Chalk Talk: Installing Urban Meyer's Offense at Ohio State

Ohio State landed the white whale of dodgy coaching candidates by introducing Urban Meyer as head coach on November 28. More recently, talk concerning Meyer often includes the phrase, "game-changer";   he's landed several recruiting coups, most notably Colorado 4-star offensive lineman Joey O'Connor, who decided that attending Penn State wasn't the best idea post-scandal. By the end of last week, Meyer's recruiting class rank had climbed to #3 overall.

Lately, Buckeye fans have been drooling about how well Braxton Miller could run Meyer's offense, and it certainly seems as though Miller and Meyer is a match made in heaven (not unlike Tim Tebow's past prowess in the system). However, the offense's success next season will hinge more on the offensive line's ability to learn and execute the blocking concepts properly. Here's an example of what frosh linemen like O'Connor might be expected to do next season:

The video used in making these images is courtesy of CBS.

This shovel option play is from Florida's 2009 SEC Championship loss to Alabama. The game has since been marked by some as the beginning of the end for Meyer in Florida; the Gators still made a BCS bowl that season, but things would never be the same as they were during Tim Tebow's college heyday.

Tebow will fake the jet sweep, then run left with the option to pitch to his running back, shovel pass to his tight end (who will run in front of Tebow), or keep the ball himself. The blocking is diagrammed above. The left guard and tackle will leave the defensive end as the option man, and will instead double team the noseguard up to the backside backer. The center will block down on the 3-technique while the right guard pulls for the playside backer.

The right tackle has the most difficult block on this play, because he has to essentially account for two defenders. The center has a long way to go since the guard is leaving, and if the center doesn't get to the defensive tackle quickly enough, the d-tackle will disrupt the tight end's ability to get in position for a possible shovel pass. The right tackle also cannot let the defensive end (lined up over the tight end) run free, or else he will spoil the play. 

Therefore, the right tackle must step left to secure the center's block, then hinge right to block the defensive end. This is an incredibly difficult thing to ask of a tackle against such an athletic defense. Ideally, the fake jet sweep would keep the defensive end guessing long enough for the right tackle to get him, but there's no guarantee the fake will help.

At the snap of the ball, the blocking seems to be developing fairly well. The playside double team is underway, and the right guard has begun to pull. The center has secured his defensive tackle, so now the right tackle can hinge for his defensive end. The question is whether he can hinge quickly enough.

Four of the five linemen are executing their assignments properly, but that won't be enough. The right guard is almost up to the playside backer, and the double team has been executed perfectly, with one lineman already headed for the backside backer. The center is still on his block, as well.

Unfortunately for the right tackle, Tebow's fake jet sweep didn't deter the defensive end from crashing into the backfield. The right tackle tried to hinge quickly enough to get the defensive end, but was a mere split-second too late.

Now the defensive end is tailing the tight end, so the play is over already unless Alabama tackles poorly. Meyer's shovel option is predicated on getting a mismatch of players; if there were three offensive players (Tebow, running back, tight end) and only two defenders to account for them (playside defensive end, safety), the play would have a chance to be successful. Yet now the backside defensive end is here to account for the tight end. Any choice Tebow makes at this point will be the wrong one.

Tebow has decided to shovel the ball, and the defensive end trailing Tebow's tight end immediately makes the tackle.

Blown plays like this were fairly common by the end of Meyer's tenure at Florida. In order to be successful at Ohio State, Meyer needs to continue recruiting athletic linemen such as Joey O'Connor who can be taught to execute difficult blocks such as the right tackle's assignment from this play. Meyer's offense asks quite a bit of its offensive linemen, and talented players such as the Pouncey brothers are required to ensure its success. Braxton Miller will most likely be a huge star running Meyer's system, but he needs a star cast of offensive linemen in order to accomplish the task.

Chalk Talk: Playing Offensive Line in the Triple Option

In my 13 years playing offensive line, I took part in several offensive systems throughout high school and college: pro-style, spread, pistol, and even a variation of West Virginia's offense called the "shot-run." Yet one of the most fun systems to play o-line in was undoubtedly the triple option.

