What do you look for at the start of the game?

oldtimetider · Dec 29, 2014

Curious to know what this bunch looks for during the first few minutes of a game as sort of a predictor of how things will go.
I usually look at the line of scrimmage....which side is getting a push...whether the pile going in our direction at the end of runs...that type of thing. Basically, which team is in charge of the trenches. It's sort of a simplistic approach but often gives an indication of what's to come. With spread offenses and attacking the perimeters and open spaces, its probably less important now than it was years ago.
Thoughts?
RTR

Bama_J · Dec 29, 2014

The white flag from Urban. Seriously, I'll be looking at which line is pushing the best.

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Go Bama · Dec 29, 2014

Agree ... trenches.

Roll Tide 57 · Dec 29, 2014

Look at the ND Championship Game

i really think we start Strong like that 28-0 at half would not surprise me. The 3rd QTR scares me, has all year but they always turn it back on in the 4th.

its gonna be a blow out.

bamaga · Dec 29, 2014

I think OSU scores on one of first 2 possessions. But scoring gets scarce after that.

AlexanderFan · Dec 29, 2014

I want attitude and intensity. Assignment football on defense to let the offense build a lead, and focus to not let them back up.

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CoachJeff · Dec 29, 2014

I always assume we'll get down early, so I'll expect it again. I don't think you can take a whole lot of whatever happens on the first two drives for either team.

The exception was the 2009 SECCG. When Florida ran their speed option with shuttle pass option and we blew it up I knew we were going to win - we were right where we needed to be.

If our secondary makes some plays early on I'll feel good, otherwise I'll be worried until we're up by 40.

Redstripe · Dec 29, 2014

I agree with the trenches, but also the confidence level of Sims.

JeffAtlanta · Dec 29, 2014

I'm looking at how OSU is covering Cooper and how Sims & Kiffin handle it.

If Drake were available, I'd expect an early dose of targeting him as a receiver - ideally covered by a linebacker. I wonder if Kiffin has found someone else to fill that role.

JBama_in_PCOLA · Dec 29, 2014

The flow of the game which includes the trenches. We could dominate the trenches and only kick field goals and they could hit two deep pass plays luckily. Also what the QBs are doing.

I think QBs will tell the tale of this story.

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Tideflyer · Dec 29, 2014

JeffAtlanta said:
I'm looking at how OSU is covering Cooper and how Sims & Kiffin handle it.

If Drake were available, I'd expect an early dose of targeting him as a receiver - ideally covered by a linebacker. I wonder if Kiffin has found someone else to fill that role.

A. Stewart, maybe, especially if he`s well?

derek4tide · Dec 29, 2014

How our secondary handles the deep ball. They will test us deep right from the start.

Tbux · Dec 29, 2014

Not having seen Bama play other spread offenses this season, I'm curious to see how they will choose to defend esp with a very inexperienced QB behind center. Do they commit a safety to the line of scrimmage taking away the run game and dare Jones to throw or ?????? Does Nick/Kirby have enough confidence in their corners to match up against this group of WR? Given the struggles the Bama DBb's have had downfield this season, the first couple possessions will tell us alot about this matchup....and related, can the Buckeye O-line hold up against the Bama front and keep Jones clean in the pocket with enough time to throw downfield......

JBama_in_PCOLA · Dec 29, 2014

Our secondary is better than fans are giving them credit for. They had one bad game and the sky is falling. C'mon guys.

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Tbux · Dec 29, 2014

derek4tide said:
How our secondary handles the deep ball. They will test us deep right from the start.

Count on it.....

B1GTide · Dec 29, 2014

I have heard that Kiffin scripts his first 10-15 plays. I am not sure how we will cover Cooper, but if we play the same defense that we did against MSU, you might struggle early on.

When we played MSU, we played man vs their best WR and corners behind that. It opened up the middle of the field and MSU killed us on the ground - but we shut down their passing game.

If you come out with a game plan that relies too heavily on Cooper during those scripted plays, it could cost you a few possessions until you adapt.

GreatDanish · Dec 29, 2014

I'll add that I will be looking at Blake's confidence level. I hope to see him hitting passes, giving arm pumps, and scrambling for first downs when the pocket breaks down.

dvldog · Dec 29, 2014

I think we have been effective on 3rd down when we have our rush unit in and play zone. Gets pressure on the QB and the CBs can keep everthing in front of them including the QB if he breaks to run.

centerstar · Dec 29, 2014

Offensive execution. Do we look sharp and score early. If so it's not close.

JustNeedMe81 · Dec 29, 2014

I think We will defer the kickoff to OSU... because we want the ball to start second half. (If we win the toss.) I think we'll do something simple to see what that Jones kid can do... kick the tire a little. now, if we get the ball first on offense, I think we'll start off with a screen pass to Cooper or White. I expect OSU to put safety on the top to limit Cooper, but That's okay. I think Kiffin will call a touchdown pass within 5 plays... I think once we are up 21-0, we will slow down, and control the game a little.. make it frustrating for Offense to get it going.

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