Armchair Thoughts: A Better Way to Start...

[Beerbully]

On our first possession at Jordan-Hare, with the fans screaming and a decent Auburn D about to go off on us, I would have had Kylin take the first three snaps directly from the wildcat formation. One of those snaps might have been a run-pass option--something he could manage with an easy toss and catch if the tight end was open, or maybe a reverse with Malik Dear in the play. But no reading defenses and changing the play, just three plays designed to get us a first down without letting the crowd and the blitz concern us. If we get a first down, then ease into our read option and play action stuff. If not, punt and try to make them start on their end of the field.

What's so hard about this?

 

[8dog]

How about just taking any snap before the play clock runs?

 

[Beerbully]

Agreed, but how many times over the years have we started road games in the SEC deep in our own territory with disastrous results, yielding field position and falling behind right off the bat. I've seen it time and time again at LSU, Alabama and Auburn. My point is that a coach should plan for hostile conditions on the road, especially at the start of the game, and manage the situation. We looked, well...unplanned.

 

[bruiser.sixpack]

Agreed, but how many times over the years have we started road games in the SEC deep in our own territory with disastrous results, yielding field position and falling behind right off the bat. I've seen it time and time again at LSU, Alabama and Auburn. My point is that a coach should plan for hostile conditions on the road, especially at the start of the game, and manage the situation. We looked, well...unplanned.

I think there was a plan. Just a very POOR ONE!