Snap Shots: How Bryan Harsin Sets Up Success
by Peter Bean on Sep 20, 2011 11:05 PM CDT
in Texas Longhorns Football
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PrintIt wasn't a whole lot of fun to do frame-by-frame break downs of last year's offense: "Here you see Texas trying another outside zone run and you can see that it's different than the last one because this time the left tackle didn't completely whiff his block, but instead got blown back into the runner."
Reviewing game tape has been a lot more fun this year, and while thus far the focus of the series has been on our execution of certain plays, for today's Snap Shot we're going to look at how Bryan Harsin integrates his play calling, using earlier plays to set up later ones.
The Situation: Our first series of shots is from Texas' opening drive of the game, facing 3rd down and 4 from its own 26. (Click any picture to embiggen.)
Comment: Shipley is in the shotgun with Fozzy Whittaker set to his right. The formation is loaded to the field side, with a tight end on the line and a pair of players stacked behind him -- FB Cody Johnson and RB DJ Monroe.
Comment: After receiving the snap, Shipley gives an immediate handoff to Whittaker, who starts left while DJ Monroe heads right, where Cody Johnson and LG David Snow are pulling as lead blockers.
Comment: Whittaker hands it off to Monroe, making the play like a fancier version of the classic counter.
Comment: Monroe does get the edge but winds up about a foot short of the first down.
The Situation, 2: Okay, now we fast forward 13 minutes to the end of the first quarter, where Texas has a 2nd down and 7 from the UCLA 8 yard line.
Comment: Look familiar? Texas is back in the same formation as before, only this time it's Malcolm Brown in for DJ Monroe. Everything else is the same.
Comment: Upon receiving the snap, Shipley again immediately hands it off to Whittaker, who again starts left while the tailback -- this time Brown -- starts right. Note, however, that while Cody Johnson is again pulling to the right, this time Texas is pulling two linemen to the left.
Comment: I love this shot so much: Whittaker again reaches to the tailback as though to hand it off on a counter, except this time it's a fake -- he's keeping it. And as Texas is pulling two linemen to the left, and Blaine Irby is doing a great job of sealing the playside defensive end, the rest of the Bruins defense is looking right -- looking for that same counter they saw on Texas' opening drive.
Comment: Fozzy has the angle on the pursuing linebacker and two lead blockers between him and the end zone...
Comment: Espinosa and Walters do their jobs and it's smooth sailing for Fozzy Whittaker into the end zone. 14-0 Longhorns.
There's just so much to like in this pair of plays. To begin with, I'm a fan of that counter that Texas ran on its opening drive, and it would be worth highlighting as a nice play all on its own. It's a neat play precisely because it's a counter, but with the addition of a useful wrinkle into that basic play: the handoff to a tailback who has the option to make a handoff to the other tailback on the counter, or keep it himself. Lo and behold, two drives later Harsin lines Texas up in the same formation, selling the defense on the same play, only this time Whittaker keeps it, and voila, Texas is in the end zone. And let's not forget that it's Shipley there in the Wildcat. Who knows what other options Harsin has built into that base play.
There's one other thing about this that I love and is worth mentioning as we approach OU week. I never understood Texas' tendency to sort of tip-toe up to the OU game each year, which among other things had the effect of making the defense's job easier. Sure, there might be a wrinkle or two coming, but the defense knew exactly what to prepare for and didn't have to do much thinking out there.
Contrast that with what we're seeing with this Texas offense this year, where Texas is running a dizzying variety of plays, many out of the same formations. Imagine preparing for that. Your coaches are telling you, "When they line up in formation A, watch for them to run X. But don't forget that it could be Y. And for God's sake remember that they sometimes fake it and do Z!" The defense has to think out there. Defenders have to wait and watch, and consequently they're slower to react. That's a huge advantage to the offense, no matter which play, or variation of a play, you're running.
Bryan Harsin gets it. He understands how to scheme, he understands how to teach, he understands how to strategize, and he understands how to call plays. /swoon
Hook 'em
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Bravo, good sir.
Thanks for this post. My favorite part of that play is the Cody Johnson decoy on the setup. I’m wondering if Harsin thinks that Johnson is the defense’s key rather than the pulling linemen?
