I breakdown interesting plays - schematically, technically, and from an execution standpoint - from the 2021 Michigan State at Indiana football game.
At the end of the article, I will briefly look ahead to Michigan vs Michigan State.
Michigan State
I have previously broken down MSU, which you can find here: LINK
The strengths and negatives are largely holding from previous viewings, but a few things stood out.
- Slade had a great game at DT in this one, and was probably the most disruptive DL for MSU.
- Both offensively and defensively a few key adjustments really helped MSU.
- Offensively, a change from strong side split zone to more weak side stretch really helped make the LBs be a little more static and to utilize the slant-heavy DL momentum against them
- Defensively, a move from their typical Cover 3 and Cover 4 MOD to more man/press on the outside limited some of the screen elements that were very effective in the first half (especially to the boundary). Downside of this was that it resulted in quite a few defensive pass interference flags.
- The offense in general had a solid gameplan to attack Michigan State, utilizing motion and formation into boundary to gain numbers and leverage advantages.
- The skill guys are solid. At WR they have a few that can adjust well to the ball in the air (which helps them pick up the DPI), and I think their RBs are actually solid, though not explosive.
- I really like the LB group, with McFadden sticking out particularly. I think they set up the combo blocks well, understand gap discipline, and flow in a disciplined manner to get free hats to the ball.
- Despite being down a good CB, the defensive backs did really well staying over top of routes. They have solid athleticism there, and prevented the big shots that MSU is used to getting.
- The OL just has a lot of work to do. Had some decent stretch runs that relied on some gap issues from MSU. Had more counter success on limited attempts aided by motion. But they could not get movement inside, and pullers had a lot of trouble getting to the second level consistently with any sort of urgency.
- QB was obviously a problem in this one. Accuracy, reading the defense, etc. That really left a lot of yards and some points off the board. This and the OL trouble above clearly are a major contributor to red zone issues.
- There did appear to be yards available once they caught onto some of the run game tendencies, things that I'm anticipating OSU picked up on a bit. They could be moved and their momentum used against them up front.
- They also appeared to be giving short/intermediate throws with some consistency. Hitting those and having patience before attacking over the top may have opened things up a bit more for MSU.
First play MSU vs Indiana. Swing RPO. Good job by the playside LB here pic.twitter.com/wNg5mN3DwX
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
MSU trying to break tendency. IU dials up a good run blitz. Poor TE blocking gives it zero chance pic.twitter.com/lr8A4Iaukx
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Fold draw. First we’ve seen it from MSU. Folder has to do better here pic.twitter.com/sHKMbbwVm7
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Green Cover 2 looks like to me. IU early to the line and MSU shows hand. pic.twitter.com/aKwTzZ8jRT
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Good defensive effort by the IU QB to put pressure on the MSU QB early in this one pic.twitter.com/fujqQ6sQze
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
MSU got away with one here. Defends the bubble and go well, but living 2 on 3 on the perimeter pic.twitter.com/RyY3Ua51ay
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Same motion, Wing to Outside. Shows MSU coverage is zone, helps ID blocks, and it’s a perfectly timed Tunnel screen against a field pressure pic.twitter.com/dSjBWaUAwR
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Wondering if there is something on film here. Designed swing screen from empty to 1x4 pic.twitter.com/Lj522cWrtH
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Interesting watching IU return to screen and go and fire the check down this time as coverage falls off pic.twitter.com/c3ZUk0ojDR
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Zero movement from a playside combo. This is probably a big reason for Red Zone TD struggles for IU pic.twitter.com/PauX0ycWMH
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
I refuse to clip a team that struggles run blocking trying to go wildcat 2-TE at the 3 yard line and run split zone
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
Missed some things. It gets worse… pic.twitter.com/NzathcLDdx
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 22, 2021
LG works straight vertical and gets his face crossed, limiting what has potential to be a big gain pic.twitter.com/PVcIRhPad1
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Chance at an explosive. Does everything right with the Go route… except finish with a catch pic.twitter.com/OTb3CswhXg
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Give the RG credit here. Just got beat on the backside by not having enough lateral step. Here, he’s playside, and now that lateral step can be reduced to more of a lower step, and it allows him to redirect to slant pic.twitter.com/CTE6yMYMmu
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Pin and pull miscommunication and TE blocking pic.twitter.com/dWX1bZ48Hm
