How to attack the Griz 3-3-5?

[ilovethecats]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

Their defense isn't the issue. We'll move the ball and score, maybe not at will buy we will be ok. Their offense poses no real threats to our defense. Our front plays heavy on the run to stop gillman, our dbs will snuff out their wrs. Our defense is better than their offense. Long as well we don't get to out of sorts because it's cat-griz We'll be just fine. They are going to have to figure out how to score against us week score against them because they aren't sound their high risk will be our reward. We can play base D and stop these dudesbecause they have no real threats deep. All their big plays aren't because they were better than other team it was scheme, our athletes will beat their scheme.

This is a great post and I really enjoy reading people's thoughts on X's and O's. I have a couple thoughts about what you said. I agree that the cats are not a run first team which I think is a good matchup with the griz defense. I'm not sure I agree that the griz D is good at playing 2 gap. IMHO they play very little 2 gap. If the griz D lines up in a 3-3 stack they almost always shift it to an over or under front at the snap with a Lb playing buck end. A safety plays in the box.So they have single gap coverage in most cases. I have only seen them play a stack front, with 2 gap responsibility on rare occasions this year.
I think the cats are going to line up the heavy 12 personell package alot this Saturday. Not becase they are going to try to over power the 3-3 which they might do some but more importantly to force the griz to defend all the gaps. Then they will throw to the athletic TE's RB's and slot recievers out of this formation. Just my opinion, it's going to be interesting to see.

I don't disagree at all. Great assessment. They do shift and actually run more of a 5-3 type look. Looking at psu, they 2 gapped a lot which allowed lbs to play far back and flow. I agree, I don't see them doing that with us. They are going to shift and load up. I will agree again going 12 will be big but I tivio leaning too much on the tes is going to limit the big play ability. Now that may be the idea grind it out. If run 12 and flex those tes out ask they don't have a tip on formation. I'd then audible based off how they line up. If put them in codify all game long. Do you want to so the run or the pass avg go opposite. That 335 doesn't allow you to stop both, you have to choose. Based off formation I'd make you choose.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that I'd rather win the NC and lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good football in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and make a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high level... we'll be ok... talk noise after makes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

[ilovethecats]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that id rather win the NC acd lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good formal in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and mane a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high kernel.... we'll be ok... talk noise after mashes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

Well yes it IS a bigger rivalry than those. Because it’s OUR rivalry. That’s my point. I don’t care if it’s as big as OSU/Michigan to everyone else in the country. Regardless of FCS or FBS, size of stadium or crowd noise; this rivalry is every bit as big as those. I think the brawl has aspects those others don’t have but thats neither here nor there.

But I agree with everything you’ve said. Us fans get to be unrealistic and obnoxious. The players need to work. And if they do everything you’ve said, and I’m confident they can, they should win this game.

I just know too much about this specific game to get caught up too much in what “should” happen. But I’ll be there live like I am just about every year cheering like crazy hoping it goes down just like you say!

In all seriousness your breakdowns are awesome and make me feel better and better. I know everything about this team you know in the fact we’re better and should win. But I’ll never NOT be nervous for the Cats in Wash-griz.

[coloradocat]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that id rather win the NC acd lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good formal in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and mane a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high kernel.... we'll be ok... talk noise after mashes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

Well yes it IS a bigger rivalry than those. Because it’s OUR rivalry. That’s my point. I don’t care if it’s as big as OSU/Michigan to everyone else in the country. Regardless of FCS or FBS, size of stadium or crowd noise; this rivalry is every bit as big as those. I think the brawl has aspects those others don’t have but thats neither here nor there.

But I agree with everything you’ve said. Us fans get to be unrealistic and obnoxious. The players need to work. And if they do everything you’ve said, and I’m confident they can, they should win this game.

I just know too much about this specific game to get caught up too much in what “should” happen. But I’ll be there live like I am just about every year cheering like crazy hoping it goes down just like you say!

In all seriousness your breakdowns are awesome and make me feel better and better. I know everything about this team you know in the fact we’re better and should win. But I’ll never NOT be nervous for the Cats in Wash-griz.

