Well no one has figured out Tech all year, and I doubt anyone will. You could have rushed five or six, but then their speed would have scored on every play. They had the scheme and excuted it so well.
The only teams to beat them, won the turnover game. We didn't do that, and Tech won. (Gee, that happens in most FB games-you make less mistakes, you win.)
We had some hurries, but not enough. Eight back didn't work, seven didn't, six killed us, and having nine back would have given all day to shred us.
Against UNM (Tech's first loss) they shot themselves in the foot, and were just beginning to gel. It would have been a victory if not for a late UNM turnover. UNM has an extra bonus of playing in the somewhat pass happy Mountain West. (The Lobos get to face such daunting foes as Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado State. They have seen 55 passes a game before.)
To Nebraska's credit, they sure see a lot of reps against a West Coast Offense; the WCO isn't a fun and gun a la Spurrier and Mouse Davis.
Cos and Cal will make Reilly pay-next season very dearly. In the meantime, the Red Raider faithful can look forward to San Diego and the Holiday Bowl if all goes well.
The Tangerine wants Nebraska I hear. Well, the ACC loves the pass, so keep this tape close and get out your scouting sheets. We could need these adjustments.
By the way, what adjustments, using the players and coaches we have available, would any of you have made.
I discounted M2M immediately. A three deep and two out (covering the sideline leaves you 2-3 guys to go M2M with threat du jour. I'd have sent a few more blitzes (and doubled up a lot more-but remember with that risk you have to play M2M into the zone coverage-something we are not used to.) Zones don't work and we didn't have the Man personnel.
Given the short field position and lack of momentum, I would have been forced to endure and recover much like the coaches did today. Not pretty but since the players were confused, I'm not sure what else could have been done.
Hopefully Baylor doesn't install a fun and gun this week. We will be in trouble.