I think this play demonstrates how mugging up your linebackers can really confuse an offensive line. The two middle linebackers are up at the line with the defensive linemen before the snap. They are backing out on this play, but the offensive line obviously doesn’t know that.
You can clearly see how lost the offensive line is as guys are turned around trying to find someone to block while others are being bounced around the scrum like bobbleheads. This isn’t always the result, as they have had running
backs sneak through for decent gains at times. However, you can also see that this scheme has versatility because the linebackers can get back into coverage if this were a pass. I think they could do this more often.
This may have been my favorite game by Lincoln Keinholz this season. His numbers weren’t overly impressive, but he consistently showed poise and decisiveness in his dropbacks. He ran when it was the right decision, and he stayed in the pocket to let routes develop when that was needed.
This play stood out to me because he identified the fact that he would not have time to hit the running back out of the backfield in time, so he made the very quick call to run at the pressure to leave the rush behind him. I also appreciate the fact that he commits to his decision to run instead of dumping this off to the running back once he breaks the tackle in the pocket. He’s actually turned towards him, but he makes the easy play to take off for another big play.
Louisville was outstanding on fourth downs, and I thought this was a good example of how they sold out to get penetration as opposed to diagnosing the play. GT did not try to power their way through too often, so the defense had more to worry about than just stuffing the middle of the line.
On this play, GT runs jet motion with a lead blocker, but I don’t think there was any chance of the ball being handed off. The quarterback doesn’t make a read, and the lead blocker doesn’t actually try to block anyone. Tyler Thompson does an outstanding job of getting flat down the line as the unblocked man on this play while Stanquan Clark shoots the gap to get into the backfield and get the penetration needed to ensure that the runner can’t get going. If you force the issue like this, you have a good chance of stopping the play before it gets started.
Earlier in the game, I wondered to myself if Lincoln Keinholz was running as fast as he could on some of his scrambles where he had a lot of space. I got my answer on this run, where you can literally see him speed up once he sees that he might have an angle on the safety who is chasing him.
I thought this was so interesting to see. I think he has an underrated feel for the field, which is another very impressive thing to see from a guy who has not seen the field much since high school. His focus on protcting himself in this game when he ran the ball more than usual was good to see. They’ll need his legs to close out this season.
You have to be very “online” to get this touchdown celebration, but it is unbelievably funny, and I’m happy it went viral over the weekend. Enjoy.