It's hard to tell if the shots at Cat-griz are FBS arrogance, having the Texas dialed up too high or just ignorance. The analysis is great until the "that's cute you think your rivalry game matters" seeps in.

[seataccat]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

Their defense isn't the issue. We'll move the ball and score, maybe not at will buy we will be ok. Their offense poses no real threats to our defense. Our front plays heavy on the run to stop gillman, our dbs will snuff out their wrs. Our defense is better than their offense. Long as well we don't get to out of sorts because it's cat-griz We'll be just fine. They are going to have to figure out how to score against us week score against them because they aren't sound their high risk will be our reward. We can play base D and stop these dudesbecause they have no real threats deep. All their big plays aren't because they were better than other team it was scheme, our athletes will beat their scheme.

This is a great post and I really enjoy reading people's thoughts on X's and O's. I have a couple thoughts about what you said. I agree that the cats are not a run first team which I think is a good matchup with the griz defense. I'm not sure I agree that the griz D is good at playing 2 gap. IMHO they play very little 2 gap. If the griz D lines up in a 3-3 stack they almost always shift it to an over or under front at the snap with a Lb playing buck end. A safety plays in the box.So they have single gap coverage in most cases. I have only seen them play a stack front, with 2 gap responsibility on rare occasions this year.
I think the cats are going to line up the heavy 12 personell package alot this Saturday. Not becase they are going to try to over power the 3-3 which they might do some but more importantly to force the griz to defend all the gaps. Then they will throw to the athletic TE's RB's and slot recievers out of this formation. Just my opinion, it's going to be interesting to see.

I don't disagree at all. Great assessment. They do shift and actually run more of a 5-3 type look. Looking at psu, they 2 gapped a lot which allowed lbs to play far back and flow. I agree, I don't see them doing that with us. They are going to shift and load up. I will agree again going 12 will be big but I tivio leaning too much on the tes is going to limit the big play ability. Now that may be the idea grind it out. If run 12 and flex those tes out ask they don't have a tip on formation. I'd then audible based off how they line up. If put them in codify all game long. Do you want to so the run or the pass avg go opposite. That 335 doesn't allow you to stop both, you have to choose. Based off formation I'd make you choose.

Yes exactly, the 5-3 shows up quite often and can definitely wreck havoc. They do so many things out of that and it's hard to know how to attack it. I get nervous about the griz disruptive defense guessing right on the first couple of series and getting the cats on their heels. The saving grace for my mental health this week is that I believe the cats actually are the better team. If they go with the meat and potatoes game plan and don't get overwhelmed they win against the griz with this team.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that id rather win the NC acd lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good formal in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and mane a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high kernel.... we'll be ok... talk noise after mashes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

Well yes it IS a bigger rivalry than those. Because it’s OUR rivalry. That’s my point. I don’t care if it’s as big as OSU/Michigan to everyone else in the country. Regardless of FCS or FBS, size of stadium or crowd noise; this rivalry is every bit as big as those. I think the brawl has aspects those others don’t have but thats neither here nor there.

But I agree with everything you’ve said. Us fans get to be unrealistic and obnoxious. The players need to work. And if they do everything you’ve said, and I’m confident they can, they should win this game.

I just know too much about this specific game to get caught up too much in what “should” happen. But I’ll be there live like I am just about every year cheering like crazy hoping it goes down just like you say!

In all seriousness your breakdowns are awesome and make me feel better and better. I know everything about this team you know in the fact we’re better and should win. But I’ll never NOT be nervous for the Cats in Wash-griz.

It's hard to tell if the shots at Cat-griz are FBS arrogance, having the Texas dialed up too high or just ignorance. The analysis is great until the "that's cute you think your rivalry game matters" seeps in.

