Atlanta Griz1
Well-known member
UM coaches have never seemed to be able to stop the triple-option offense. Paulsen could not do it, and Gregorak has not been able to do it. I have been watched the triple-option for many years, starting with the Grizzlies running it in 1969-70 under Swarthout, then watching Southern Georgia run it, then Southern Utah, and now Cal Poly. Yes, it is a very challenging offense to stop. But it can be done.
Here are the keys:
1) First, you have to tackle the dive back on EVERY PLAY. You commit a D-end or LB to tackle the dive back, with no regard for the other options. This forces the QB to explore the 2nd and 3rd option. Of these two, stopping the QB from running is the next most important thing.
2) To stop the 2nd part of the triple-option, you have to have very mobile and quick LBs, which is one of our assets.
3) Next, you should have a strong safety who is a good tackler, and is physical. We have that.
4) Third, if you can play man with your CBs on their outside receivers, it allows you to stack 8 players near the line of scrimmage to stop the option attack. You commit to stopping the option running game, and invite them to throw the football. Your free safety is very important in negating a successful passing attack. We are very young there with Rasmussen, which is a concern. But I like this kid a lot, and I think he may be up to the task.
4a) Last, we should employ well-disguised run-blitzes, which disrupt the timing of the triple-option and can also take out the lead blocking back for the possible pitch (3rd option). It is a crap shoot guess as to whether Poly runs the option to the left, or the right. But, if we guess correctly on the run-blitz, it can lead to a loss, or even a fumble. It should not be used all that often, because it can expose us to a huge gain if we guess wrong. But, I would show it a couple of times early in the game, to let Poly know that we will use it at times.
5) To stop the 3rd option (pitch), your need your CBs to be strong tacklers against the run. They must also be able to shed a block in order to force the pitch back to run inside instead of getting outside to the sidelines. I think Harris is capable of doing that, and I hope our #18 is also capable.
6) In our game last season versus Poly, we could not stop the second option. We need to make the adjustment to closing the QB down. Yes, Poly has a great running QB, but other teams were able to hold him in check. It can be done. Can Ty figure out how to do it? We'll see on Saturday.
Here are the keys:
1) First, you have to tackle the dive back on EVERY PLAY. You commit a D-end or LB to tackle the dive back, with no regard for the other options. This forces the QB to explore the 2nd and 3rd option. Of these two, stopping the QB from running is the next most important thing.
2) To stop the 2nd part of the triple-option, you have to have very mobile and quick LBs, which is one of our assets.
3) Next, you should have a strong safety who is a good tackler, and is physical. We have that.
4) Third, if you can play man with your CBs on their outside receivers, it allows you to stack 8 players near the line of scrimmage to stop the option attack. You commit to stopping the option running game, and invite them to throw the football. Your free safety is very important in negating a successful passing attack. We are very young there with Rasmussen, which is a concern. But I like this kid a lot, and I think he may be up to the task.
4a) Last, we should employ well-disguised run-blitzes, which disrupt the timing of the triple-option and can also take out the lead blocking back for the possible pitch (3rd option). It is a crap shoot guess as to whether Poly runs the option to the left, or the right. But, if we guess correctly on the run-blitz, it can lead to a loss, or even a fumble. It should not be used all that often, because it can expose us to a huge gain if we guess wrong. But, I would show it a couple of times early in the game, to let Poly know that we will use it at times.
5) To stop the 3rd option (pitch), your need your CBs to be strong tacklers against the run. They must also be able to shed a block in order to force the pitch back to run inside instead of getting outside to the sidelines. I think Harris is capable of doing that, and I hope our #18 is also capable.
6) In our game last season versus Poly, we could not stop the second option. We need to make the adjustment to closing the QB down. Yes, Poly has a great running QB, but other teams were able to hold him in check. It can be done. Can Ty figure out how to do it? We'll see on Saturday.