I reported for my first training camp at Colorado College in August 2008. The Tigers' offensive coordinator left during the offseason to take the head coaching job at Grinnell, which is actually where I ended up once Colorado College cut football. Anyway, while meeting my fellow freshmen football players for the first time, I heard rumblings that we were going to run "the triple option."

I was coming from a high school where we were in the shotgun 95% of the time, and using 5-wide sets for at least a third of our plays. This was during a magical time when coaches across the country thought the spread offense couldn't be stopped. Unicorns danced in fields made of rainbows and puppy smiles. I liked playing o-line in the spread, and the pressure of passing on most plays developed in me an unflappable confidence in pass protection. I hadn't even heard of the triple option.

Our rival high school ran a bastardized double-tight version of the flexbone which we affectionately referred to as "the turtle," but I didn't know that it was actually an abomination derived from Paul Johnson's triple option. In the coming weeks and months, I would come to simultaneously revile and enjoy playing in the sweet simplicity of the triple option.

What's so great about playing in an offense that passes the football maybe three times a game, you ask? You can absolutely terrorize the defensive linemen.

Ask any d-lineman who has played against the triple option, and he will tell you he absolutely hates it; he will also probably call it stupid, because he doesn't want to say he is afraid of it. Offensive linemen have three jobs on the base triple option play: cut a d-lineman, double-team a d-lineman, or cut a linebacker. (a cut block is aimed at the defender's knees with the intention of getting them to fall down.)

At Colorado College, we literally used our entire practice time practicing these three blocks. It gets ingrained in the very fiber of your being, to the point where all you have to think about before a snap is how you are going to ruin your defender's world.

Did I mention we played out of a four-point stance? On passing plays, we actually had to take a step forward before we could start our pass blocking. When a defensive lineman is uncertain of whether he is going to be double-teamed or cut, he can't play to the best of his ability. I prided myself in causing these d-linemen to live in fear. I was a football terrorist, and I loved it.

Let's take a look at what makes the base play of the triple option so simple for offensive linemen.

The video footage used in making these images is courtesy of ESPN.

This is Air Force, who is located in the same city as Colorado College. Their offense rushed for over 314 yards per game (third in the nation). The quarterback reads the second man on or outside the center, which in this case is the defensive end. Therefore, the right tackle won't even worry about him; instead, he will slam down on the 3-technique with the guard, with the intent of working up to the playside linebacker.

The center and left guard will execute scoop blocks. They will take at least three steps at a 45-degree angle to the right; if the noseguard stays where he is the guard will cut him while the center goes downfield to cut the flowing linebacker.

The left tackle's job is essentially to keep the 5-technique lined up on his outside shoulder from making a play. Any line-of-scrimmage players outside the 5-tech are too far away to make a play if the quarterback hands off to the fullback.

After the first step, everything is going fairly well. The left guard is in the process of cutting the nose while the center works up to the backside linebacker, and the frontside double-team is nearly underway. The quarterback already has his eyes on the defensive end in order to see whether he should give the ball up the middle or keep it.

All blocks are developing flawlessly. You can see that the left tackle's assignment is too busy trying not to get cut to pursue after the play. Meanwhile, the #1 option player has come down to tackle the fullback, so the quarterback is pulling the ball to keep his second and third options alive (keep it or pitch it).

The play has devolved into absolute carnage at the line of scrimmage, which is exactly what the offensive linemen want. It is a hallmark of this offense to be able to get your skill players in space with defenders who could potentially make mistakes. To be clear, the offensive linemen have no idea whether the ball will be given, kept, or pitched on this play. They simply execute their assignment and let the brains of the offense (the quarterback) call all the shots. It's a very blue-collar type of football to play o-line in; just punch the timeclock and beat the crap out of defenders.

The triple option is all about getting the defenders to second-guess themselves, and this play does so perfectly. The circled defender is supposed to follow the pitch man, but with the quarterback running straight at him, he hesitates. The resulting pitch goes for a touchdown.

Of course, this isn't the only play in the triple option; however, defenses think they can stop it by assigning defenders specific roles against this play. As Chris Brown has pointed out, this doesn't work. A triple-option guru can just change the blocking assignments. As an offensive lineman, you just do what they tell you. It's nice being able to turn your brain off (or at least down a little) while playing football.