The key for the defense should always be the linemen
But the point of misdirection is to cause defenders to read the flow of the play from players like Shipley and Johnson and not to “get their eyes right” as defensive coaches like to say and key on those linemen. In other words, previous tendencies and flow will help get a defenders eyes wrong and cause them to be out of position, despite what they need to watch.
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Sep 20, 2011 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Ghost is right but human nature is more powerful sometimes
I recall hearing several defensive analysts talk about how linebackers often key on the fullback in 2 -back running systems. Plus, defenses pay attention to who is in the game, and having Malcolm Brown in the game to run the counter into the boundary was a fish bait they couldn’t resist.
If you look at the UCLA LB’s, they basically haven’t moved by the second frame, even though they are looking to their left. By that time Walters and Espinosa have reached the edge and “it’s too late baby, it’s too late”
For further previews, notice the backside of the play. The backside DE (Datone Jones?) is left unblocked by both Trey Hopkins and Cody Johnson. If Fozzy had given Brown the ball, he likely would have been outside contain by the unblocked DE, leaving Hopkins and Johnson free to seal the LB and drive off the safety. I think we score on this play whichever direction it’s run because Harsin is playing with the DE. Longhorn Scott over at BC has an entire post devoted to how Harsin neutralizes a team’s best DE (Ronnell Lewis, what up?) with scheme.
If I was a DC, and after watching the Horns for 3 games, I would ignore the fullback and key off Walters and Snow. The genius of Harsin is hat he might figure this out in about 3-4 plays and make you pay with a trap or draw. Contrast this with GD in the past, who would still be baffled by Monday’s press conference. Sweetness…
by burnt in ny on Sep 21, 2011 5:18 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There are also other options from the same formation and keys… I’m sure we will have a pass or a different run option play off of it in the playbook for a future defender with those two plays fresh on their minds. I’m with you on Harsin…He just gets it…all of it. Thanks for the article PB.
Screw You...We're From Texas
Thanks
You’re exactly right. We run a number of these plays that have all these different options built into them. It’s a huge burden for the defense to deal with.
75-37-5. Now GTFO.
shovel option
Chances seem pretty high that this is the Wildcat formation with the Florida-style shovel triple option rumored in fall practice reports. Shipley & Fozzy execute the zone read and then you can either have Cody Johnson pulling across as the Aaron Hernandez forward pitch man or you could have DJ Monroe doing the same as CJ blocks left to further sell the outside zone. Or I guess you could even have both CJ and DJ moving right , at which point a shovel to DJ would give him a lead blocker too.
I saw this in my first re-watching of the game and was really hoping you'd write this up. Fantastic.
Just a beautifully crafted set of plays here, and I definitely get the impression that Bryan Harsin’s approach to other teams scouting his offense is to just let them see everything… and then try to prepare for staggering number of possibilities that his offensive sets present.
In particular, there are at last four ways the above play can be run, and the pre-snap defensive read tells you nothing about what is coming. If you watch the video of the above play you see clearly the indecision the play creates in the linebackers. If — IF — your pulling lineman get downfield quickly enough and secure their blocks, this formation has big play potential every time it’s run. I think I recall Harsin saying something like, “If everyone does their job, any play in our playbook can result in a touchdown.” Greg Davis wants his QBs to improvise.
Greg Davis haikus; a lot like his offenses; always go sideways.
by pleaseplaykindle on Sep 20, 2011 11:58 PM CDT reply actions
Harsin and Diaz
Thanks for the write up PB. Love watching this offense. One thing for sure is I am more concerned about Harsin and Diaz sticking around for a few years than I am about conference re-alignment.
yeah I'm not looking forward to that day.
My source close to the program can beat up your source close to the program!
I comfort myself in thinking
that if Harsin leaves, Major will at least know the offense, if not have the same ability to call the complementary plays at the right time, though I suspect — and would obviously like to believe — that Major can do that, too
As for Diaz, I think he’s going to be a good head-coaching candidate before too long, but Texas will always have first choice of the top assistants and I think there will be some defensive coordinators coming up who have a similar approach if that’s what Mack Brown wants when the time comes.
But, the time for either to leave is at least a few games in the future, so it’s not only a good problem to have, it’s always not worthy worrying too much about
Follow me on Twitter: @GhostofBigRoy
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by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Sep 21, 2011 12:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I actually think they'll stick around for 2-3 years minimum
They’re young and they have the chance to make an impression in this position.
