SMU Linebackers vs Tech Receivers

[Rebel10]

I know in the practice reports PP said that our linebackers were covering our receivers well in practice. And that our linebackers had real good speed. But SMU receiver speed and Tech receiver speed might be two different animals. I hope Mason makes good (not bad) adjustments if the linebackers start getting burned by the Tech receivers.

[sbsmith]

Our LBs having to cover their WRs (especially at HUNO speed) won't be pleasant for us. The only way we're going to stop their passing game is by getting a consistent rush on their QB (which we've failed to do the last three openers).

[TWALV33]

At least we have good depth in our LBs and secondary

[JasonB]

For once we have enough depth in the secondary to play a nickel.

[SMU 86]

At some point you would think we would put in 5 or more DB's and take out a linebacker. I don't care how good of depth we have at linebacker in most cases linebackers can't cover fast receivers.

[ojaipony]

A nickel will help - hopefully roundtree puts it together.

For me I'm just expecting it to get ugly quickly as history has shown with a KK hurry up offense. I wish it wasn't the case but I'm pessimistic until proven wrong (expect even less of a "pass rush" this year).

[mrydel]

Linebackers will not be covering their receivers in a man coverage. PP just said our linebackers were fast enough to do so and were probably doing it some in some 7 on 7. Linebackers may have to cover a running back but the receivers will be left to the corners and safeties other than some zone coverage.

[Rebel10]

I just saw a replay of the SMU/ATM on cable. Our linebackers were covering receivers a good amount of the time.

[redpony]

None of this is important. We all know that JJ only considers these OOC games as practice games. We will only get prepared for league play. After all - who cares- only the fans, the fball press and those that prepare the weekly rankings.

[Mustangsabu]

We have the best secondary we have had in years. We have the deepest LB corps we have had in years. Mason will have a good plan.

We are 8 days out. Time to put the pitchforks down and get behind the kids. Let them play and this one is in the bag.

42-28 SMU.

[PSCA]

We don’t run man coverage … zone. But, there are times based on the “D” call and the offense that unfolds for a specific play when a LB will have say a vertical responsibility on a play … and maybe locked up on a receiver. That happened a few times in the A&M game and other games. One was the nice play T-Reed had at the North end zone in the 1st half of A&M on a wr … I think either #84 or #13. JG also that game. But, this is the exception not the rule.

Typically it is flat coverage, 1st 3rd, underneath converge, middle coverage .. LOS to 15yds -18yds … that kind of stuff. They pick up and pass off wr/rb as they enter and exit the zone. Sometimes, again based on the call and the play they will let a receiver go if he cuts out and roll to the middle, or they can go with him on the out. That’s something that can get a little confusing for us fans. We sometimes think they blew an assignment because it does not look like they did the same thing on similar looking play.

I don’t think speed and the ability to run in space has been an issue/concern for our LBS for a few years now. But, anytime a LB has to cover a wr, no doubt it’s a gamble … that’s true for SMU and Alabama.
I don’t think our speed is handicapped. One of the best receivers TT has had in the last few years was Lyle Leon Jr … he was 4.55 guy, but had major league ups and hands. I think ES, AR, DJ etc. had speed … and Cole was your typical slot … not as much top end, but a lot of quickness. So, I think we get a good look in practice. Mason will have a solid plan, and we have talent and depth to go around ... Just MO.

[lwjr]

IF Kliff Kingsbury gets his wish of running 80+ offensive plays a game it will not matter if our LB's are the New England Patriots.

http://texastech.scout.com/2/1315209.html

[PonyPride]

I didn't mean to suggest that the defense has changed to have SMU linebackers shadowing opposing receivers around the field. That's what the defensive backs are for.

All I said was that, since there are times that a linebacker has to occasionally match up with a receiver, the speed of the current linebackers is really impressive. But I didn't mean to suggest for a minute that it's going to be a regular thing. Sorry if my comment came across that way.

[ponyscott]

Its just nice to know we DO have speed at the LB position to cover if need be.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Hopefully after the first couple of series Tech will be afraid to throw so it shouldn't really be a problem.