In the interest of full disclosure, our offense was absolutely terrible that season. Attempting to run the triple option with spread personnel is insanely difficult; it requires lots of time drilling the concepts into players. Especially crucial is having a quarterback who is comfortable making the split-second decisions crucial to the offense's success. However, as an o-lineman, it was rather pleasant just focusing on hitting people as hard as possible. Offenses where I was actually required to think before plays were more rewarding, but this one was pretty damn fun.

O-Line Game Notes: New Orleans at San Francisco

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press.

Venturing cautiously from their precious dome for the first time in a month, the New Orleans Saints traveled to San Francisco this week for the NFC's most anticipated postseason matchup thus far.

From an offensive line standpoint, both teams protect well on blitzing downs. San Francisco has the league's third highest passer rating against the blitz, whereas New Orleans is number five. Let's take a look at how the two units executed their respective gameplans today:


First Quarter 

• With nearly 4:30 remaining in the quarter, Roman Harper blitzed off the right side. There weren't enough blockers to pick Harper up, making him the "hot" blitzer. Alex Smith wasn't able to throw hot off of Harper, resulting in a fumble and a fight between San Francisco's offensive line and New Orleans' defensive line. This kind of chippiness early on can become extreme as the game wears on.

• Vernon Davis scored on a 49-yard reception with 2:08 left in the first quarter. The Saints brought some forceful inside stunts designed to get the San Francisco's interior o-line on different levels so that rushing lanes would be available. The 49ers did a great job picking up the stunts, and Smith had ample time to throw.

• New Orleans managed to pick up the 49ers second corner blitz in a row, but even after stepping up in the pocket, Brees threw a route that got jumped by Goldson. The 49ers' second takeaway is thanks to masked coverage rather than a good blitz.

• The broadcasters praised Frank Gore's pass protection on Smith's second touchdown pass with 0:41 remaining, and for good reason. Running backs are rarely asked to protect the opposite side of where they start the play, but Gore did so admirably against Will Smith.

Above: Alex Smith celebrates with his offensive line after the 49ers' first touchdown of the game. (AP)

Second Quarter

• Drew Brees helps his offensive line pass block because he's savvy in the pocket. A certain percentage of sacks can come from the quarterback's inability to adjust his position based on pressure; with Brees, that percentage is very low.

• So far this season, San Francisco has been sacked 20 more times than New Orleans. As a result, it seems that the 49ers have opted for a much more conservative defensive gameplan. They respect the Saints' o-line, so they might only bring 4 rushers. But they want to bring that fourth man from different areas while mixing up the coverage to counteract Brees' ability to read a defense.

• On screen passes, the defensive linemen are coached to remember that getting to the quarterback "is never that easy." With 9 minutes left in the quarter, the Saints defensive line apparently forgot this rule. Luckily, their linebacker corps was quick to recognize the screen and contribute to a San Francisco three-and-out.

• Jonathan Goodwin is injured for the 49ers, at least temporarily. San Francisco is already struggling to establish the run, and losing their starting center could be a crippling blow.

• San Francisco tried nearly everything on New Orleans' second scoring drive: stunts, blitzes, rushing defensive ends out of 9-techniques. None of it was able to slow the machine-like New Orleans offense, which leads the league in 10-play drives. Offensive line units take pride in being able to keep the other team's offense off the field, and the Saints have begun their ball-control onslaught.

• The Saints just unveiled their own taste of the screen, and the 49ers d-line did a much better job recognizing it than New Orleans' unit did earlier, adding fuel to the argument that San Francisco has a better-coached defense.

Above: Drew Brees' second-quarter scramble attampt didn't go as planned. (AP)

Third Quarter

• San Francisco relies on their offensive line's ability to cut defenders on perimeter run plays. During the 49ers' first drive of the second half, the Saints were still able to pursue well enough to stop Frank Gore for no gain despite the fact that most of their front seven were lying on the ground..

• For the second time in three plays, New Orleans brought seven rushers. It's obviously too much for the 49ers o-line to handle, but Alex Smith wasn't able to react quickly enough to avoid the sack.