If I were them, I’d be thinking… “Let’s get a national title on my resume at Texas here, and then I can write my own ticket anywhere in the country.”
I think Applewhite is being groomed to take Brown’s place. The real HCIW.
That's what I'm thinking...
Going back to last year when they took the jobs, I would expect they were thinking they could turn their respective sides of the team around in a couple years and then have a shot at a very good HC gig, ala Muschamp. But looking at how the freshman talent has emerged this year, and the recruits in the pipeline, they’ve got to be thinking that an MNC run is completely viable in the next couple years. Unless the opportunity was a once in a lifetime sort of deal, I would think it would be in their best interests to see that through.
This really is so true
“the rest of the Bruins defense is looking right — looking for that same counter they saw on Texas’ opening drive.”
They are literally standing there, completely flat footed, looking to their left. What a beautiful sight after years of other teams players knowing what we were doing on nearly every snap.
by dontcallmekram on Sep 21, 2011 12:39 AM CDT reply actions
Change in philosophy
It’s funny seeing this year’s approach on offense versus the prior regime. Before it was hide things before OU. Now it is show things each week, then unveil a counter play that uses a defense’s scouting against it. This package of plays, as well as having Ash run play action on 3rd and short with the pass over the top to Shipley.
So much to watch, break down, and marvel at. Compare to last year, were we had no idea what we were trying to accomplish.
Hook 'em! @michaelpelech10 on Twitter
by The Audit Horn on Sep 21, 2011 12:52 AM CDT via iPhone app reply actions
Looking at this play...
It depends, as do most running plays, on preventing DT penetration. If OU’s defense has a weak link, it’s their defensive tackle play. I think we’ll have success running the ball.
One slight nitpick.
Fozzy needs to use 2 hands every time on the “read” part of the play so he does not tip the play to the corner or containing defender. The first play he hands the ball off 1 handed, while the second play he is more protective.
Reminds me of baseball with some of the sneaky “deliveries” Harsin and Boise State have employed over the years trying to buy that extra bit of time to fool the hitter/defense. Great choreography and quite enjoyable to watch.
The view from the Rose Bowl of Bruin fans leaving early was tremendously satisfying.
Can we sign Harsin to a 30 year contract? And here’s a thought…eventually Mack Brown will retire (hopefully on the podium after accepting the National Championship Trophy) anyone else think Harsin if he’s still at Texas will be a prime candidate for the head job?
formerly "Horns102591"
by horns1025 on Sep 21, 2011 2:19 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I know Chris Peterson wants to be Texas Head Coach
Greg Davis... Gone!
by Crimson Fog on Sep 21, 2011 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm thinking NC next year
Mack retires. Harsin HC. Applewhite OC. We just need a new young guy or one of the other D staff to learn what Manny can teach. Oh, yeah, and lock Benny up so he can’t ever leave.
See ya later, alligator.
by Paleface Horn on Sep 21, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I think the stance
of the Slot-back is probably to look in and watch for the snap of the ball. They are aligned as the widest man, so I’m betting it’s to be able to know when to move in case of crowd noise.
Here in TEXAS we like our HORNS LONG and our DRINKS STRONG!
by BurntOrangeVeins on Sep 21, 2011 2:29 AM CDT reply actions
Thank You
PB you are a G_D send as this is the type of material I like to digest. I’m sick and tired of Tex to Pac whatever!!! Damn!!! Let’s talk about the accomplishments of the Lornghorn student athletes we all love! Nice post as this O is fun to watch, but hey show some love to my D! :)
by French-Horn on Sep 21, 2011 3:10 AM CDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
My sentiments exactly
Even with a bye, there’s so much on the field to talk about rather than playing the Chip Brown game and say Texas is going to every conference within a day.
Hook 'em! @michaelpelech10 on Twitter
by The Audit Horn on Sep 21, 2011 7:47 AM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
My nomination for the name of our wildcat offense is....
the “holy shit” formation, as in the defense saying “holy shit, what is Harsin going to throw at us next?”
This offense is a pleasure to watch as he uses all of our playmakers together and playing off one another to force to defense into that crucial hesitation that makes offensive plays go.
