Let's talk football strategy

[PK]

SMU vs Tech

If you are SMU, what are your first 3 offensive plays? Do you start out running like last year to encourage 8 in the box so your receivers can get open or do you come out firing down field to open it up for your RB?

If you are Tech, what do you do defensively on that first SMU snap? Play for a run, because that's all SMU did last year, or for a pass, because of SMU's new OC's reputation?

[OldPony]

If the offense hasn't imprioved, I'd quick kick.

[PK]

Thanks for the insight.

[jtstang]

If the offense hasn't imprioved, I'd quick kick.

That was pretty funny, man.

[PlanoStang]

He just remembers the Hayden Fry era. Hayden used it very effectively.

[Dooby]

In all seriousness, I am reluctant to go right at Texas Tech by throwing deep. I want to build some confidence by moving the chains. Going three and out the first series of the first game sounds pretty demoralizing.

Run it and short high percentage passes till you get to midfield and then take your shot deep.

And if I am Tech, I gamble by blitzing early and often-going for the jugular and trying toa take the ponies out of the game quick and trying to stop any kind of offensive rhythm from developing.

[davidsmu94]

First offensive play? sweep pass from the tailback to QB Chris Phillips...give the rb the chance to continue the sweep if things aren't looking right. If I have an inferior team, talent wise, I'm hoping to minimize mistakes, stretch the defense when I can.

[BUS]

Can Foy pass the ball. He would love to burn the tt's.

[RGV Pony]

I'd run Foy behind the strongest side of the line until Tech proved they could stop him. Then I'd run a play action pass & hit one of the burners deep. Finish 'em off with a naked bootleg, or Jesse Henderson coming on an end around after lining up in the slot.

[MrMustang1965]

I don't know but I can't wait to see what happens...and it had better be for the better! If we go 3-and-out on the first series of downs, I won't be a happy camper!

[A-town Pony]

I don't care what the play is as long as we get 1st downs and don't turn the ball over giving Tech a short field to work with. Anything to keep Tech's offense off the field!!

I say pound them between the tackles. We're not faster than Tech, so let's use our strength. A big dose of revenge minded Foy Munlin might just do the trick. Then, we can use play action to open up the passing game.

The first few drives will be key. If our QB can keep his composure and not make any foolish turnovers (ie. forcing a bad pass). We might have a chance to hang in this game. If we have more than 2 TO's, I predict this will get ugly fast (aka OSU last year).

[EastStang]

They are expecting more wide open and will have looked at Cincy's films to get an idea what to expect. I'd line up in a four wide-out formation, and run Munlin to the strongest side of the line. Second play option to the strong side. Third play. Roll out, run-pass option for Phillips.

[PonySnob]

If the offense hasn't imprioved, I'd quick kick.

It is hard to believe that in the post DP era, we haven't used the quick kick at all.

[Pony4Life]

If you ever get the chance before the Tech game to introduce yourselves to Foy Munlin, do so. He has a single-mindedness and focus that's rare. Maybe it's sitting out last because of his transfer, maybe it's because he didn't like the way he was used/treated at Tech .... I don't know. What I do know is that he's a fine athlete who seems nearly possessed by the idea of beating Tech. Again: maybe he harbors a grudge, or maybe he actually gets that geeked up about any team that happens to be next on the schedule. I don't know him well, but when I met him, I was struck by the feeling that I wouldn't bet against him.

With that said, I like the idea posted above: spread four WRs, drop Phillips into the shotgun and pound Munlin until they show they can stop him without stacking the line of scrimmage. If they do move folks up, someone's going to be open downfield, and Phillips has the arm to get the ball there.

[Charleston Pony]

Last year our time of possession was double that of Tech's and everyone remembers the score. I don't think there is any question but that you are going to have to score a lot of points, not turn the ball over and not give up big plays in order to make this game competitive. I guess that means I'm in favor of running the ball until they prove they can stop the run. As I recall, we opened up moving the ball pretty well on the ground last year but KK fumbled and all hell broke loose. I want to see that same 2 to 1 time of possession advantage without the turnovers. Oh...an I wouldn't mind seeing some INTs on SMU's side of the box score.