In one of many best video games of the school soccer season, Oklahoma slayed the enormous, taking down Texas 34-30. It wasn’t an up and down affair like those of yore, however this yr’s sport featured numerous cool elements, and considerably of a popping out social gathering for this yr’s Oklahoma staff. 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. Based on Sports activities Info 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 Charge 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 go catcher to that aspect of the sector). This formation is a well-liked one to run dash out to at least one aspect, with possibly a choose play thrown in to free somebody as much as the large aspect of the sector. Nevertheless, they carry WR Nicholas Anderson into movement throughout the formation, and now they’re in a 2×2 set.
Basically, what the Sooners are operating to the left aspect is a bench idea, with the tight finish operating an out in direction of the entrance pylon, and Anderson operating to the again pylon on the left. It’s an extremely ballsy play to run to the brief aspect 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 choice works properly in opposition to a staff that runs numerous slide routes and fast hitters out of movement, but it surely requires actually good communication, and the Longhorns busted it on an important play of the sport.
If you happen to 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 a substitute of the Longhorns solely having to take care of one receiving risk to that aspect with two defenders, now Oklahoma has added one other risk, this one already in movement. The linebacker and bottom security don’t go off the routes in any respect, and Anderson turns into a Crimson River Rivalry Hero.
Let’s watch from the tip 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 need to account for. I actually assume the 2 receivers initially bumping into one another screwed with the heads of the Texas defenders for a break up second, however on the highest ranges of the game, a break 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 go 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 referred to as a incredible Crimson 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.
