Question: Our "Wild Elephant" Package?

[elizabama74]

I think it was planned for this game only, IMO we want see it much more. I could be wrong but it just don't look like our type of thing.

 

[fireater]

Not big on the Rogue Elephant package. Yes there are many other plays that can be run off of it, and some variations could prove to be exciting. I think its overuse last night was in parts due to the fact that VPISU has an excellent defense, our line is still coming together, thereby using it gives Ingram an extra step or two for momentum and reading purposes.
I would be very happy if we don't use it next week, but opposing teams are going to have to spend some valuable practice time preparring for it. Plus it gives our D more reps preparing for this type package, which we will be seeing later this season (and maybe another team won't try to surprise us with it because we will have already practiced against it)

 

[rhYno]

I wasn't too impressed with it, nor was I really impressed with our running game until late in the game. We've still got a lot of work to do in that category if you ask me!

 

[doctorgonzo]

Seems like I'm one of the only ones who liked it. I also liked the Pistol formation. The only real problem with it was a lack of experience and hardly any variation out of it. I hope everyone realizes that we're not just going to be able to line up and knock everyone off the ball like we did last season. When Saban went to the Wild whatever on the first play, he let every opposing coach know that we're going to be multiple and it's not going to be meat and potatoes for DC's to plan for.

I think we're going to continue to run it and continue to get better at it. This is a different team with different strengths. Personally, I'm glad the coaches understand that we're not going to be able to just bang away up the middle every play and aren't afraid of trying different things. I can guarantee you the Hokie fans today are wishing their OC would have installed some wrinkles this offseason.

 

[Blue Iron]

I wasn't too impressed with it, nor was I really impressed with our running game until late in the game. We've still got a lot of work to do in that category if you ask me!

I think we witnessed our OL grow up A LOT in the second half. They were opening bigger holes, and pass protecting better.

I am EXCITED about this team!

 

[BamaBuc]

I didn't like it. We are a smash mouth, power football team. That "cutesy" offense is good for the Floridas and Ole Misses of the world, not us. Let's stick with our bread and butter.

AGREE wholeheartedly!
Although if they are going to use it they need Arenas or Maze running it! I saw Upchurch run it once, actually looked better than Ingram, but still nothing like the wild-hog used to be!

 

[venegoni]

Not sure why people think the wild formation is finesse? I've seen this on several websites today. You are lining up and running right at the defense, they know what we are doing it's just hat on hat football and the strongest team wins.

 

[uaintn]

Pistol, I like. The direct snap to the running back, Wild Elephant or whatever, I hope they peel out of the playbook and stick in the shredder. I especially dislike snapping the ball back five or six yards when we need to make one foot. I realize this is not last year's o-line, but it's not like it's the little sisters of the poor, either.

 

[TidePrice]

I like the "Wild Tusk" better. In this formation everything was a running play last night i think its a great formation to run out of. I dont think we will see Ingram throw a pass. Its the same as when he lines up in the I formation you are just removing the middle man (quarterback)

 

[Bamabuzzard]

I didn't like it. We are a smash mouth, power football team. That "cutesy" offense is good for the Floridas and Ole Misses of the world, not us. Let's stick with our bread and butter.

Not being able to do something different is what got us beat in the SEC CG as well. Shut down the run and double the best WR and you got us beat. The game has changed so we must change. Bryant did it for years and had great success with it. Knowing when to change is the key. We've needed to change about a decade ago. :rolleye2:

 

[Timmy0420]

I think that it will be a weapon for the TIDE down the road. VT kept 8 people in the box most of the night so running yards were hard to come by. The question is, "is VT's defense that good or is our offensive line that average?". Time will tell, but I watched almost every college game possible this weekend and I did not see any defenses as quick as Bama's or VT's. Everyone says Florida State's defense is one of the fastest in years so we will have to check that out Monday night.

 

[BAMAHD]

Not a big fan of the wildcat but it will only make make the offense better. We have the bulls and the horses to cram the ball down anyones throat and we have a passing attack that can throw whenever and wherever we want. With McElwain this offense is evolving into a nightmare for opposing defenses.

 

[TheOysterMan]

I didn't like it. We are a smash mouth, power football team. That "cutesy" offense is good for the Floridas and Ole Misses of the world, not us. Let's stick with our bread and butter.

Not being cynical, but those "Floridas of the world" have won 2 of the last 3 MNC's...You have to constantly evolve to keep a step ahead. We have the personel to run this offense, so why not utilize it? Shula tried to be "smashmouth" when he didnt have the players for it (not saying we dont have a very physical team), but I think if we lined up I-formation all night last night and run power sweeps and off tackles, we would have gotten killed. You gotta take what is given to you.

 

[doctorgonzo]

Not sure why people think the wild formation is finesse? I've seen this on several websites today. You are lining up and running right at the defense, they know what we are doing it's just hat on hat football and the strongest team wins.

I've always wondered about that as well. Around 90% of the time, the play out of the Wildcat is going to be a) run up the middle b) a run around the end c) an end-around or d) a play-action pass. Not so sure where the finesse part comes in at.

 

[CoastGhost]

I like it and think there is much more to come for the first team that faces it unprepared.

 

[CrimsonCT]

Being a Dolphins fan, I loved the package. It clearly wasn't that effective last night, but I'll attribute that to growing pains. I noticed that we always lined up in that formation and waited ~5 seconds to snap the ball, giving their D time to move up into the box. A quick snap might be more effective... that is, until we demonstrate a passing threat from the formation and then read what the defense gives us at the line. I suspect we'll be seeing players like Smelley or Star get some direct snaps in the future, which could make that formation extremely potent. Until proven otherwise, I'll give credit to Va Tech for shutting down our running game and hope that we diversify that part of our offense in practice so we can hold those wrinkles until SEC play opens up.

 

[BubbaOne]

At least we tried something besides running right at them. Ok, it needs some work (1) can you center the ball off the ground (2) Ingram is nice but how about someone who is a threat to pass & run (3) McElroy standing out there as a wide receiver is no good (4) If we could modify this adding the 'bone with running options then we have something but putting Ingram back there is a dead give away if I was on defense I would bring all 11 to the line cause you know Ingram is not going to pass it VT ran slants that about nullified it as well just need more viable options It the present form what about ELEPHANT STOMP

 

[doctorgonzo]

Problem is, if you bring in Star then you lose the element of surprise by changing personnel. That's why the QB splits out wide instead of running off the field.

 

[bnhonest]

I am scratching my head here...whick plays out of this formation resembled anything that was finess? We ran the end around with Julio(I cant see anybody arguing with wanting to get the ball in his hands), and the rest were Ingram up the middle. I thought it was great and hope we see more of it. It basically takes away a defender. And I am pretty sure this package or wrinkle is part of a larger scheme.

As far as not liking the running game,...whats not to like? Our identity last year was to pound pound pound until we beat the other team into submission. Its not going to look good early on the game while both teams are still fresh. So you need your QB to convert some third downs for you. But eventually, that constant pounding, with our 300lb line and our 220+ backs...eventually you will start to impose your will. Herbstreit said at half time and it came to pass.

4th quarter, when the both teams should be tired, ours looked like they were just getting started! We are in for a good year, I believe! RTR!

 

[Bamabuzzard]

Plus the more they tried to stop the run the more the TE was open in the middle of the field. Glad GMAC settled down and was able to find Peek time and time again over the middle.