[Goose]

I definitely remember feeling like the Syracuse game had significantly fewer reverse/misdirection running plays than previous games. Maybe TT turns to misdirection when he feels like the offense/O-line is likely outmatched physically or based on the opponent's defensive tendencies.

I think you are correct. Syracuse has a statistically "bad" run defense. Stanford committed to running against them and it "worked". No need for trickery. FWIW I think Syracuse absolutely did NOT expect that. I do think TT responds both to the opponents known tendencies  and to what he sees on the field (which may be different). Empirically he tends to call sweeps and reverses when the OL isn't getting much push or making any holes. Unfortunately if the DL is frequently getting penetration there isn't much you can do.

[Goose]

I definitely remember feeling like the Syracuse game had significantly fewer reverse/misdirection running plays than previous games. Maybe TT turns to misdirection when he feels like the offense/O-line is likely outmatched physically or based on the opponent's defensive tendencies.

I think you are correct. Syracuse has a statistically "bad" run defense. Stanford committed to running against them and it "worked". No need for trickery. FWIW I think Syracuse absolutely did NOT expect that. I do think TT responds both to the opponents known tendencies  and to what he sees on the field (which may be different). Empirically he tends to call sweeps and reverses when the OL isn't getting much push or making any holes. Unfortunately if the DL is frequently getting penetration there isn't much you can do.