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Really well timed boundary screen against a field pressure. DB makes a hell of a play to prevent an explosive pic.twitter.com/QPOEHfpYIq
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Indiana zone pulling to the safety thinking they can generate an explosive. Tough angles which they abort. LG gets owned inside by the DT pic.twitter.com/2P632dikAF
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Same complaint as Iowa with the RB. More understanding because Indiana can’t run the ball anyway. But by showing your hand, it allows defense to do things like this. Good job working under the slants, pick 6 pic.twitter.com/ytVp02gK1N
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Two return punt scheme when kicked in the right direction pic.twitter.com/nfVvNwWqma
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Communication issue up front on pin and pull pic.twitter.com/DDwqFdo26D
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
LG beat pretty bad here. Here’s where MSU QB takes too many sacks and puts O behind chains pic.twitter.com/pMX8Rn2oPw
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Someone is got a “learning opportunity” in the special teams film room pic.twitter.com/JIeZSazrR7
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Well timed Toss read here. Not well executed though and the safety comes down and makes a nice hit to hold it to 5 pic.twitter.com/7ePBprfNTB
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
One thing Indiana OC will do, that is similar to Mike DeBord, if it works go right back to it. Say what you will about either of them, but taking 5 yards on repeat ain’t the worst thing pic.twitter.com/4EXkoijBIy
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Backside OL on zone breaks down FS MSU slant and front side has good gap discipline pic.twitter.com/MlECVztj3u
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Seeing IU attack into the boundary with numbers and screens. Not much explosive, but getting free chunks. Will see if MSU adjusted pic.twitter.com/nvrsdO71hb
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Nothing like 3rd and 3 from opponent 26 and tell them you aren’t running the ball when picking up 1 or 2 puts you in 4 down territory
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Again trying to break duo tendencies with hard PA Post-Wheel. Cool design, get away with a false start. Vs Boundary CB blitz, WR doesn’t help here pic.twitter.com/ePCyViklUv
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Biggest run play of the day here. PSLB/Safety need to do better here, as both end up outside gap (think it’s safety) pic.twitter.com/lIsyK2Jozi
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
MSU sets the trap… IU barely escapes pic.twitter.com/qN9AUwPVBI
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
MSU DTs having a really nice game vs IU. Mundane play here, but a big picture tells a major story of this game.
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Slade really impressive inside pic.twitter.com/Pj3JJaRpDy
Brutal play for IU. Protection picks up pressure. Post open. Wheel wide open. Bubble also very open pic.twitter.com/NjbcpXrWhF
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Losing my mind pic.twitter.com/fRlzuNWQDe
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Back to counter. Pretty well blocked initially, but DTs again doing work pic.twitter.com/iX40NGYLSh
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Teams don’t roll protection as much as they used to and I wonder if it’s showing up in execution. Should be 6 here, but RB blows protection pic.twitter.com/IGSIWEjqJu
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Last time clipping to show MSU TE blocking. You get the point. Big key dropping down backside safety to prevent the Walker cutback though pic.twitter.com/mzoTI0eGAg
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Great ball placement, poor decision overcome, but rough at RT pic.twitter.com/lQv3QSjlDO
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
I do not recommend the no B gap defense pic.twitter.com/kWyP8YpYSY
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
DT loops behind both mugged LBs and is free man at point of attack. Cool stunt pic.twitter.com/fmwKA0h8oI
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
First time I recall MSU running sweep pic.twitter.com/fBuymhUMA6
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
More screens into the boundary pic.twitter.com/DW1NteWBZP
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Back to FIB and another chance at a chunk gain pic.twitter.com/QZzVmEYBtU
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 25, 2021
Not how you want to execute special teams pic.twitter.com/mzISs0S7Lk
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Surprised by the lack of check to empty from MSU. Indiana fails to execute pic.twitter.com/XWRfTbeM0u
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Nice opening offensive play from MSU. Well timed against IU play call pic.twitter.com/vzZY5aJJtp
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Fake swing screen to fake slow screen to middle screen. Cool design, RB really doesn’t help this though pic.twitter.com/hHo40mVXXm
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Best blocked run play I think so far from MSU. Get a nice interior combo. Walker finds his cut back he loves pic.twitter.com/2AfoI6V8MN
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Great job by the CB on the bubble screen.
