Triple option no stranger to Utah

by JazzyUte on Dec 29, 2011 2:34 AM MST in Sun Bowl

Utah's opponent in the Sun Bowl runs an offense that is pretty unique to college football. It's pesky. It's efficient and it can eat up an entire quarter in one drive (okay, maybe not that much time, but you get the idea).

Of course, it's the triple option and it's the offense Georgia Tech adopted when Paul Johnson became the head coach back in 2007.

It's a tricky offense to game plan against and I'm sure the Utes are well aware of this.

Prior to accepting the Yellow Jackets' offer to become head coach, Johnson ran his triple option at Navy. In fact, Utah actually played the Midshipmen the year he departed Annapolis for Atlanta. He didn't coach in the game, but Ken Niumatalolo, his offensive coordinator (now current head coach of Navy) and future triple option protege, ran the same basic offense in the Poinsettia Bowl - a 35-32 Utah victory.

So, this current coaching staff has lined up against the Johnson-specific triple option, which is pretty much the same system in 2007 as it is today, even though he's running it with a difference team.

In that game, the Utes struggled stopping the offense. The Midshipmen actually jumped out to a 17-7 second half lead before Utah eventually stormed back and took a ten point lead late. The game tightened considerably with about a minute left, as Navy scored on a 58 yard pass (which, all things considered, is pretty rare for this offense) and then recovered the onside kick before Joe Dale intercepted a pass with only seconds remaining.

The Midshipmen tore up the Utes for 438 yards of offense, 316 of which came on the ground.

Even so, much of the offensive success Navy saw in that game came in the first half. Outside their fluke 58 yard pass with less than a minute left (soft coverage will do that), Utah outscored the Midshipmen 28-7 in the second half.

The adjustments made by the coaching staff changed the dynamics of the game and allowed the Utes to not only get back into it, but also to build two double digit leads in the second half.

But all things considered, Utah was lucky to get out of that game with a victory. It was a hard fought win for the Utes, which shouldn't be a surprise since facing a similar offense in conference play, against Air Force, has yielded similar results.

We're more familiar with the Falcons, as Utah had shared a conference with them for a bit over 30 years. Their offense, initially adopted by Ken Hatfield and developed over the years by Fisher DeBerry and now Troy Calhoun, has given Ute fans heartburn for the better half of the last 20 years.

No game against Air Force has been easy. Even in 2004, when Utah went undefeated and blew out every opponent by two scores or more, the Falcons still managed to make the game more competitive than any other team the Utes faced that season - even opening up an early 14-0 lead.

Every game since has pretty much come down to the final possession. Some have been high scoring (as was the case in '04, '05), but most have been defensive battles.

Always, though, the Utes seem to defend the triple option the same way every season. They overplay the run and force those teams to beat them through the air.

The Falcons could never really do that. Since '03, they've managed to beat Utah only once (2007) and, like always, that game came down to one play - a fourth down run play from the goal line that failed.

In last year's game, Tim Jefferson actually had a career high in passing yards (at the time), throwing for 201 yards - but it was the two interceptions and two huge fourth down stops in the final quarter that preserved the win.

What's interesting is that the Poinsettia Bowl was dramatically different than the Air Force games of that season and what we've come to expect from both programs. As I mentioned, it was an offensive extravaganza in San Diego back in '07, and the last time both Air Force and Utah showed any offensive prowess against one another was in 2005.

Even though, in '10, the Utes entered the Falcon game with one of the top offenses in the country.

I don't have any reason for this except that, at least against Air Force, the coaching staff probably approaches the game with a more conservative game plan that tries its best to keep the triple option off the field.

It makes sense. I can't recall any real offensively aggressive game plan over the last few seasons and I really have to go back to that '05 game, Whittingham's first season, and one that turned into a track meet where the offenses really lit up the scoreboard and played absolutely brilliantly.

I guess last year's game bucked that recent trend, with Air Force torching Utah for 411 yards. But even then, they only managed 23 points. Not exactly an offensive showcase like what they put on last night in the Military Bowl against Toledo.

Ultimately, history indicates Utah will have a very close game with Georgia Tech this Saturday. They haven't truly blown out a triple option team since '04 and every game since, whether against Navy or Air Force, has been won by the smallest of margins.

Fortunately, the Utes are 6-1 against that offense since '05.

Unfortunately, this is definitely a more talented team that runs its pesky offense than either the Midshipmen or Falcons.

So, maybe familiarity means little in the grand scheme of this game.

I guess we'll find out.

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Comments

I like the matchup

I agree it will be as close as any other of those games, but that’s the most we can hope for with this unpredictable offense we have. Just give ourselves a chance to win and hope we can make enough plays… And i’m now happy we aren’t facing RG3 and the Baylor offense in the Alamo bowl tomorrow. Good luck with that washington!

by utahmanami on Dec 29, 2011 3:36 AM MST reply actions

Agreed...

If Utah can keep from turning it over and move the ball well enough, I think they’ll be okay.

