Do we use a spy?

Platinumcat · Post by **Platinumcat** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:18 pm

Torry Bruce brought this up in an earlier thread comment. I've been thinking about it for a while now as to what I thought about it.

I keep going back to the EWU game last year. Their defense used one guy who spied on Travis the whole game. As soon as Travis would try to take off and run, that guy was all over him.

I'm not sure our defensive set up allows us to do it. But, what other thoughts do you have about the possibility of utilizing this strategy to stop their QB?

BozoneCat · Post by **BozoneCat** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:46 pm

We did it against the griz when we broke the streak in 2002. I believe it was primarily Roger Cooper who spied John Edwards most of the game - and who can argue with those results!?!

I think we definitely need to employ some type of spy system, but it might be advantagious for us to mix up who the spy is so the offense can't make adjustments at the line.

torrybruce · Post by **torrybruce** » Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:49 pm

I think we have the athletes on the team (Daly, Force, LeBlanc) to play spy and could mix it up quite well and keep them guessing.

Cat in NC · Post by **Cat in NC** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 7:34 am

Let me just put it this way, we gotta do something. My personal preference would be for some sort of spy, but the coaches have to be very careful with this. First, Edwards is ridiculously fast. Second, he delivers a hit and takes punishment like no 165-pounder I've ever seen. So, that leads me to believe that the Cats would have to spy him with someone fast who can hit (sure would be nice to have a healthy Epi King...)

On the other hand, we can't let an obsession with Edwards lead to forgetting about Richardson. He's scored 20 TDs this year, and it's not by accident. He's a threat running the ball and catching the ball (I think he's their 3rd leading receiver). I guess what I'm trying to say is that spying Edwards in some fashion is definitely a good idea, but that the other 10 defenders need to play their absolute best to make sure the other App weapons don't beat them. Richardson, Bettis (TE), Mayfield (WR) and company. The Cats have the manpower, especially with some of the nicked-up defenders returning, now they just need the right gameplan. And the large one is just the man for the job.

083190 · Post by **083190** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 10:14 am

The best thing to do is to use the short passing game and draw plays to keep the ball. ASU's offense can't hurt you if they don't have the ball. THis is the same formula used last year against UM. If you get up in the 2nd half then you can pound it a little. Nothing frustrates a defense more than 5-6 yards a crack on short passes or draws.

torrybruce · Post by **torrybruce** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 10:23 am

083190 wrote:The best thing to do is to use the short passing game and draw plays to keep the ball. ASU's offense can't hurt you if they don't have the ball. THis is the same formula used last year against UM. If you get up in the 2nd half then you can pound it a little. Nothing frustrates a defense more than 5-6 yards a crack on short passes or draws.

Your best defense is a good offense

appgrad1 · Post by **appgrad1** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:06 pm

barechestcat wrote:I keep going back to the EWU game last year. Their defense used one guy who spied on Travis the whole game. As soon as Travis would try to take off and run, that guy was all over him.

I'm not sure our defensive set up allows us to do it. But, what other thoughts do you have about the possibility of utilizing this strategy to stop their QB?

I think the ONLY way to beat Edwards & ASU is to keep Edwards off the field. Try running the ball straight ahead - smash-mouth football style & eat up the clock. The closest game of the year for ASU, that's what they did: ASU 14 - Wofford 7. As long as the runner averages 3.5 yards a pop, you'll be OK. But DON'T get bored & try to run outside or get too fancy. ASU's team speed will make you regret it.

As for posting a "spy" on Edwards, unless you have an MLB that is quicker than a squirrel, this spy will have a looonng night. Have him wear at least two athletic supporters - he'll need more than one.

CelticCat · Post by **CelticCat** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:10 pm

If King were healthy, he might have the speed to spy. But with his injury, I don't think anyone else does. The only one I could see having a chance would be Matthews - Daly is too valuable as a run-stopped and blitzer to assign solely to watch Edwards.