• The Niners have yet to make anything happen on offense in the second half. Credit so far goes to the Saints defense, who has begun regularly bringing six or more rushers nearly every other play. The San Francisco o-line is handling the pressure admirably, but the 49ers skill players are struggling to make plays.

• San Francisco is playing some amazing coverage on defense. They only brought three rushers, which allowed to go through his progressing with a sundial timing him, and still managed to force an incomplete pass. So far this game, it seems that New Orleans is successful by blitzing more whereas San Francisco is successful by blitzing less.

• I began watching this game expecting an offensive line showdown. However, the story so far has been less about offensive line play and more about turnovers and dropped passes. Both teams are missing opportunities left and right; the team who comes out of this alive will be the one who shows a shred of consistency.

• Even with Goodwin back in the game at center, the 49ers still can't get any inside running game established because New Orleans is loading up the box and daring Alex Smith to make big-time throws. The Saints' problem on offense is exactly the opposite. San Fancisco is putting five defenders in the box and rushing only three. They're protecting themselves from the deep ball daring New Orleans to run the ball well without Pierre Thomas. So far, both plans are working quite well.

Above: Despite the Niners' refusal to rush many defenders, Justin Smith recorded a third-quarter sack. (AP)

Fourth Quarter

• The 49ers ran an incredibly effective d-line twist that made the Saints' left guard do a 360-degree spin. It got Justin Smith free to force an incompletion from Brees. San Francisco is expecting it to take a long time for their pass rush to get to Brees with only three or four rushers, so they're implementing more stunts and twists to try and confuse the Saints o-line.

• Justin Smith is an absolute animal. With the Niners only rushing three, Smith bull-rushed Jermon Bushrod directly into Brees. If San Francisco manages to win this game, it will be thanks to Smith and an exceptional defensive backfield.

• When the 49ers pull left guard Mike Iupati onto a linebacker, it's a huge mismatch because of his immense size. San Francisco's inside power runs have been some of their most successful ones today, and Frank Gore ripped off a 42-yard gain.

• I admittedly hadn't seen San Francisco play much this season, and I understand now why they have the top defense in the league. They can create pressure with only three or four rushers, and can play some amazing zone coverage. Most impressive is their ability to recognize New Orleans' plays and execute their assignments. The Saints' offensive line can't do much to win this game, because the Niners' defense is that good. It's by far one of the most-well coached defenses I've ever seen.

• And just like that, New Orleans flips the script. With five pass rushers in his face, Brees threw the checkdown to the speedy Darren Sproles, who was sprung by some great downfield blocking for a touchdown. The Saints' o-line has executed their assignment fairly well all game; all it took was a big play from their skill player cohorts, and New Orleans is up.

• Vernon Davis is one of the few NFL tight ends I've seen who can be split out at the Z, then beat a cornerback on a go route. Nice protection by San Francisco, great toss by Alex Smith, amazing speed from Davis.

• And now the game has devolved into utter chaos. Three touchdowns between the two teams, and both offensive lines managed to keep their composure despite the frantic atmosphere in San Francisco. The 49ers have an incredibly well-coached team that should take the Giants-Packers winner to the brink. Huge win.

How the Denver Broncos can succeed long-term with Tim Tebow

How will Tebow keep winning long-term?
Hint: JD Walton plays an important role.

Over 2000 years after His arrival on earth, there is still a debate about whether Jesus Christ is the Jewish Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.

It seems the disputation of whether Tim Tebow is the savior of Denver's Super Bowl hopes might last nearly as long.

The arguments have been hashed and rehashed to the point of white noise; it's the classic he's a winner, bro vs. he doesn't make mid-range throws any respectable QB should be able to complete. Nearly every time the man exits the postgame podium, talk-radio fires are stoked once more.

So, to avoid redundancy about whether the Broncos should keep Tim Tebow long-term, let's just talk about what they need to do if they decide to ride the Tebow Train to Super Bowl glory or utter oblivion.

If John Elway & Co. ™ do indeed buy into Tebow for the foreseeable future, they must buy in all the way. No more straddling the fence with cryptic interview answers about Tebow's future. If he's the guy, start acting like it. This starts and ends with personnel. Elway and GM Brian Xanders must look for offensive personnel that fit neatly into Mike McCoy's Tebow-ized zone-read and zone-option scheme. Finding great fits requires thinking outside the box. For example, a happy accident for this offense is Demaryius Thomas.