Never did I say that it doesn't matter or there is a bias. I said it isn't any bigger than, meaning its on the same level but not bigger than. Another poster said it is bigger because it's US...I get that. It's bigger to US, but it isn't bigger in general it's just as big. To act like there is no rivalry in the country as big as this is really small minded. This rivalry matters and has big implications no doubt. There is no shade being thrown... I'm just saying to act like there's nothing in America like this is flat wrong.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

Their defense isn't the issue. We'll move the ball and score, maybe not at will buy we will be ok. Their offense poses no real threats to our defense. Our front plays heavy on the run to stop gillman, our dbs will snuff out their wrs. Our defense is better than their offense. Long as well we don't get to out of sorts because it's cat-griz We'll be just fine. They are going to have to figure out how to score against us week score against them because they aren't sound their high risk will be our reward. We can play base D and stop these dudesbecause they have no real threats deep. All their big plays aren't because they were better than other team it was scheme, our athletes will beat their scheme.

This is a great post and I really enjoy reading people's thoughts on X's and O's. I have a couple thoughts about what you said. I agree that the cats are not a run first team which I think is a good matchup with the griz defense. I'm not sure I agree that the griz D is good at playing 2 gap. IMHO they play very little 2 gap. If the griz D lines up in a 3-3 stack they almost always shift it to an over or under front at the snap with a Lb playing buck end. A safety plays in the box.So they have single gap coverage in most cases. I have only seen them play a stack front, with 2 gap responsibility on rare occasions this year.
I think the cats are going to line up the heavy 12 personell package alot this Saturday. Not becase they are going to try to over power the 3-3 which they might do some but more importantly to force the griz to defend all the gaps. Then they will throw to the athletic TE's RB's and slot recievers out of this formation. Just my opinion, it's going to be interesting to see.

I don't disagree at all. Great assessment. They do shift and actually run more of a 5-3 type look. Looking at psu, they 2 gapped a lot which allowed lbs to play far back and flow. I agree, I don't see them doing that with us. They are going to shift and load up. I will agree again going 12 will be big but I tivio leaning too much on the tes is going to limit the big play ability. Now that may be the idea grind it out. If run 12 and flex those tes out ask they don't have a tip on formation. I'd then audible based off how they line up. If put them in codify all game long. Do you want to so the run or the pass avg go opposite. That 335 doesn't allow you to stop both, you have to choose. Based off formation I'd make you choose.

Yes exactly, the 5-3 shows up quite often and can definitely wreck havoc. They do so many things out of that and it's hard to know how to attack it. I get nervous about the griz disruptive defense guessing right on the first couple of series and getting the cats on their heels. The saving grace for my mental health this week is that I believe the cats actually are the better team. If they go with the meat and potatoes game plan and don't get overwhelmed they win against the griz with this team.

Exactly... when another team gets complicated you get basic and beat them with fundamentals. Know your job so your job, no trickery. We're the better team no need to try to be cute. Be simple and good.

[ilovethecats]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that id rather win the NC acd lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good formal in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and mane a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high kernel.... we'll be ok... talk noise after mashes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

Well yes it IS a bigger rivalry than those. Because it’s OUR rivalry. That’s my point. I don’t care if it’s as big as OSU/Michigan to everyone else in the country. Regardless of FCS or FBS, size of stadium or crowd noise; this rivalry is every bit as big as those. I think the brawl has aspects those others don’t have but thats neither here nor there.

But I agree with everything you’ve said. Us fans get to be unrealistic and obnoxious. The players need to work. And if they do everything you’ve said, and I’m confident they can, they should win this game.

I just know too much about this specific game to get caught up too much in what “should” happen. But I’ll be there live like I am just about every year cheering like crazy hoping it goes down just like you say!

In all seriousness your breakdowns are awesome and make me feel better and better. I know everything about this team you know in the fact we’re better and should win. But I’ll never NOT be nervous for the Cats in Wash-griz.

It's hard to tell if the shots at Cat-griz are FBS arrogance, having the Texas dialed up too high or just ignorance. The analysis is great until the "that's cute you think your rivalry game matters" seeps in.

Never did I say that it doesn't matter or there is a bias. I said it isn't any bigger than, meaning its on the same level but not bigger than. Another poster said it is bigger because it's US...I get that. It's bigger to US, but it isn't bigger in general it's just as big. To act like there is no rivalry in the country as big as this is really small minded. This rivalry matters and has big implications no doubt. There is no shade being thrown... I'm just saying to act like there's nothing in America like this is flat wrong.

