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.
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| 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.
