To the x’s & o’s guys, or those who would torture themselves by rewatching that dumpster fire, why couldn’t we stop the same run play between the tackles the Corndogs kept repeating like reruns of “The Office” on Comedy Central?
I know the answer is that Grantham Sucks. But why did he suck?
Bullets only:
1. Grantham
2. Player decisions: we run two DTs (smaller but not as bad as before) and a WDE and an OLB/Rushbacker on the DL.
3. Recruiting: especially at linebacker. we've signed one inside linebacker in the last four classes, Hopper. The other LBs are edge players or safeties that we're trying to put weight on and trying to move them inside (which is a significant technique andnlearning process).
4. Position Coaching: we hired a graduate assistant (and a dwag). So far his resume (only three years) is that he's never put a functional set of linebackers on the field, and he's never developed an edge or safety into a functional inside linebacker.
5. Formation: We call it a 3-4 defense but it is a nickle 4-2 really. Its really rare when the Rush "Linebacker" does anything but line up with his hand in the dirt. Combined with our problem of size and you end up with 320 pound SEC lineman going against a 230 pound Rush End (Cox plays even smaller than his size) and a couple of 220ish pound Linebackers. It's never going to work.
6. Strategy: we purposely assign our lineman usually to one gap assignments, so they can rush the passer without having to first read run and maintain two gap integrity (basically the gap tomtheir left and right) as most defensive lineman especially defensive tackles are required to do. Linebackers then have the primary responsibility for the two open gaps (their are six gaps and only 4 DL).... which of course means the LBs have more trouble flowing/strafing/filling whatever to other locations AND guards are usually left free to climb to the second level and block, usually destroy, our linebackers. Also, playing a nickel corner instead of a third LB makes us very small in the box.
7. See #1.
That's my first answers off the top of my head.
The more detailed explanation would require me to explain what happens when you pull extra blockers and create extra gaps vs a defense. it's too late for that, and frankly I couldn't give you a college level answer anyway.
However, against Kentucky at times and mostly in the second half, we played 4 real DL WITH Moon and Cox at OLB at opposite ends of the formation. Just a good old 4-3. We even brought a safety down, mostly Trey Dean to sceimmage in a "Bear" or 46 look. It mostly worked.