Georgia Tech ranked 8th nationally in rushing yards given up per game (162.9). I like the idea of a healthy White against that defense.

by JazzyUte on Dec 29, 2011 4:58 AM MST up reply actions

wow...8th in the ACC - not nationally! Teach me to post at 5 in the morning.

Off to sleep. Gotta get up in two hours.

by JazzyUte on Dec 29, 2011 5:09 AM MST up reply actions

Triple Option

If you look at the effectiveness, and what’s required to run the triple option, it’s really something we should consider for ourselves… Just an idea.

by Mercury on Dec 29, 2011 6:36 AM MST reply actions

Far too many turnovers...

All the academies run some sort of triple option attack and these schools utilize the smartest most disciplined student athletes in the country to do it. It’s a great equalizer for teams that will be undersized or can’t match up athletically. I have run the triple myself since I was a little leaguer all the way up through small college and I think most with experience in the offense will say that you will have to take some good for some bad. Making split second reads against 325 pound 3 techniques or a 6’7" defensive end with a 7’ wing span can create havoc on an option QB. When the ball can end up in 3 different players hands on one play, ball security becomes a major issue. However, most O-coordinators have an idea what to expect in terms of who is responsible for FB or QB.

I love the option, but this is not what Utah needs. Now going back to a multiple formation spread attack with the QB under center 40% of the time with a 60-40% run to pass ratio could be perfect. That way Coach Whit can still get his downhill run game and we don’t have to be so one dimensional…

by Oo.ReAL.oO on Dec 29, 2011 7:07 AM MST up reply actions

This

It brings an undersized or un-athletic team closer to a 50/50 chance of winning than they would be in a pro style offense. It shrinks the margin of error for a higher quality team, however. It was a good strategy when we had 2 and 3 star guys filling out our roster. Now that we are looking to move up to 3 and 4, a pro style offense gives us a better chance to win.

Not to mention, the triple option appears to be woefully ineffective in bowl games. Just ask Johnson since he got to GT.

by Joseph Silverzweig on Dec 29, 2011 9:36 AM MST up reply actions

What impact will Kruger’s absence have on Utah’s ability to stop the run? Who takes his spot?

by utes144 on Dec 29, 2011 8:25 AM MST via mobile reply actions

I'm not sure who takes his spot

but we’ve still got Joe Kruger, and a bevy of backups who would be starting at most other schools. I don’t think we’ll notice a significant downturn.

Also, the Tech run game does not rely on its O-line at all, which is undersized. I think our second string guys should be able to get penetration. It’s around the corners of the defense that we’re going to get burned, if we get burned.

by Joseph Silverzweig on Dec 29, 2011 9:37 AM MST up reply actions

Triple Option

Good for GT: has reinvigorated the fan base, although the NCfrickinAA will tell you that nobody won the 2009 ACC Championship because of $312 worth of T shirts supposedly causing Demarius Thomas to NOT be a student athlete.

Positives:

Can be explosive, or can grind the clock and keep opponent’s Offense sitting(and D gassed).
Fun to watch when it runs well. When the cameraman can’t follow the ball, you’re seeing good 3Option.
Frustrates the hell out of D’s without the time to prepare for the discipline to maintain their lanes and assignments. Also cut blocks, not crack back blocks, although we do get called for them (watch CPJ light up a Zebra on that call!)
There’s always something the Coach can throw in to mix it up more. Rocket Reverse’s, traps, hell, I’m expecting the hook ’n ladder and Statue of Liberty on Saturday. CPJ watches the D, and makes up plays as he goes (run to the Buick, hook left).
Put 8 in the box and a Safety on an Island and watch out for the loooong pass, and hoping Stephen Hill catches it. He was outrageous against the softer part of the schedule, less so later in the season.
4th and 1? Go for it.
QB must be a Warrior to take the punishment on every play. Josh Nesbitt was Braveheart/GI Joe, Tevin Washington less so.

Negatives:

Not built to come from behind.
Not built to bring in 5 star recruits who want to play on Sundays (I don’t think we’d get Calvin Johnson or Demarius Thomas today). However, on the D side, I feel that guys will come to play for Al Groh cause he knows the NFL and the 3-4 D.
TURNOVERS especially on the pitch.
Not built for Bowl Games where a good D has a month to practice (LSU, Iowa, USAF), or an ACC team coming off a bye week – hello Frank Beemer!

In CPJ we trust, looking forward to Saturday, cause the only thing for the next 8 months down here is heat, humidity, hurricanes, Mosquitos, politicians, and NO CFB!

You'd do it for Randolph Scott!
RANDOLPH SCOTT!

by DressHerInWhiteAndGold on Dec 29, 2011 8:48 AM MST reply actions

Utah defense

Describe the Utah defensive line for me. Actually, lets start with the basics, is Utah running 4-3, 3-4, or other? OK, now back to the first question. Is the DL a bunch of huge long armed all powerful monsters, a bunch of smaller athletic types with speed, or something else? How many potential future NFL players are on the DL?

If the DL has multiple huge and fast players, then I foresee trouble for GT. If there is only one guy to speak of and the rest are so-so, then GT should be able to manage.

