South Florida vs. East Carolina
Monday, November 23, 2009
|
South Florida Offense vs. East Carolina Defense Offensive coordinator Rod Smith runs a lot of designed quarterback keepers out of multiple-receiver sets, and for good reason. Redshirt freshman QB Matt Grothe has excellent athletic ability and reads his blocks well. Second, the spread sets create vertical seams by stretching the defensive front horizontally and they put pressure on the defense to replace a linebacker with a defensive back. Third, running Grothe so much forces the linebackers to respect a fake hand-off quarterback keep on every snap. As a result, the linebackers have to hesitate for a moment, making it easier for blockers to get into position at the second level and create seams for the back when Grothe hands the ball off. Fourth, there has been some instability at running back. Benjamin Williams is a walk-on that got the starting nod because of an injury and a suspension. Though he is quick and shifty, he lacks ideal power and the size to consistently carry the ball 20 times a game. Ricky Ponton, who served a six-game suspension to open the season, is bigger and more effective between the tackles, but he doesn't have great speed or elusiveness. The key for East Carolina will be keeping Grothe contained and adjusting its approach to the back that's in the game. However, that should prove difficult for a run defense that has given up an average of 4 yards per carry this year.
|
 |
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider. |