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
By the way, bubble is an underrated difficult throw for the QB pic.twitter.com/ruynm9zFHB
I don’t recall this RPO from MSU before. IU almost busts but for a great play by the DE pic.twitter.com/tPtYIjpcgX
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Again, weakside PAP, get IU to flow hard. Nice short motion to open up the corner route pic.twitter.com/C4EebInaqH
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Great play by the safety here! pic.twitter.com/qEQJW5MbTJ
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Last time poking on IU for this protection scheme. MSU should think about mugging both LBs every snap at this point pic.twitter.com/9tdh6ewwrT
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
I guess karma. Great play by the DT pic.twitter.com/gcKy0PcHLe
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Remote going in some direction at a high velocity pic.twitter.com/GahjfCOjVm
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Hunch says this isn’t blocked right pic.twitter.com/jYqXa15xEr
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
MSU caught IU with tempo a few times, looks like this is another. Another weakside run pic.twitter.com/WhAco3L7X2
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Little single wing spin series play action here pic.twitter.com/Q7KGsuoNhD
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Really well blocked stretch run here pic.twitter.com/47n76dpJ8i
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
First look at HOT coverage from MSU today. Really struggled in it vs Miami. Still some holes, but pressure forces a bad pass pic.twitter.com/Lx4DwnCFek
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Another pressure. Think it’s a protection breakdown. Lots of flags on the fade routes today pic.twitter.com/uJS6Ic0gca
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
2nd and G from the 9, MSU not anticipating run pic.twitter.com/PEwEY8f3tT
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
2 PT conversion try. Shovel on power blocking. MSU has been scraping hard on power toss all day, but man coverage stays home here pic.twitter.com/hJ7TTD5NGz
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 26, 2021
Some comments on footwork and disruption of timing for MSU QB pic.twitter.com/ORX0zVeMdb
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
I call this tempo stretch draw pic.twitter.com/CWY2N7gBka
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
QBs are always entertaining when they get caught between moves. Nice job making the first man miss, be a little more patient with the snap pic.twitter.com/OlDAp6GHhk
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
It’s let’s put all our Duo sequencing on film day (I don’t think they’ve actually run duo today, only showed the look three times) pic.twitter.com/B5fSeeVYrZ
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
People will focus on the throw, which is nice, but this route is on point (better view at end of clip) pic.twitter.com/IOkaOtKQ9m
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Another weak side run. Indiana working hard to stop it with formation and stunt, cut back open and RB breaks the tackle pic.twitter.com/7Ad1T9W7kb
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Short yardage issues for MSU. pic.twitter.com/lDk9iwLiod
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Arc Bluff Belly Read. Double wing usually a stretch formation for MSU, catch IU with a Q read game pic.twitter.com/134qBKlgAP
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Nice design, lots of teams run this. Fake split zone, fake end around, screen back to the RB. Problem is how you’ve set up D within this game. Explain here: pic.twitter.com/9NRWPqZXGk
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
A lot of elements Indiana has attacked but failed to execute. Motion, numbers into boundary, screen action pic.twitter.com/F0K7Tjc2PN
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Thorne doesn’t step into throw and then I rant about the phrase “Don’t play not to lose”
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
That phrase is right up there with claiming playcalling is “predictable” or “not creative” just because it didn’t work pic.twitter.com/5xAijzVI5U
Very dumb math that changes with small tweak to percentages. Running vs passing on 2nd down effectively have the same win% though pic.twitter.com/9l1EYUEnWz
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
MSU response to Counter OH pic.twitter.com/GTBfcb3krW
— Space Coyote (@SpaceCoyoteBDS) October 27, 2021
Looking Forward: Michigan vs Michigan State, 2021
I will say up front that I do not like making game predictions. Way too many variables and you put it down as a single score or prediction and it really doesn't do justice to anything. Is it cowardly? Absolutely. But I've been consistent with that for years.
