How we beat UTSA

WanderingEagle · November 24, 2021

I've seen a lot of people say Aune makes or breaks this game for us. While we desperately need a statline outside of his weaker performances (~150 yards, 0 TD 1/2 INT), I don't think he needs to be anything better than just okay.

I know people are tired of the over commitment to the run, but we need to HAMMER it Saturday. They are a front seven that has barely allowed 100 RYPG, but UAB rushed for 220 yards and literally gave UTSA that game. I'm not trying to take anything away from UTSA (yes I am, who am I kidding) but UAB wins if they go for it on fourth and literal inches instead of cowardly punting it away.

Western Kentucky (one of the most efficient offenses in college football) were able to spread the ball out and still rush for 147 yards against UTSA and lost by six.

Illinois rushed for 150 and lost by 7.

My point is, we need the RB core to go nuts on Saturday. QBs like Bailey Zappe, Dylan Hopkins and Artur Sitkowski have been able to exploit their secondary. But we NEED three separate 50+yard rushers. We need to wear them out on defense.

Our defense has been phenomenal this year. Phe-no-me-nal. They've allowed 380 total YPG (which is pretty good) and that's largely inflated due to how quickly our offense has given the ball right back to opponents since week one. If we can show up, establish any sort of running game, prevent turnovers, and keep our defense off the field as much as possible, folksd we have a chance. WKU played their game and hung 46 on them. They needed miracles to beat Memphis and UAB. They struggled with Southern Miss, who we destroyed. This team is beatable.

RUN THE EFFIN BALL.

Edited November 24, 2021 by WanderingEagle

greenminer · November 24, 2021

We can be effective running the ball, but I do believe Aune will need to be a step above last week's performance, though not required to be a prime Mason Fine.

I came into this season thinking all we need is a game manager, and I stand by that.

greenminer · November 24, 2021

Football cliche here: get some pressure on their QB. Duh. Immediate follow-up: what has Harris faced this year? Has his protection been solid, or has he been successful while still running for his life a la Bret Favre?

Can we get 3+ sacks? Will we convert multiple 3rd downs into long, sustaining offensive drives?

WanderingEagle · November 24, 2021

Also, not to jinx it, but we have not allowed a single sack since the Liberty game

Wag Tag · November 24, 2021

25 minutes ago, greenminer said:

We can be effective running the ball, but I do believe Aune will need to be a step above last week's performance, though not required to be a prime Mason Fine.

I came into this season thinking all we need is a game manager, and I stand by that.

Don't turn the ball over!!!!!!!!!

greenjoe · November 24, 2021

Now, show up and make this thing happen. I’m convinced we win.

GO MEAN GREEN

greenminer · November 25, 2021

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NorthTexasWeLove · November 25, 2021

Pound the rock. Good high % PA off of said pounding. Make their offense work by not allowing huge plays.

Do that and live with the results.

DeepGreen · November 25, 2021

Score more points than nutsak.

golfingomez · November 25, 2021

11 minutes ago, DeepGreen said:

Score more points than nutsak.

you think that'll work?

SigmaGreen · November 25, 2021

28 minutes ago, DeepGreen said:

Score more points than nutsak.

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DeepGreen · November 25, 2021

1 hour ago, golfingomez said:

you think that'll work?

Welp, I've seen that strategy work before. But what do I know.

97and03 · November 25, 2021

One thing I noted looking at the UAB no score, it seemed the Blazers shut down the run and dared Harris to beat them- which I suppose he did.
Their star RB only had 65 yards on 3.3 a carry. Harris tossed 3TDs on had 323 yards with almost 70 completion percentage.

I think we likely employ a similar strategy but our defensive backfield is our weakness. The twins and Novil will have to get quick pressure on Harris to disrupt the passing game. This worries me on two fronts (in addition to the weak DBs): 1) aggressive twins and blitzing LBs can easily lose containment on the QB; and 2) same aggressive play could be used against us with delayed handoffs to the RB resulting in open running lanes up the middle. Plus they have only given up 13 sacks for the season.
Thoughts on how we should defend the dirtybirds?

Edited November 25, 2021 by 97and03

UNTLifer · November 25, 2021

Win at the line, no stupid penalties, zero turnovers, don’t give them a short field and kick their ass.

First play? Play action, slant to Burns or Ward for a big gain. We have to keep them off balance, rely on the run but don’t be predictable, throw in a few gadget plays and kick their ass.

UNTLifer · November 25, 2021

45 minutes ago, 97and03 said:

Thoughts on how we should defend the dirtybirds?

Stop McCormick, have the Davis boys spy on Harris, disguise coverages well.

WanderingEagle · November 25, 2021

7 minutes ago, UNTLifer said:

Stop McCormick, have the Davis boys spy on Harris, disguise coverages well.

I feel like 2 of these things coming to fruition gives us a good chance. McCormick isn't going to run for 244 yards again.

DeepGreen · November 25, 2021

Try a fake fair catch? Oh, wait......

Glory to the Green · November 25, 2021

Aúne has to hit some big plays to try and keep the defense off balance. No threat of a passing game will make the offense too predictable.

I don’t think they run all over us. They do have big receivers that can go up and get it. Gaddie has been able to hold his own. Whether it’s Davis or Texada, they’re going to need a big day. The d line need to be our stars in the run and passing game.

I don’t want to see a slow first quarter. 0-0 first quarter is okay. Getting down 14-0 is game over. GMG!