Thomas was Josh McDaniels' first pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. At the time, he was just the safer option over Dez Bryant, who had character questions coming into the draft. A few questions were raised about drafting a receiver who played in the triple option at Georgia Tech. However, Thomas ended up being a perfect match for McCoy's new offense because of his time at Georgia Tech.

Demaryius Thomas was a triple option wide receiver, which makes him perfect for Denver.

Receivers in Paul Johnson's triple option spend the entire game stalk blocking corners and safeties, and then they go deep for a couple touchdowns per game. Coaches recruit receivers to triple option schools by saying, "you might only catch 2 balls a game, but it will be for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns because you'll be that open." Thomas' stat line from last week's Wild Card win over Pittsburgh? 4 catches for 204 yards and a touchdown. He gets his chance on deep play-action passes, and he does not disappoint.

The most important offensive personnel to find, though? More guys like Zane Beadles and JD Walton. McDaniels' second and third round picks from the 2010 Draft (McDaniels is looking pretty smart now, right?), they were solid offensive linemen who didn't require first-round money to obtain. If Denver scouts can identify more linemen that would be comfortable in this offensive system, those same linemen will likely be undervalued by other teams because they don't fit as well in a pro-style scheme.

Tim Tebow would be the first to admit his success is impossible without the young Denver o-line.

Tebow is admittedly a master at running the zone-read option. He faked the handoff to Willis McGahee so well last Sunday that it took Steelers LB James Harrison ridiculously long to realize Tebow still had the ball. (If WR Matt Willis had stayed on his block, that play would have been a touchdown.) However, the scheme would blow up in Tebow's face every play were it not for the superb blocking of Denver's offensive line. The organization has a long-held tradition of great offensive line play by undervalued players, and McCoy's offense offers an amazing possibility to keep this tradition going. The Broncos do need to develop run blocking from their tight ends, who currently struggle with staying on their blocks.

The last step? Continue developing the defensive backfield. Denver has a pass-rushing duo in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller that will terrorize opposing offensive lines for years to come, but when the rush doesn't come immediately the Broncos' safeties are picked apart. This is in part because rookies Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore are experiencing an oft-unpleasant trial by fire. Both show flashes of brilliance followed by frustrating mental mistakes. Denver must develop these young players, and draft young talent to develop underneath Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman (both age 33), who have been stellar but will eventually retire.

In short, success is absolutely possible with Tebow. Denver has defied all odds and can continue to do so, but they must commit fully one way or the other. Embrace McCoy's collegiate scheme and develop the personnel to run it, or scrap everything and go back to a pro-style offense. Either choice is understandable, but the Broncos will drown if they refuse to commit one way or the other. It is an incredible risk to bank on Tebow's success, as it puts the careers of nearly everyone associated with the program in jeopardy if he fails. Having said that, if I had to bet my career on one player, it would undoubtedly be Tebow.

Chalk Talk: Understanding the National Championship in one play

On Monday, I talked about how offensive line play would determine the outcome of the National Championship Game. It was a showdown of the nation's top two defenses, certainly; but victory would go to the team whose offensive line made a dent in the opposing defense.

Down 15-0 in the desperate half of the fourth quarter, LSU started throwing haymakers. Facing a long fourth down, it was do-or-die time for the Tigers' offensive line, and they apparently decided to die.

Video used in making these images is courtesy of ESPN.

Jordan Jefferson just threw hot off an extra blitzer on the previous play and missed his receiver, so now the Tigers are calling a more conservative protection. They have six players to block six potential rushers. First, let's talk about the left side.

Because the running back has been placed on the left side, that will be the "man" side, meaning that the left guard and left tackle are manned up on the first and second pass rushers, respectively. The running back's job is to take the circled backer if he blitzes, or help the guard and tackle with their protection if the backer doesn't blitz. Sometimes the play will be called so the running back releases in a checkdown route if there is no extra blitzer.

