Play Calling - Execution

[StatTiger 3,188]

In most cases, a play call often goes awry not because of schemes or poor judgment but because of poor execution. It only takes one player to blow his assignment for a play to go wrong. This was the case during the delay sideline route from Jonathan Wallace to Ricardo Louis.

The play...

On this play the Auburn offense faces a 3rd & 6 from their own 49-yard line. Auburn will attempt a delayed sideline route to Ricardo Louis after faking a screen pass to him.

At the snap, Louis is lined up in the slot on the wide side of the field. Jonathan Wallace will fake the screen to Louis, who draws 2 defenders towards him (Image #2). Wallace then progresses to his vertical route, which allows Louis to slip down the sideline, basically uncovered. This is often the case in Malzahn's offense, when the focus is taken away from a skill player, he is often left unaccounted for.

The play appears to set up nicely but Dee Ford disrupts the timing of the play, beating Ricky Parks and Cameron Artis-Payne, responsible for doubling up on the DE. Ford splits the two pass blockers and is able to get to the QB, preventing Wallace from stepping into his throw. The pass-rush results in Wallace making a poor throw, which sails out of bounds and away from a wide open Louis down the field.

It was a great call but pass protection broke down and Wallace made a poor throw. The lack of execution not only resulted in a punting situation but it also prevented a play, which would have likely set up a scoring drive.

[AUenginerd 16]

Hopefully Dee can get through some double teams like that this fall. Great analysis Stat. WDE!

[marshallcotiger 0]

I didn't realize he wasn't able to step into that throw and knowing that makes me feel a little better about him. On his int he had a similar situation where Miller was pushed back into his face and he kind of jumped to throw the football. He still shouldn't have thrown the pass in that manner but Miller shares some of the blame on his int.

[keesler 5,975]

Gus' offensive system relies heavily in perfect execution to get the desired results. The offense runs so fast and has a large amount of shifts and movements that it is very important to execute every single snap or you risk a busted play. I think once these players get the feel for what their individual jobs are, they will be fine.