One thing I will say is I could see this game ending up any way besides a shoot out. If Michigan can finish drives with TDs, I think it'll be hard for MSU to get enough possessions to find enough points. If MSU can hit their explosives, I think it'll be hard for Michigan to have to keep up with a pass first (note, this is different than run-pass balanced) offense. And of course, things could bog down like a standard Michigan-MSU game and the first to 20 win. Who knows.
Somethings I've seen from each team that I anticipate they will utilize in their game plan:
For Michigan State running/Walker, they have to find ways to get the ball to Walker outside the box. With rolled down safeties and strong edge defense, the two best defenses the Spartans have faced (Nebraska and Indiana) have shown you can bottle up Walker in what isn't a terribly diverse run game. So they have to find ways to get him outside the box on screens and passes and potentially a sweep style run scheme. This also sets up a few QB runs.
For Michigan State passing, they need to be patient. I anticipate that Michigan should correctly stick with their Cover 4 MOD and some of their Cover 3 schemes which will help the CBs be protected from deep shots. There are yards available underneath. MSU passing attack hasn't always stayed patient, and can kind of press trying to make the explosive play. They need to stay patient and take the yards given, then the explosives will present themselves.
For Michigan running, they can't avoid being themselves. There is some urgency to pass the ball, but this is a run based team, and while it may not generate flashy offense, they have to be true to their personality and base the offense on what they do. Much like vs Wisconsin, they should be more balanced and utilize passes on first and second down (notably, take the free yards on first down, and Cade can't force the deep shot; you don't need to prove you can hit them, because you won't if they aren't open, take the intermediate) and take some shots if you get ahead of the chains with first down runs. Indiana actually had an abnormally high success rate running vs MSU (relative to their season to date), and that's where the Wolverines excel. If they can turn some of those successful plays into chunks or explosives (which I think they are a little better suited for than Indiana, though not great), it should be success
I expect Michigan to base heavily in gap schemes, as they did last year. I think this is correct though, as they've shown an ability to adjust post-snap to defensive responses. They can utilize motion and focus on those orbit/swing routes to take advantage of some of the free yards MSU showed against Indiana.
I expect JJ to be mixed in more, still primarily as a runner. But I expect they mix up some of the tendencies, featuring JJ but actually giving to the RB, and also play action to put some of the deep shots in his hands. These are probably more simple reads, and likely to be more forced, but you have to take your chances.
For Michigan Passing, I anticipate Michigan will like going in empty on 3rd and manageable. I think they have a match up advantage RB-TE vs LB. And I think they should be confident they can find some success underneath.
Defensively, I expect MSU to roll down the weak boundary safety a bit and play some games with the Nickel a bit to try to gain back numbers advantages in the box and provide some uncertainty for Michigan's front on who they need to block (along with some CB pressure). CBs for MSU haven't been great this year, but I anticipate they will roll with playing some off coverage out there and risking that match up.
Defensively for Michigan, again, off coverage with strategic opportunities to trap or rob underneath throws. Keep Walker inside the box and don't over-pursue on the RB as he loves to cut back. Force MSU to try to churn their way down the field, where largely due to the OL and some untimely sacks, they have struggled.
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