On the right side, LSU also has three blockers for three potential rushers: the defensive tackle, the defensive end (who is actually a linebacker in a 3-point stance) and the defender with a diamond on him. The diamond player looks like he will be covering the slot receiver, so he's not a high-priority rusher on the right side. The center, right guard and right tackle will all slide right to accommodate any twists or blitzes meant to confuse them, and each blocker will take the gap to his immediate right. Whoever shows as a rusher in that player's gap is his responsibility.

Here's the very first step of the protection. Jefferson hasn't even started his drop in earnest, and most of the defenders have already begun to show where they're going. The left tackle is kicking wide to accommodate the d-end's hard outside rush. The running back is stepping up for the b-gap blitzer. The left guard is short-setting his d-tackle so as not to give up an inside rush lane. Dont'a Hightower has taken his first step hard and outside, so the right tackle is bailing outside hard with his first kick step. The potential right-side blitzer looks like he'll be sitting in coverage, so the o-linemen aren't really worried about him.

The trouble here is the defensive tackle on the right side. He hasn't really shown one gap or the other, so the guard isn't quite sure whether he should pass the rusher off to the center and go help his right tackle. The d-lineman is also Alabama's backup noseguard; for the last few plays he's been spinning and trying all sorts of crazy stuff since he just got put in the National Championship Game. The center and guard absolutely hate him because they've been playing hard the entire game only to receive a fresh rusher who is going nuts trying to get to Jefferson. Just a couple plays ago, the center pancaked the youngster and wouldn't let him up; that's when things usually start getting chippy.

The right guard's thirst for blood really hurts the Tigers here. He's so eager to beat up on this young defensive tackle that he doesn't maintain his gap protection as well as he should.

Here we are a mere split-second later. The left guard an tackle are still doing a great job staying on their blocks. The running back is preparing to take on his blitzing backer. However, all is not well on the right side. The right guard has committed fully to the defensive tackle, and Hightower finds the resulting hole in protection quite appetizing.

Everyone on the left side is still doing their job, but the right side is in DEFCON-1. The right tackle over-set his feet because he knew he had help to the inside, and he had to respect Hightower's outside rush speed. Now he's realizing his only help will come from the center, and the help won't make it in time. Jefferson has the bubble open, but it's well-covered and won't get enough yards for the first. He's looking for something deep to come open, but there isn't nearly enough time.

And, it's gone. LSU's best chance of scoring the entire game, that is. 

I can't stress how often this type of mistake happens, especially on a big stage. Offensive linemen love contact, because it's the only thing that makes playing offensive line any fun. With such a long period of time before the game, players start getting antsy; when their chance finally arrives, they can forget their assignments because they just want to hit someone. Say what you want about Nick Saban's dictatorial coaching style, but he showed up with the more disciplined team Monday night.

Chalk Talk: Alabama's Athletic Linemen

College football fans outside the SEC haven't been too excited for this year's national championship, seeing as it will be a rematch of the 9-6 yawn-fest that took place last November. It's been touted by media outlets as a battle of defenses, which is code for "unexciting" for fans that prefer a touch of offensive firepower. However, for fans of stellar offensive line play, the game should be excellent; what takes place in the trenches Monday will be the decisive factor.

Most of the "hype" (if you can call it that) surrounding today's BCS National Championship Game is centered on Alabama and LSU's impenetrable defenses, which are #1 and #2 in the nation statistically. However, both teams boast rushing attacks that average over 200 yards per game. LSU Head Coach Les Miles told the Associated Press yesterday to expect "...big boy football. And I'd expect it to be very, very physical." 

The "big boys" in question are the eight combined returning starters on the offensive line for both teams. Alabama's Barrett Jones was recently named the 2011 Outland Trophy winner. If there's ever a matchup to be dictated by offensive line play, it's this one.

Video used in making these images is courtesy of CBS.

The above play is from Alabama's 2009 SEC Championship victory over Florida. Although the game is older,  this play perfectly illustrates the athleticism of William Vlachos, who is now a senior for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama is asking Vlachos to snap the ball in a shotgun formation, then pull around for the playside linebacker (the Will). The Will backer will be in a perfect spot for Vlachos to execute his block, because the Will is going to flow downhill towards the ball.

