[BostonCard]

Of course there are still ways to punish defenses that over-sell against the running back even in the absence of play-action:

1) you can use read-option, which constrains at least one defender from attacking too aggressively
2) you can use run-pass options, in which you pass to a vacated space left by an overly aggressive defender

Now, the offense has utilized both of these ideas before, but seemingly not against WSU. Why? It's strange. (Screens or reverses could also serve a similar purpose).  Overall, the lack of a jiu-jitsu counter-punch to WSU's aggressive defense was perhaps the weirdest part of the gameplan. It's hard to say whether any of these options would've worked; it's hard to do anything with a below-minimally-competent offensive line. But (seemingly) the refusal to try any of them was odd.

I wonder if this reflects Costello's inexperience.  I think one of the rationales bandied about against Costello is that he didn't know the playbook as well, and if his development has focused on our bread and butter, perhaps there was some concern that he couldn't execute some of the plays deeper in the playbook, which we bring out to counter efforts by the defense.

I think a reverse wouldn't have worked.  I don't think the issue with WSU was that they overpursued (for which a reverse is a good antidote); it was that they beat their blockers too easily.  A slow developing play like a reverse would probably result in a tackle for loss 10 yards behind the LOS.  A screen might work better, since the goal is to have the defense in the backfield quickly.

BC

[BostonCard]

Of course there are still ways to punish defenses that over-sell against the running back even in the absence of play-action:

1) you can use read-option, which constrains at least one defender from attacking too aggressively
2) you can use run-pass options, in which you pass to a vacated space left by an overly aggressive defender

Now, the offense has utilized both of these ideas before, but seemingly not against WSU. Why? It's strange. (Screens or reverses could also serve a similar purpose).  Overall, the lack of a jiu-jitsu counter-punch to WSU's aggressive defense was perhaps the weirdest part of the gameplan. It's hard to say whether any of these options would've worked; it's hard to do anything with a below-minimally-competent offensive line. But (seemingly) the refusal to try any of them was odd.

I wonder if this reflects Costello's inexperience.  I think one of the rationales bandied about against Costello is that he didn't know the playbook as well, and if his development has focused on our bread and butter, perhaps there was some concern that he couldn't execute some of the plays deeper in the playbook, which we bring out to counter efforts by the defense.

I think a reverse wouldn't have worked.  I don't think the issue with WSU was that they overpursued (for which a reverse is a good antidote); it was that they beat their blockers too easily.  A slow developing play like a reverse would probably result in a tackle for loss 10 yards behind the LOS.  A screen might work better, since the goal is to have the defense in the backfield quickly.

BC