I was that poster. And not small minded at all.

There is obviously SOME kind of rankings right? Or you wouldn’t keep bringing up ones like OSU/Michigan. There is an unspoken list of the biggest. Well if you have a list you’re suggesting that one is “bigger” than another.

My point is for almost all of us, especially in this state, this is thee BIGGEST in the country. I’m not downplaying the other ones. People mentioning FBS schools and crowd size and noise are the ones minimizing what we have. And when I see someone do that, no matter their football knowledge which you have a ton and I love, it’s clear you just don’t get it. That’s not a knock but just something you have to live with to understand I guess.

This isn’t a knock BB. Love your posts and confidence. But me thinking this is the biggest rivalry in the country because it’s MY biggest rivalry in the country doesn’t make me small minded at all.

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that id rather win the NC acd lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good formal in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and mane a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high kernel.... we'll be ok... talk noise after mashes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

Well yes it IS a bigger rivalry than those. Because it’s OUR rivalry. That’s my point. I don’t care if it’s as big as OSU/Michigan to everyone else in the country. Regardless of FCS or FBS, size of stadium or crowd noise; this rivalry is every bit as big as those. I think the brawl has aspects those others don’t have but thats neither here nor there.

But I agree with everything you’ve said. Us fans get to be unrealistic and obnoxious. The players need to work. And if they do everything you’ve said, and I’m confident they can, they should win this game.

I just know too much about this specific game to get caught up too much in what “should” happen. But I’ll be there live like I am just about every year cheering like crazy hoping it goes down just like you say!

In all seriousness your breakdowns are awesome and make me feel better and better. I know everything about this team you know in the fact we’re better and should win. But I’ll never NOT be nervous for the Cats in Wash-griz.

It's hard to tell if the shots at Cat-griz are FBS arrogance, having the Texas dialed up too high or just ignorance. The analysis is great until the "that's cute you think your rivalry game matters" seeps in.

Never did I say that it doesn't matter or there is a bias. I said it isn't any bigger than, meaning its on the same level but not bigger than. Another poster said it is bigger because it's US...I get that. It's bigger to US, but it isn't bigger in general it's just as big. To act like there is no rivalry in the country as big as this is really small minded. This rivalry matters and has big implications no doubt. There is no shade being thrown... I'm just saying to act like there's nothing in America like this is flat wrong.

I was that poster. And not small minded at all.

There is obviously SOME kind of rankings right? Or you wouldn’t keep bringing up ones like OSU/Michigan. There is an unspoken list of the biggest. Well if you have a list you’re suggesting that one is “bigger” than another.

My point is for almost all of us, especially in this state, this is thee BIGGEST in the country. I’m not downplaying the other ones. People mentioning FBS schools and crowd size and noise are the ones minimizing what we have. And when I see someone do that, no matter their football knowledge which you have a ton and I love, it’s clear you just don’t get it. That’s not a knock but just something you have to live with to understand I guess.

This isn’t a knock BB. Love your posts and confidence. But me thinking this is the biggest rivalry in the country because it’s MY biggest rivalry in the country doesn’t make me small minded at all.

Again your emitting are getting in the way of you reading. I never said it isn't big to YOU. I never said it isn't important. What I have REPEATEDLY said is to act like there is no other rivalry like this is small minded. It can be big to you, that's fine. It can be the biggest to you, that's fine... but for you to act like there is no other rivalry and kids not from mt just don't get it is very very small minded. I get it, it's a big damn deal.... it's the biggest of damn deals to you and many others in the state of mt...I literally get it...I actually understand. You say I don't get this rivalry, I say you didn't grow up Texas where football is an ACTUAL religion. You don't get how dusky we take HIGH SCHOOL football... people commit felonies beyond high school diurnal in the name of rivalries down here....I totally get it. I think you are believing in trying to down play it, I'm not... I'm just saying you're acting like there's nothing like it... I'm just just saying yes there is.