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:13 pm

I can't wait to see how our size and speed matches up with your size and speed. Understand speed kills, but I also remember watching UMASS line up and smash GSU in the face with brute force and completely blow up their option. Any chance for a little rain

Post by **rtb** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:14 pm

Actually I think we are going to run a double spy defense with Charles Norice covering one position and that new transfer from USC as the other spy. There is no one that can get past those two.

Platinumcat · Post by **Platinumcat** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:32 pm

Cat in NC wrote:Let me just put it this way, we gotta do something. My personal preference would be for some sort of spy, but the coaches have to be very careful with this. First, Edwards is ridiculously fast. Second, he delivers a hit and takes punishment like no 165-pounder I've ever seen. So, that leads me to believe that the Cats would have to spy him with someone fast who can hit (sure would be nice to have a healthy Epi King...)
On the other hand, we can't let an obsession with Edwards lead to forgetting about Richardson. He's scored 20 TDs this year, and it's not by accident. He's a threat running the ball and catching the ball (I think he's their 3rd leading receiver). I guess what I'm trying to say is that spying Edwards in some fashion is definitely a good idea, but that the other 10 defenders need to play their absolute best to make sure the other App weapons don't beat them. Richardson, Bettis (TE), Mayfield (WR) and company. The Cats have the manpower, especially with some of the nicked-up defenders returning, now they just need the right gameplan. And the large one is just the man for the job.

Your wish is the coach's command.

appgrad1 · Post by **appgrad1** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:32 pm

Cat Grad wrote:I can't wait to see how our size and speed matches up with your size and speed. Understand speed kills, but I also remember watching UMASS line up and smash GSU in the face with brute force and completely blow up their option. Any chance for a little rain

I presume by GSU you mean Georgia Southern. I did not realize they played UMass this year. The GSU of this year is not the same GSU team of recent vintage that ran the option so well. New coach, new system, and new result (losing season for the first time in forever).

I heard ASU's offense described as an "option," but I don't think that is right. There may be a play or two where it looks like the QB has options, but it is better described as a no-huddle, spread attack that can run or pass as needed.

Size-wise, MSU is probably larger. But, speed-wise, ASU is faster and quicker. Apparently, speed beats size. You can't hit what you can't catch.

As for rain, I don't think it is supposed to. It will be cold though. 'Course, you guys may think its T-shirt weather. Good luck!

Cat Grad · Post by **Cat Grad** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:43 pm

appgrad1 wrote:
Cat Grad wrote:I can't wait to see how our size and speed matches up with your size and speed. Understand speed kills, but I also remember watching UMASS line up and smash GSU in the face with brute force and completely blow up their option. Any chance for a little rain
I presume by GSU you mean Georgia Southern. I did not realize they played UMass this year. The GSU of this year is not the same GSU team of recent vintage that ran the option so well. New coach, new system, and new result (losing season for the first time in forever).

I heard ASU's offense described as an "option," but I don't think that is right. There may be a play or two where it looks like the QB has options, but it is better described as a no-huddle, spread attack that can run or pass as needed.

Size-wise, MSU is probably larger. But, speed-wise, ASU is faster and quicker. Apparently, speed beats size. You can't hit what you can't catch.

As for rain, I don't think it is supposed to. It will be cold though. 'Course, you guys may think its T-shirt weather. Good luck!

I suppose it was 97 or 98 in Choo Choo when GSU had seven turnovers but only lost 55-43 on a very wet field. Haven't seen your offense since last year's championship, but it looked somewhat like Cal Poly. Our own speed kills us against a good decision maker and a lot of counters and misdirection plays at his disposal. Key for us will be making our kids stay home and keep everything in front of them and then swarm to the ball.

083190 · Post by **083190** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:47 pm

Everybody has a plan 'til they get hit in the mouth!

