That's a very logical way to look at this game. There are several key aspects to this game from our point of view and one of them is Brodie. By no means was there an attempt to sound "super secretive" on our game plan. I know what it is...but to sit here and tell you how I know would be a waste of bandwidth and I'm sure a bore on top of that. But, let's take one aspect of the game you brought up, Brodie. I'm going to use UT and their defense as an example because I feel that is probably the best measuring stick since we've both played the Vols. In the 1st half of our game vs UT they weren't able to get any pressure on Brodie. The second half, was a different story. Their front four were contained by our OL until they started bring the back side defensive back and the OLB in blitz packages. That worked. However, when a team does that it makes the defensive backfield go into man coverage. We had receivers open, Brodie hit them but then the offense stalled in the red zone. This game will rest (at least a lot of it will) on Brodie's shoulders. The teams that have been able to get pressure on Brodie have done so by using the same scheme that UT did in the second half by bringing those players. And, it's left those receivers in man to man coverage. However, as uncharacteristic as it's been, Brodie simply hasn't been able to connect consistantly with the WR's. Last weekend Brodie was simply off his game and a lot of that had to do with Closner being hurt early on. It wasn't so much a new player as it was the fact that Closner and Brodie had been rooming together for years, spend a lot of the off season hunting together, and Brodie understands all to well what a season injury can do to a persons mentality. Football players want to play...and when they lose a season due to injury it isn't something easily overcome. The other reason has been the WR's dropping passes that should have been caught. (We've both dealt with that this season) One of the aspects we are planning on falls into this same category. That being, LSU bringing LB's or DB's in blitz packages...and that makes the defense fall into a man to man coverage. There are routes that teams have exploited your defensive backfield with this year from game one. Based on your game tapes, your blitz packages aren't what I would call well disguised much like many of you have mentioned on this very forum. Brodie does have the ability to read the blitz fairly well. So, you can expect one of two things; what I mentioned earlier or a designed running play to catch you in the blitz. Both of which, should result in a lot of positive yardage.
Your Oline is so weak that we won't have to blitz to get pressure on Brodie. Now, we will blitz a few times - but I don't think we will do it consistently because like you said, Brodie will pick it up. I believe our Dline will be strong enough to sack Brodie a few times & bring pressure all day.
I really don't see LSU blitzing that much in this game. Don't get me wrong they will blitz, but not as much as usual. The reason I think this is because Bama lost their starting center. With Wroten and Williams in front of him I think we can get enough pressure without the blitz. How much big time game experience does the backup have?
I'm going to assume that Croyle will use the three-step, quick passing attack that ASU and others have been effective with. At least that is what the Barner insiders are saying. And it makes good sense. Bama's injured offensive line may have trouble keeping the LSU defensive line back for long. And upon Russell's. With two stout defenses, it will take an effective offense to make the difference in this game. It could go to which QB has a better day. The blitz is always a gamble and a lot depends of the quarterback and receivers seeing it and adjusting. We have been exploited, but we have also been sucessful with the blitz. One-on-one is one of the areas where we hope that LSU's speed, size, and depth will prevail in a long, hard-fought game. DC Bo Pelini doesn't bother with all of the deception techniques that Nick used. His emphasis seems to be on keeping players in the right position to make the plays, even if its telegraphed. Above-average team speed allows some things to work even if you know its coming. Nick's backs sometimes got caught out of position shifting around back there and gave up big plays. The quick crossing-route passes worry me if Croyle has a good day throwing. But the LSU defensive line clogs the middle very effectively. I don't expect the draw play to gain much yardage.