[WetBreeches]

Back on topic...dial up some solid screens...run straight downhill early...if it works keep it going...then start to run counters...if the downhill run game starts hitting griz start running more and more run stunts at point of attack...that's when counters will really expose them.

[Catsrgrood]

Back on topic...dial up some solid screens...run straight downhill early...if it works keep it going...then start to run counters...if the downhill run game starts hitting griz start running more and more run stunts at point of attack...that's when counters will really expose them.

That’s only going to work if these players get the rivalry….

[coloradocat]

Back on topic...dial up some solid screens...run straight downhill early...if it works keep it going...then start to run counters...if the downhill run game starts hitting griz start running more and more run stunts at point of attack...that's when counters will really expose them.

That’s only going to work if these players get the rivalry….

I say we run it downhill straight at all the out of state transfers the griz have on defense.

[catzz]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

Their defense isn't the issue. We'll move the ball and score, maybe not at will buy we will be ok. Their offense poses no real threats to our defense. Our front plays heavy on the run to stop gillman, our dbs will snuff out their wrs. Our defense is better than their offense. Long as well we don't get to out of sorts because it's cat-griz We'll be just fine. They are going to have to figure out how to score against us week score against them because they aren't sound their high risk will be our reward. We can play base D and stop these dudesbecause they have no real threats deep. All their big plays aren't because they were better than other team it was scheme, our athletes will beat their scheme.

This is a great post and I really enjoy reading people's thoughts on X's and O's. I have a couple thoughts about what you said. I agree that the cats are not a run first team which I think is a good matchup with the griz defense. I'm not sure I agree that the griz D is good at playing 2 gap. IMHO they play very little 2 gap. If the griz D lines up in a 3-3 stack they almost always shift it to an over or under front at the snap with a Lb playing buck end. A safety plays in the box.So they have single gap coverage in most cases. I have only seen them play a stack front, with 2 gap responsibility on rare occasions this year.
I think the cats are going to line up the heavy 12 personell package alot this Saturday. Not becase they are going to try to over power the 3-3 which they might do some but more importantly to force the griz to defend all the gaps. Then they will throw to the athletic TE's RB's and slot recievers out of this formation. Just my opinion, it's going to be interesting to see.

I don't disagree at all. Great assessment. They do shift and actually run more of a 5-3 type look. Looking at psu, they 2 gapped a lot which allowed lbs to play far back and flow. I agree, I don't see them doing that with us. They are going to shift and load up. I will agree again going 12 will be big but I tivio leaning too much on the tes is going to limit the big play ability. Now that may be the idea grind it out. If run 12 and flex those tes out ask they don't have a tip on formation. I'd then audible based off how they line up. If put them in codify all game long. Do you want to so the run or the pass avg go opposite. That 335 doesn't allow you to stop both, you have to choose. Based off formation I'd make you choose.

Yes exactly, the 5-3 shows up quite often and can definitely wreck havoc. They do so many things out of that and it's hard to know how to attack it. I get nervous about the griz disruptive defense guessing right on the first couple of series and getting the cats on their heels. The saving grace for my mental health this week is that I believe the cats actually are the better team. If they go with the meat and potatoes game plan and don't get overwhelmed they win against the griz with this team.

Gentleman, this is everything I’m looking for in a discussions when I’m visiting the nation. But for the sake of Alzheimer’s, let’s tone it down for @Oldgriz. Remember Griz are really good, SDSU sucked from the beginning, but the ranking committee is god, ranked wins at the time are huge all season- unless you are the Cats. And the cats will be horrible this year without Tommy. But Tommy was also never a good Qb..

He won’t be back next week and we can get back to the adult stuff.

[JoeCatsJoe]

Not sure I understand the vitriol directed towards BBT. His point is essentially that there are other big rivalries. Not sure how that's controversial. Its a huge deal to the state, its unique in the way all rivalries of this ilk are, and I'm pretty sure no one in this thread will disagree.