Post by **kmax** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:53 pm

barechestcat wrote:
Cat in NC wrote:Let me just put it this way, we gotta do something. My personal preference would be for some sort of spy, but the coaches have to be very careful with this. First, Edwards is ridiculously fast. Second, he delivers a hit and takes punishment like no 165-pounder I've ever seen. So, that leads me to believe that the Cats would have to spy him with someone fast who can hit (sure would be nice to have a healthy Epi King...)
On the other hand, we can't let an obsession with Edwards lead to forgetting about Richardson. He's scored 20 TDs this year, and it's not by accident. He's a threat running the ball and catching the ball (I think he's their 3rd leading receiver). I guess what I'm trying to say is that spying Edwards in some fashion is definitely a good idea, but that the other 10 defenders need to play their absolute best to make sure the other App weapons don't beat them. Richardson, Bettis (TE), Mayfield (WR) and company. The Cats have the manpower, especially with some of the nicked-up defenders returning, now they just need the right gameplan. And the large one is just the man for the job.
Your wish is the coach's command.

What exactly are you trying to imply here? Hopefully what I think you are.

Cat in NC · Post by **Cat in NC** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:08 pm

rtb wrote:Actually I think we are going to run a double spy defense with Charles Norice covering one position and that new transfer from USC as the other spy. There is no one that can get past those two.

Seriously?!?!?! I can't believe that Norice is healthy enough to play in this game! Returning this quickly is almost superhuman. As for the USC transfer, is that Tate? Wasn't he on some sort of suspension for wiping out one of the workers in the AD?

Cat in NC · Post by **Cat in NC** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:09 pm

kmax wrote:
barechestcat wrote:
Cat in NC wrote:Let me just put it this way, we gotta do something. My personal preference would be for some sort of spy, but the coaches have to be very careful with this. First, Edwards is ridiculously fast. Second, he delivers a hit and takes punishment like no 165-pounder I've ever seen. So, that leads me to believe that the Cats would have to spy him with someone fast who can hit (sure would be nice to have a healthy Epi King...)
On the other hand, we can't let an obsession with Edwards lead to forgetting about Richardson. He's scored 20 TDs this year, and it's not by accident. He's a threat running the ball and catching the ball (I think he's their 3rd leading receiver). I guess what I'm trying to say is that spying Edwards in some fashion is definitely a good idea, but that the other 10 defenders need to play their absolute best to make sure the other App weapons don't beat them. Richardson, Bettis (TE), Mayfield (WR) and company. The Cats have the manpower, especially with some of the nicked-up defenders returning, now they just need the right gameplan. And the large one is just the man for the job.
Your wish is the coach's command.
What exactly are you trying to imply here? Hopefully what I think you are.

Hmmmmm.

Post by **rtb** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:31 pm

Cat in NC wrote:Seriously?!?!?! I can't believe that Norice is healthy enough to play in this game! Returning this quickly is almost superhuman. As for the USC transfer, is that Tate? Wasn't he on some sort of suspension for wiping out one of the workers in the AD?

Yeah, it's Tate and Norice. Those two are just simply too good for App State to handle. Watch out for Tate, he's driving the Pain Train!

brucat5 · Post by **brucat5** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:14 pm

Wow, I had no idea that BOTH Tate and Norice would be healthy, man, how long have those 2 been out??? Looks like we aren't the only ones who need to show up with our "A-game"! Can't wait to see those guys back on the field!!!

Helcat72 · Post by **Helcat72** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:22 pm

brucat5 wrote:Wow, I had no idea that BOTH Tate and Norice would be healthy, man, how long have those 2 been out??? Looks like we aren't the only ones who need to show up with our "A-game"! Can't wait to see those guys back on the field!!!

Christoff is moving Norice to DE and Tate will move around between Will and Sam linebacker. With Claggett back in there Tate will cause some real problems for blocking assignments.

Do we use a spy?

Do we use a spy?

Re: Do we use a spy?