just 5 times (once in the first half. Four times in the second).

Only once did he get a second carry after a run of more than 10 yards (36 yards, followed by 2 yards in first down). Nico then ran on second down and got 27 yards.

Heupel uses that play sparingly to set up 2nd and 3rd down.

This raises an interesting question though. If you are gassed, is it easier to immediately carry it again... Or to block (and not get your QB killed)?

 

[savannahfan]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

Gassed after a 25-30 yard run?? BS he had better be in better shape than that. The problem is just what you state. Every time! Yes, every time we do well, we come right back fast with the same type play. Any d-coaching staff that doesn't plan for this is not too good.

 

[GAVol]

If you just gashed them for a big gain and go fast, you’re probably going to get the identical front and personnel on the next snap too. It makes a lot of sense to try and steal 5-7 more yards with another zone, smoke screen, quick hitch etc.

 

[BearBryant]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

No

 

[vol_sec]

Yes, I think though it is more the defense knows after a big play a run up the middle is almost 100% called. So they play to that expected call, cheat a little. I believe I remember hearing the Arkansas Defense coordinator saying as much.

 

[kptvol1452]

You might be gassed after running 25 yards. Sampson isn't.

THIS.....ALL DAY
Go Vols.,.......

 

[cherokeeeVOL]

I think they also might be hesitant to have Nico try a long one down field since he’s been turnover prone?

 

[FBtime]

I think a run play is called after almost every big play whether it is a run or pass. And yes, I agree it is usually not very successful.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I've been watching a long time...like since YOU were playing, hahaha.

The only time I remember it obviously working was the 98 Arkansas game, when they kept giving it to Henry at the end...and he just ran over that defense and won the game.

I remember that Arky ending well. Henry carried 11 straight times and he was like a man possessed. It was just give me the ball and get out of my way. One of most amazing finishes.

 

[VolForLife83]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

Wear'm down. It also sets up the pass or makes the d think a pass might come.

 

[LWSVOL]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

if a running back is "gassed" after a 25 yard run then we don't have a very strong conditioning program. The problem in your scenario is the offensive line push, not the running back.

 

[BearBryant]

OK, does anybody understand this scenario any better than I do?

Example: Sampson breaks a 25 yard run...first down...offense hurries to the line for first down play...identical handoff (to a now-gassed runner) straight into a wall with no push...2nd and 10 upcoming.

It seems we do this almost every time a running back breaks a long run. I guess the reasoning is...the defense cannot reset into a different formation, so it should be there again? Or the running back is hot, so keep feeding him?

It just seems like, almost every time...you give the ball RIGHT BACK to a tailback who is now gassed after a long run...and the resulting play is a wasted down.

Does anybody else scratch your head when you see this?

​

91 yard drive 5 runs in a row and a touchdown
Sampson run 13
Nico run 4
Sampson run 36
sampson run 2
Nico run 27
Incomplete pass
defensive interference
Sampson run 2 TOUCHDOWN.

• 1st & 10 at TENN 9​

  (8:17 - 3rd) Dylan Sampson run for 13 yds to the TENN 22 for a 1ST down

• 1st & 10 at TENN 22​

  (7:58 - 3rd) Nico Iamaleava run for 4 yds to the TENN 26

• 2nd & 6 at TENN 26​

  (7:39 - 3rd) Dylan Sampson run for 36 yds to the ALA 38 for a 1ST down

• 1st & 10 at ALA 38​

  (7:25 - 3rd) Dylan Sampson run for 2 yds to the ALA 36

• 2nd & 8 at ALA 36​

  (7:00 - 3rd) Nico Iamaleava run for 27 yds to the ALA 9 for a 1ST down

• 1st & Goal at ALA 9​

  (6:41 - 3rd) Nico Iamaleava pass incomplete to Bru McCoy

• 2nd & Goal at ALA 9​

  (6:40 - 3rd) Alabama Penalty, Defensive Pass Interference (Jihaad Campbell) to the ALA 2 for a 1ST down

• 1st & Goal at ALA 2​

  (6:32 - 3rd) Dylan Sampson run for 2 yds for a TD (Max Gilbert KICK)

 

[Volador]

It's the (incorrect) calls for first and second down in the first half that are leading to little Offense. We have been opening up the O in the second half and therefore ala, scoring points. Imagine that?

 

[CincinnatiVols]

Yes, I think though it is more the defense knows after a big play a run up the middle is almost 100% called. So they play to that expected call, cheat a little. I believe I remember hearing the Arkansas Defense coordinator saying as much.

And this is probably why you do it, they dont have time to get a call from the sideline. You call the run up the middle and watch from the press box. If they cheat to that play then when guys come to the sidelines you show them, on the next big play you have a follow up pass called out of the same look and you gash them.