[ilovethecats]

Again your emitting are getting in the way of you reading. I never said it isn't big to YOU. I never said it isn't important. What I have REPEATEDLY said is to act like there is no other rivalry like this is small minded. It can be big to you, that's fine. It can be the biggest to you, that's fine... but for you to act like there is no other rivalry and kids not from mt just don't get it is very very small minded. I get it, it's a big damn deal.... it's the biggest of damn deals to you and many others in the state of mt...I literally get it...I actually understand. You say I don't get this rivalry, I say you didn't grow up Texas where football is an ACTUAL religion. You don't get how dusky we take HIGH SCHOOL football... people commit felonies beyond high school diurnal in the name of rivalries down here....I totally get it. I think you are believing in trying to down play it, I'm not... I'm just saying you're acting like there's nothing like it... I'm just just saying yes there is.

Ya I think we're going around in circles here. I think it's obvious that I know there are other rivalries in the country. I mean we have a whole "rivalry week".

My point is we are talking about OUR rivalry. I want OUR players to understand OUR rivalry. It does no one any good if we have a kid coming in here and he knows there is a rivalry between Florida and Florida State. Who cares? Now if they played for Florida I'd expect them to think that Florida State is the biggest rivalry in the country. Why would that kid care that kids in Alabama think their rivalry with Auburn is the biggest? How would that matter in the slightest?

Listen to former players. Hell just yesterday our former player Mike Rider said he had no idea the scope of this game until he experienced it first hand. We have had COUNTLESS former players on record saying they didn't understand the big deal of the game until they played in it. And then it was like nothing they have ever experienced. Are they lying because they're not playing for Ohio State against Michigan?

It has been common practice for as long as I have followed this program to make sure new players understand the meaning of this game. ALL players. The difference between Montana kids and not is simply Montana kids grew up here and know the importance of this game. But even they don't fully understand it until they play in it. This isn't me saying this. This is literally former players.

So again, we are talking about THIS game. THESE two teams. The Cats and the griz. For THESE two teams, THIS is the biggest rivalry in the country and the only one they care about. And I don't think these players are small minded at all. Hell, I'd even venture to guess that when all is said and done, if we're lucky to hang on to the Texas kids the whole time and they get to play in 3-4 of these games, even THEY will say this is the biggest rivalry in the country to them. Because they would have fought in it. And like all of us Bobcats, because one you're here you're a Bobcat, they won't care if other people around the country that know rivalries don't consider Cat griz to be the biggest one.

[ilovethecats]

Not sure I understand the vitriol directed towards BBT. His point is essentially that there are other big rivalries. Not sure how that's controversial. Its a huge deal to the state, its unique in the way all rivalries of this ilk are, and I'm pretty sure no one in this thread will disagree.

No vitriol at all. I love BBB and what he's brought to the board. I'm not even sure we really disagree. Just different interpretations of the rivalry is all.

[iaafan]

I think out of state players on other teams don’t get how disruptive playing in Bobcat Stadium or WGS. MSU and um out of state players get it.

If you play for MSU or um for 10-11 games and you don’t get it, then you’re out of touch with reality. You can’t play 6 home games and not be able to imagine what it’s like to play in the others stadium.

Both teams out of state players get it.

[BgCATfan]

Xs and O's guy here...attacking the 335 trait isn't hard. Their desc are fast and rush to the field quite a bit. Running the the outside isn't going to be in our favor. You run into the 335. But what you don't do is base block, ie big in big. They 2 gap really well. The thing is we aren't a run first team. I know everyone thinks we are because that's what we've done in the past but that isn't this team. I said it from day 1 we are pass to run. So we play slow... we don't snap the back until 5sec are left because they will show where the blitz is coming from. Psu KILLED them with spot routes because they play a lot of zone. We wait identify where the blitz is coming from and throw into the boric because that's where the vacated zone is.

When we run out had to be pull schemes and X blocking to force the dl to be 1 gappers which then allows us to climb to the lb and make them have to be gap sound. The problem is they move their dl just enough that it will always be a guessing game. They'll stuff us some but we'll have big plays as well.

