Question about running game vs. QB playing

[bamatex82]

Weird observation I had during the game against Mizzou. When Tua was playing we couldn't run between the tackles well. In comes Jalen to replace Tua and suddenly we can smash up the middle. Why? It wasn't because suddenly Mizzou was beat down tired imho.

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[RTR91]

Probably because the LBs were more patient to see if Jalen was going to keep the ball or not. While Tua can run, Jalen is more apt to keep on a zone read between the two QBs.

 

[BamaMoon]

Probably because the LBs were more patient to see if Jalen was going to keep the ball or not. While Tua can run, Jalen is more apt to keep on a zone read between the two QBs.

Probably...

With Tua, our best RPO play is the one he fakes the handoff and pulls the ball and throws the quick slant. With Tua's accuracy, this play is almost automatic and it been busted into huge plays and TDS.

I wish Tua would go under center more often and we'd use a little more play action from a traditional pro-set (two back) formation or even I-formation. I'd say this would help our running game better than the RPO plays with Tua not being a real running thread right now.

But I admit I'm really surprised our running game hasn't been more explosive with Tua's ability to make the defense cover the entire field. I thought this fact alone would make our running game as good as ever.

 

[ALA2262]

I think our OL coach is now the HC at Oregon.

 

[B1GTide]

I think it could also be a change in mental approach by the o-line. With Tua in they are probably more focused on pass protection. On running plays the o-line has to be much more focused on exploding off that first step when the ball is snapped. On pass plays they are more focused on weight distribution and stopping the forward progress of the defensive player to whom they are assigned.

Can and should they be able to do both equally well? Yes. They just have not had to with Tua this year. He bails out their sloppy run blocking on 3rd down. With Jalen, there is no automatic 3rd down conversion machine. They know that they have to stay ahead of the chains. Change in focus. But I am totally guessing.

 

[BamaMoon]

I think it could also be a change in mental approach by the o-line. With Tua in they are probably more focused on pass protection. On running plays the o-line has to be much more focused on exploding off that first step when the ball is snapped. On pass plays they are more focused on weight distribution and stopping the forward progress of the defensive player to whom they are assigned.

Can and should they be able to do both equally well? Yes. They just have not had to with Tua this year. He bails out their sloppy run blocking on 3rd down. With Jalen, there is no automatic 3rd down conversion machine. They know that they have to stay ahead of the chains. Change in focus. But I am totally guessing.

Well, makes sense.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I think it could also be a change in mental approach by the o-line. With Tua in they are probably more focused on pass protection. On running plays the o-line has to be much more focused on exploding off that first step when the ball is snapped. On pass plays they are more focused on weight distribution and stopping the forward progress of the defensive player to whom they are assigned.

Can and should they be able to do both equally well? Yes. They just have not had to with Tua this year. He bails out their sloppy run blocking on 3rd down. With Jalen, there is no automatic 3rd down conversion machine. They know that they have to stay ahead of the chains. Change in focus. But I am totally guessing.

I'd rather have our problems than this:

AU OL

 

[RTR91]

Will also say it seemed like the whole team played harder after Tua went down. Another reason the run game appeared better when Jalen was in the game.

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

I'd rather have our problems than this:

AU OL

Yikes. What is even happening there? How is it possible to be that bad?

 

[Bodhisattva]

I'd rather have our problems than this:

AU OL

Gus says they will get butter, and I think he should be given enough time to make the barn as butter as possible.

 

[JustNeedMe81]

One thing to notice: Tua is likely to hit big play while Jalen is more patient and is willing to drive down the field burning up the clock.

 

[UAH]

Chris Landry was on Tide 102.9 yesterday and had a fairly complete discussion on offensive line play and the challenges that RPO's represent to the offensive line.

 

[gman4tide]

But I admit I'm really surprised our running game hasn't been more explosive with Tua's ability to make the defense cover the entire field. I thought this fact alone would make our running game as good as ever.

I think what you're seeing there is the defense is picking their poison. All out to stop the run...and hope the passing game is "off". Remember, more bad things can happen throwing the ball.

 

[BamaMoon]

I think what you're seeing there is the defense is picking their poison. All out to stop the run...and hope the passing game is "off". Remember, more bad things can happen throwing the ball.

Likely, but Tua's already proven that's the wrong choice. But I also understand the choice. Unless you have shut down corners and LBs that can cover out tight ends and running backs there's really no way to affect our passing game with Tua's quick decision makeing and accuracy.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Yikes. What is even happening there? How is it possible to be that bad?

I'll look, but there's even a worse still shot somewhere. The UT DL is running through the A gap, while the center, RG and RT are all blocking air and watching him run through the open hole...

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Yikes. What is even happening there? How is it possible to be that bad?

Here's the other shot:

 

[gman4tide]

Here's the other shot:

I so hope our dline sees that a lot here in a few weeks. I really want a "honk if you sacked stidham" bumper sticker!

 

[RollTide_HTTR]

Here's the other shot:

Its really pretty pathetic. Pretty sure I could do a better job blocking and I wouldn't have a clue as to what I was doing.

 

[Tradition4ever]

Chris Landry was on Tide 102.9 yesterday and had a fairly complete discussion on offensive line play and the challenges that RPO's represent to the offensive line.

I was about to ask if the RPO's that are being run with Tua in the game may cause some of the ineffectiveness with the run blocking. I think normally, you won't see O-linemen firing off the line of scrimmage to run block if it's a RPO call like you would see if it's a straight up run play called. I could see how running the ball would be less effective if the O-linemen are being hesitant or not as aggressive for a RPO...

 

[ALA2262]

I think what you're seeing there is the defense is picking their poison. All out to stop the run...and hope the passing game is "off". Remember, more bad things can happen throwing the ball.

^^^this^^^

Conference opponents believe their secondaries are better than those of Louisville, Arkansas State, and Louisiana. Probably are.