How good are the Utah CB and free safeties? Are they shutdown types or are they merely serviceable players whose success relies heavily on the front 7 to create pressure?

Ultimately, I think there are two ways to reliably beat the GT offense. The first way is to have good penetration or a strong push by the DL. If the Utah DL can keep the GT OL stuck on LOS or routinely tackle the QB for a loss or no gain, then the offense will stall. The second way is to commit everyone to run defense and play man-to-man coverage in the secondary and force GT to pass with the goal of taking advantage of GT’s lousy completion percentage (46%). If the corners and safeties are good enough, this is a viable strategy. On the surface GT’s pass efficiency is very good – #18 in the nation – but that is due to the ridiculous passing stats posted in the first five games of the season. In 5 of the last 7 games, the passing efficiency was well under 100 with 58 pass attempts in those 5 games.

by Dive Keep and Pitch on Dec 29, 2011 10:31 AM MST reply actions

Utah plays a 4-3 defense that relies heavily on Man to Man Coverage from the secondary.

The DL’s best player is an absolute star, as in Pac 12 Defensive lineman of the year Star Lotulelei. However the DL is no one trick pony. He’s also joined by fellow Pac 12 All First Team mate Derrick Shelby. The Kruger brothers, one of whom will be missing, aren’t too bad in their own rights.

Shelby and Star and the probable sure-fire NFL players. A Kruger brother may get a sniff, since brother Paul has been turning it on for the Ravens, and the Utes have a history of putting players in the NFL. Far too early projection I could make would be Nate Fakahafua making it in 3 years.

The defense weight wise is right about the mid 280’s. The Utes also rotate a lot. They have a bunch of players who would be contributors on other teams. Not understating this, You can expect quality playing time for any of the following players during the game, Nate Fakahafua, Joe Kruger, Derrick Shelby, Seni Fauonuku, Tevita Finau, James Aiono, Star Lotulelei, LT Tuipulotu. Utah likes to rotate enough players, and have enough players to keep the linemates fresh. (Last year we had a frequent rotation of 13 guys) And to make things interesting, Trevor Reilly who’s officially listed as a LB will also sometimes come off the line.

Secondary wise, the Utes rely on shutdown Man to Man coverage. They may not have the star power of the past few years, but this is a young, fast and good secondary. Brian Blechen is the star of course. He’s the name most likely to be known by someone not following the Utes, and with good reason. He’s a stud. He has been ever since winning the job as a true freshmen last year, while going through camp with a pulled groin. The fact that he eats Bees doesn’t hurt his legend either.

On the Corners, Conroy Black is the primary guy, who has managed to turn in a decent year. Coming into the season the Utes streak of sending 5 DB’s into the NFL since 2008 looked like it was going to be snapped, but Black’s play, especially in the second half of the season, may have him sniffing a 3rd day pick.

Ryan Lacy is a gambler, but a play maker, and Mo Lee is a converted WR who has 4 INT’s. They will be manning the other Corner, and Nickel spot.

Safeties wise, Blechen is joined by True Freshman Eric Rowe, who has been an absolute stud.

This is one of the younger secondaries the Utes have had for a while, after having to rebuild the secondary after 2009, and 2010, but it could end up being one of the most playmaking secondaries when their careers are all said and done.

by UnHoly Ram on Dec 29, 2011 11:12 AM MST reply actions

Trevor Reilly?

Did something happen to him that I don’t know about? I thought he was starting at DE.

I think when all is said and done, the defense GT will see this week will put 3-5 players in the draft. Star is the only one I’d say is a first-round pick. Next year, he may be a top 10 pick.

by Joseph Silverzweig on Dec 29, 2011 11:35 AM MST up reply actions

Reilly is offically listed as a LB.

He’s never been a starter. He actually started the season as the backup stud LB behind Blechen.

However he’s a rover. So while he’s listed at LB, he sees a lot of time at DE. Especially on 3rd down and obvious passing situations. But you’ll also see him drop back to LB.

Similar to the way even though Blechen is a safety now, he still plays a bit of Safety/LB hybrid.

by UnHoly Ram on Dec 29, 2011 11:54 AM MST up reply actions

Sounds like the GT OL will have its hands full

It looks like the silver lining is that the GT OL matches up comparably, if not favorably, in terms of weight. Though that doesn’t necessarily mean a whole lot.

The starting GT WR will probably be Melton (6’-0") and Hill (6’-5"). Hill is obviously the big target and gets most of the looks. The matchup between Hill and whichever Utah defender gets assigned to him will be of interest.

by Dive Keep and Pitch on Dec 29, 2011 11:54 AM MST up reply actions

I'd have loved to play Texas last night

I know the Sun Bowl is the better bowl game, but from what I saw last night the match up with UT would have been interesting. How did Cal score all those points against us this year?

Well hell last minute decision I couldn’t stand it and bought tickets for this game. It better be frickin good! We’ll represent the many fans who couldn’t make the trip.

Go Utes!

by Unexpected Ute on Dec 29, 2011 5:12 PM MST reply actions