In one of many biggest video games of the faculty soccer season, Oklahoma slayed the large, taking down Texas 34-30. It wasn’t an up and down affair like those of yore, however this 12 months’s sport featured loads of cool features, and considerably of a popping out celebration for this 12 months’s Oklahoma workforce. The protection was the standout by means of a lot of the season, however on Saturday it was Dillon Gabriel and the Oklahoma offense that got here to play, and produced the game-winning landing.
What instantly stood out all through this sport was how efficient Gabriel was as a passer when movement was tagged onto the play. In line with Sports activities Data Options, when any movement was included in his dropbacks, Gabriel went 11-for-15 (18 dropbacks) for 120 yards and the eventual game-winning landing. His Constructive Play Fee on these performs utilizing movement? A pristine 66.7 %, and a complete of 6.51 EPA on all of his makes an attempt. Oklahoma broke all of Texas’ guidelines and brains with their movement, and did it as soon as once more on the final play of the sport.
Oklahoma comes out in a 3×1 formation with a “nub” tight finish (TE on the road of scrimmage is the one move catcher to that facet of the sector). This formation is a well-liked one to run dash out to at least one facet, with possibly a choose play thrown in to free somebody as much as the broad facet of the sector. Nevertheless, they convey WR Nicholas Anderson into movement throughout the formation, and now they’re in a 2×2 set.
Primarily, what the Sooners are working to the left facet is a bench idea, with the tight finish working an out in the direction of the entrance pylon, and Anderson working to the again pylon on the left. It’s an extremely ballsy play to run to the brief facet of the sector, with extra congestion in that space, however Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby dressed it up very well. When Anderson goes into movement, Texas has a few choices: the person who’s masking Anderson can run with him, or Texas can “bump” it and slide all of the tasks over one. The latter possibility works properly towards a workforce that runs loads of slide routes and fast hitters out of movement, however it requires actually good communication, and the Longhorns busted it on crucial play of the sport.
For those who watch, Anderson and the TE initially stumble upon one another, however due to the nub TE, the nook to the bottom provides on as a blitzer. This throws in one other wrench as a result of as an alternative of the Longhorns solely having to take care of one receiving menace to that facet with two defenders, now Oklahoma has added one other menace, this one already in movement. The linebacker and bottom security don’t move off the routes in any respect, and Anderson turns into a Pink River Rivalry Hero.
Let’s watch from the top zone angle. Anderson’s man initially runs with him, however when he crosses the middle, he waves out to the opposite security. That’s now his man, or somebody they should account for. I actually suppose the 2 receivers initially bumping into one another screwed with the heads of the Texas defenders for a cut up second, however on the highest ranges of the game, a cut up second is all you want. Additionally, shoutout to Oklahoma left deal with Walter Rouse, who BLOCKED TWO PEOPLE AT ONE TIME to permit Gabriel to get this move off. When movement is so fast hitting and quick like Oklahoma can run it, it causes issues for different groups. Additionally, pay attention to the bottom security’s response. That’s how one can inform this was a busted protection, powerful.
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby known as a incredible Pink River Rivalry sport, and it was capped off with this landing. The Sooners knew they might get after this Texas protection with movement and misdirection, and ran it to perfection.