The 335 is a gimmick defense. You run out because you don't have the talent to play with people. It beat people with confusion and mayhem. The thing is if you relax you'll torch it, fundamentals beats gimmicks every day of the week. The biggest key is the ol identifying who they have then getting to them. Also they will be making calls on the field, our ol and qb have to listen for that and pick up on it. Every defense has signals to what they are doing within the players our players on the sideline HAVE to be watching so they can relay what they are seeing and hearing.

Lamson will have maybe 2reads, if the 2nd read isn't open he has to run. Quick decisions, get what you can then slide. I don't feel their dbsv stack up to our wrs. Their des will get pressure so we'll have to slide protect keep the rb in and he picks up the leaker in order to buy time for Lamson. Every so often leak the rb to the side of the blitz after a chip on the blitzer. Use their aggression against them. Biggest thing is going to be knowing where the blitz is coming from and being able to audible to a great play.

It is a gimmick defense and I think that Hauck uses it so that he doesn't have to find as many big, athletic defensive bodies and can focus on stockpiling linebackers. But the advantage it has for Saturday, you've highlighted throughout. You have to communicate against this defense, and it's going to be crazy loud.

Here's the thing you don't have to communicate you have to know. I played against Michigan and trust me 20-30k doesnt beat 110k(when we played them we actually broke the record for the biggest crowd for a collegiate game) no matter how loud they are. We've were able to communicate enough to play well and be in position. What had to jalen is communication on the sideline. You talk about what you're seeing and you know when you see this we will do that, no words hand gestures are needed. Half way through the first qtr they week know the game plan what they are doing and they need talk on the sideline so they are on the same page. Now the thing I love is that after half time msu makes adjustments to stay a step ahead. Um is going to have to figure out what we're going to do. They stay the same.

Great assessment, thanks for the insight BBT. In regards to the pressure being on their offense to score, reminds of what Choate said in the Miracle in Missoula documentary. The pressure is on them, they were the ones that needed the touchdown.

There has been stretches when their offense has gone cold. If that happens could be a long day for them.

Really impressed with Howe’s interview and the preparation these guys put in.

Trust me they'll go cold. It's gong to to be tough sledding all day for them. Their wrs aren't a threat to our dbs which is going to allow the front to own heavy on the run. The thing is when the dbs have to tackle they will have to be solid. Any big plays our cbs speed will have to be on display to go run out down and allow us to line up and play again. I'll repeat, long as we don't get caught up in the cat-griz stuff we'll be ok. If we make the game bigger than it is we'll have a tough time. Um KNOWS they aren't a NC level team. THIS is their NC. We are better than them line up and play solid football and we win and go to the REAL NC.

Man I LOVE this confidence! Maybe you’re right. Maybe those of you oblivious to this rivalry really ARE the secret to success!!

Kidding.

I know you're kidding but honestly speaking how is this game any bigger than ut/am or aubrun/bama osu/mich??? If we lose we're still in the playoffs. See the strength is knowing that I'd rather win the NC and lose cat-griz than win cat-griz and not win a NC. When you have that level of focus you line up and play good football in order to win because just winning games is more important than WHO you are playing. As a player getting caught up in the hooplah is a recipe for disaster. We can get hype and make a big deal out of it, but the players can't. Line up and do your job to a high level... we'll be ok... talk noise after makes it a big deal after not before not during... only after.

This game is more important as it relates to seeding for the playoffs than it is to win the instate rivalry game.

The winner locks down the 2 seed that guarantees home field until Nashville.
Not since 2016 has a visiting team won a sem-final game and that year was weird because both road teams won the semi to get to the chipper.

The fact that it’s CAT-gris just amplifies the magnitude of the game !!
GO CATS !!

[TomCat88]

This probably won't help anyone and if it does it'll probably only be temporary , but I bet the fans are more nervous about the game than the players. As a fan there's nothing you can do about all the pent-up energy. You have no control over anything. The players know they have some control and they go to practice, which is probably a great escape from just thinking about it.

"This is the stupidest thing I've ever heard" in 3.....2.....1.....