Rutgers QB Athan Kaliakmanis burned the Hokies. (Ivan Morozov)
Well, a lot of folks are wondering about “that play” Rutgers ran for fifty uncontested completions or whatever it was. It all comes back to...drum roll, please...Split Zone. Taking into account this run, its RPO iteration, and play-action off the run, the Hokies were hurt by it more than even the broadcast alluded to.
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Did you notice that near the end of the 3rd quarter and part of the 4th quarter tech had Strong and APR flip sides? No RPO or play action worked during this time.
vtgreg
Is there anything specific with the current VT scheme on defense that would lead to key reads being missed or more issues (i.e. big plays for the other offense) when a read is missed?
Bud used to run a 1-gap defense as well and either through coaching or scheme, VT didn't repeatedly have the same type of issues. Maybe they just don't have the erasers at LB or safety that they have in the past to cover up the mistakes.
CapeCodHokie
Rough game for Woodson. Was that his first career start? Going from backup to starter/No. 25 in the same week might have had his head spinning, or unable to fit in his helmet. Plenty to learn from.
Hopefully the short week combined with the Hurricane tempers the amount to which Miami can benefit from this. Hopefully.
MKD
I agree with you about Schlee getting some playing time against Miami. I wouldn't be surprised if Drones gets hurt in this game because Miami has some creative blitz packages and extremely fast players to execute especially from the corners and linebackers.
MKD
Absolutely a fantastic explanation with video support. VT's defense so far this year are making too many mental mistakes in both gap fits and communications pre-snap. I'm sure Miami has added a few more RPOs this week in preparation for the Hokies. Miami has some really cool and new offensive formations this year along with wide receiver route patterns and depths that I haven't seen from them in previous years.
TomTurkey
Coaching (general or game preparation, or both) or execution (game preparation or talent, or both)?
MKD
It appeared to me about a 50/50 split between coaches and players on why Rutgers was so successful with their RPO scheme against Tech. Their players execute RPO very well because they keep it simple and know when to mix it up just slightly enough to gain some chunk yardage plays.
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