Last week I asked Dozer if he could chop up the Pitt–Cincinnati tape since they're two of Tech's upcoming opponents. Of course, he obliged. The film is below (because of technical difficulties, it's missing the tail end of the 4th quarter). After watching it, my thoughts follow, please leave your's in the comments.
Pitt struggled to pound the ball between the tackles. They didn't generate a huge surge upfront, and Cincinnati's d-line did an excellent job beating blocks and penetrating. However, Pitt had success running wide. Their o-line is athletic, both starting tackles have experience playing guard, so they can move. Left tackle Cory King (#78) started five games at guard last season, right tackle Matt Rotheram (#74) started one and was 3-star recruit. Needless to say, they pull their linemen a lot and the running backs run well behind them. The Tech linebackers, especially the Whip, and other free hitters will have to wrap up in space if the Hokies are to stop Pitt's rush attack.
Pitt allowed an NCAA worst 64 sacks last season. They've already given up 6 this season. It's not all the o-line's fault either. Against the Bearcats the tackles, King and Rotheram, especially King, struggled one-on-one in pass protection. However, the running backs and tight ends missed plenty of blocks too. Watch Tino Sunseri's flip pass to Ray Graham.
10:26–10:38
Cincy's defensive end stunts inside, and Graham's left to block him because the right guard picks the blitzing backer. Graham tries the best he can to chop him down, then he gets off his butt to make a spectacular play. Here's a combination of freshman tailback Rushel Shell (#4), and fullback Mark Giubilato (#43) missing a blitz pickup.
4:07–4:15
Both Ray Graham and Rushel Shell are dynamic ball carriers that made Cincinnati defenders look foolish.
16:01–16:14
Again, Tech must be able to wrap up and tackle in the open field.
Pitt had trouble stopping the zone read.
17:52–18:09
Munchie Legaux is fast.
1:26–1:39
The unblocked defensive end is the option man, but the H-back has no one to block and picks him up.
Pitt couldn't generate much of a pass rush with just their front-four. So, they blitzed often and the majority of the time it was middle LB Shane Gordon (#44) or will LB Nicholas Grigsby (#3) coming. Although, even when they sent 5 or 6 guys, they always didn't hit home. Sam linebacker Eric Williams (#49) lined up wide against the slot receiver in three and four receiver sets. If they do that against Tech, that might be a mismatch the Hokies can take advantage of.
Tino Sunseri completed 24 of 37 passes for 278 yards 1 TD and 1 INT again Cincy, so statistically he played well. However, Pitt was out of the game early, so there was some accumulation during garbage time. He didn't have a chance to make many plays when it mattered because he was pressured or sacked almost every time he dropped back. He did show some escapability in the pocket. Pitt tried to roll him out some too. He led an efficient drive to the goal line at the end of the first half, but it resulted in no points because he took too long to throw the ball away and the clock ran out. This is his third year starting, and I never count a veteran out. He showed a lot of promise in 2010 in offensive system similar to what Paul Chryst does before regressing in 2011 under coach Todd Graham.
Comments
Cincy rolled against Pitt when they went hurry up, and stalled when they slowed down the tempo. This week is the perfect opportunity to take the handcuffs off the no-huddle we've been promised since spring. I have my fingers, toes, and various other body parts crossed that we come out in our two-minute drill. Get them down early and we take the game out of the hands of Ray Graham and Rushel Shell and put in on the shoulders of Tino Sunseri. I'll take that all day long.
The Shell kid scares the holy hell out of me. Much more than Graham.
Great job Joe!
Zach Brown
Graham's replacement last year was a power RB named Zach Brown. Kid was a transfer from whisky who was redshirted then found out he wasn't going to start bc of Montee Ball. When I saw him run against USF and UC, I remember thinking to myself "if we have to go up against him and Graham next year, we are going to have major issues." Luckily he was a single year player (didn't know that until now) so we don't have to face him.
The only element of Graham that scares me is the fact that he is trying desperately to make up for a lost season. But I guess that only goes so far when your o-line doesn't really want to block for you.
This game scares me
I really don't think Pitt is the laughing stock many are trying to make them out to be. They have weapons (especially at RB) and Sunseri is an athletic guy. Some fans may be disappointed if this isn't a blowout IF Pitt finally executes better. Changing coaches like T-shirts hasn't helped them along. Great analysis Joe!
Hokie outside linebackers must play outside in and contain. Let the front four handle the interior. I expect a ton of stunting and slanting this game, because when Pitt gets their OL body on body, they are ok. The problem is getting that body on body. Why in the hell do they have their left tackle down in a 3 point stance when they are in the gun?
STUNT BLITZ BLITZ STUNT. Pitt will need to run for 250 yards to win this game. Safeties must play shallow and be aggressive, or play deep halves and let the corners run support. The receivers don't blocl.
Pitts front seven looks fine. Tons of blitzing from them. They have to blitz, because the secondary is horrible, especially tackling.
GW
I may not be able to watch the game live but I will be interested to see if they attack GW's side of the field with the power run after his performance against Austin Peay. Thanks again for breaking down that games film
I am feeling good about this game. Not sure what it is but I get the sense that we will see something special.
I was more nervous than anything before the GT game. Didn't get really fired up for hokie track helmets and Peay. Something about a future ACC foe and an away game at Heinz field...LETS DO THIS!
I predict our offense really get's clicking early, LT sparks some Heisman hype, and we have a RB emerge as a clear front runner.
/puts down koolaid
Is it just me or does Sunseri have no idea that he is not the only player on the field. He has zero field awareness in the pocket and does not feel the blitz or any pressure in any dropbacks in the film above. Our front 7 should be licking there chops for turnover opportunities in this game. Also great analysis Joe!