Once Vlachos leaves, the two guards will double team the noseguard to the Mike backer (the standing defender who is further down in the frame). Since Ingram will be running the ball to the left outside the numbers (as shown by his arrow), this double team has a great angle and should be able to reach the Mike as he flows towards the ball.

Most of the other blocks here are straightforward; the tackles and tight ends are all performing a reach block on the individual players lined up over them. This involves taking a lateral step while placing one's helmet on the playside numbers of the defender's jersey, then delivering a punch on the inside numbers. The blockers will continue to work laterally to seal their man off and give Ingram a running lane to the left.

So far, the blocking has been executed perfectly. The right guard has already come off his double team block to get the Mike, and all the reach blockers are fighting to seal off the running lane. Vlachos is pulling for the Will backer, who is flowing towards Ingram and doesn't seem to expect a center in his lap.

Vlachos has now made contact with the Will backer and is beginning to drive him outside of Ingram's desired rushing lane. The rest of Bama's blockers are doing an incredible job of staying on Florida's defenders as long as possible. Holding a block for this long is a combination of tenacity and athleticism; against a speedy SEC defense, athleticism is the most important part of keeping these blocks long enough for the running back to make a play.

At this point, Vlachos is driving his man straight into the Alabama bench. This is the type of blocking Les Miles alluded to with his "big boy football" quote. Bama has now cleared an enormous rushing lane that allows for a 15-yard gain.

Look for Bama to combat LSU's incredibly fast defense with schemes such as this. In order to win the rematch, the Crimson Tide need their stellar linemen such as Vlachos and Jones to step up and use their athleticism to provide Trent Richardson with room to make plays. It might not be the touchdown party we saw in this year's Rose or Fiesta Bowls, but the offensive line play on both sides should be some of the best this season.

Understanding The Rose Bowl's Final Seconds

Down a touchdown with 16 seconds remaining in the 98th annual Rose Bowl, Russell Wilson attempted his best "Tebow Time" impression. Much like Tebow himself recently, Wilson came up short.

Despite carving up Oregon's prevent defense, Wisconsin attempted to spike the ball after a long first down pass left only 2 seconds on the clock. An official review confirmed that no time remained after the spike, thereby adding a sour end to the highest scoring Rose Bowl ever.

Above: Russell Wilson wasn't too happy with the ruling. Photo courtesy of ESPN.

Criticism abounded after the game's finish; not of the official's ruling, but of Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema's clock management. Granted, there would've been an extra timeout had Bielema not challenged the Oregon kick returner who nearly came out of the end zone before taking a knee. However, in this situation the correct coaching call was made because it takes the offensive line's challenges into account.

First, one should understand how difficult it is to spike the ball with such little time remaining. The center is hovering over the ball, usually with a particularly curmudgeonly referee standing over him and refusing to let the center even touch the ball before the whistle. Upon the whistle, the center must wait for the quarterback's quick cadence, which loses even more time. He must then snap the ball, which becomes significantly more difficult when trying to do it as quickly as possible; if the ball is improperly snapped, Wilson will fumble it and then be unable to spike before the clock has run out. Most postgame critics failed to understand how difficult the last-second spike is. Having done it myself, I prefer to cut Wisconsin some slack.

Another one of the chief postgame sentiments that flooded forums and Facebook was that Wisconsin should have simply run another play. Many critics believe Wilson should have made an "echo" call to run the same play again, with the belief that even redundant playcalling would be a better option than attempting to spike the ball.

Unfortunately, running a no-huddle offense isn't as easy as the folks over at EA Sports might lead you to believe. Offensive lines don't automatically call protections; it actually takes time to do so. Without a properly called protection, Wilson wouldn't have had any time to find the open man in Oregon's prevent defense. With 7 or 8 defenders potentially dropping into coverage, the offensive line needs more than one second to get on the same page, because extra time will be necessary.

Spiking the ball is the necessary choice because it gives Wisconsin time to call a route combo and protection that would create the best chance to permeate the legion of Ducks guarding the endzone. Although Wilson didn't get the spike done in time, it still had a higher chance of success on the resulting play than heaving the ball blindly without calling another play.