Remember last year when GD and Mack were bemoaning the lack of playmakers? Granted, MB, Shipley and Ash add a lot but the others were all here. The problem was the lack of an offense to take advantage of available talent.
Makes me miss Greg Davis.
See ya later, alligator.
The only time I miss Greg Davis
is when my aim is off! courtesy laugh
Because being a Texas fan means never having to say you're sorry.
by dukeoforange on Sep 21, 2011 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Love it
The gamesmanship the Harsin has brought to the offense has made this team so much more fun to watch than any I remember since VY. It’s got to be fun playing for him.
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. If they get mad, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes.
Beat me to it!
I swear, as I was reading down this, that I was going to comment about how I don’t want to miss a single offensive play, its so electric…..Not to offend Colt or Jordan Shipley, because that’s all we really had, but this is so different. GD’s offense was pretty predictable, Harsins’ imagination blows me away, edge of my seat type excitment.
"Nobody leaves this field until we beat the hell out of them".................... L.J."Louis"Jordan in 1913 before kickoff of the Texas/ou game.
Kinda makes you realize how great our players have been over the past 10 years or so
To be able to win 10+ games every year is truly remarkable considering the (lack of) offense they were forced to live with.
We're going to play like we're in a bad mood.
+1..nt
"Nobody leaves this field until we beat the hell out of them".................... L.J."Louis"Jordan in 1913 before kickoff of the Texas/ou game.
by ouALWAYSsux on Sep 22, 2011 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
What I really love about the still shots...
Is the IDENTICAL way Monroe and Brown are positioned. This team is disciplined and Harsin is a perfectionist. I cannot wait for each passing week.
I am quite thankful that at DKR, I do not have to listen to chants of "Big 12" echoing throughout.
I heart Bryan Harsin
Seriously, watching this year’s offensive schematics versus last year’s is like watching The Wire versus some pointless drivel like CSI.
Greg Davis thinks
tricking the defense like this is unsportsmanlike and akin to stealing a man’s animal crackers.
Joe Parker
he also still believes firmly that the lateral passing game will wear the defense down…
Joe "Effing" Parker
OU
If we lose tp OU this yr, at least it won’t be because we were less prepared or out schemed…which I luv
by jtdoes on Sep 21, 2011 11:10 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Bryan Heart-Surgeon
Harsin has been a godsend for the Texas offense. Each week you can see him pumping new blood into a traditionally anemic offense. I love his playcalling tactics and am excited to see how he handles the offense moving forward. Can’t wait to see what happens when he opens up the passing game and allows McCoy some opportunity to attack down the field.
Seriously, watching this Harsin offense
and comparing it to the GD offense, and it’s absolutely stunning how stagnant we were back in the GD glory days…
Dead-Solid-Perfect Peter
I always had the gut feeling that the playbook was limited every year in the run-up to the OU game. Any knowledgeable football fan knows that defenses play faster when they react rather than think too much. The more we show and execute (by actually doing it in a game situation…..not just in practice), the more opposing defenses have to plan for and think what if X ???
Harsin is in Stoops/Venables head ………. IGuaranDamnTeeYa!
Harsin/White Offense
I have not missed a Texas game since 1970. This offense is the most exciting offense to watch that I have seen Texas run. It is not about one particular person, but rather about maximizing the strengths that you have against the opponent. I was at the Rose Bowl and the play calling was absolutely perfect…..It looks like we run a basic offense with Case when we are deep in our own territory, but then change to what I call the Boise State Package when we get out to the 40 yardline or are in the Red Zone….The only things I thought we could have done better was to manage the clock better at the end of the first half (run it with Brown, run the clock, and don’t give opponent the ball back when you have only 3 minutes left) and don’t pull out Brown when you go to the special packages because he works as a perfect decoy. Hook’em from CA..
Agree on not pulling MB out.
I would rather hand him the ball than Cody J. anytime.
"Nobody leaves this field until we beat the hell out of them".................... L.J."Louis"Jordan in 1913 before kickoff of the Texas/ou game.
by ouALWAYSsux on Sep 22, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Question:
In the second play, there is a defender chasing fuzzy in the backfield. Was this someone’s responsibility and he got through? Did he come through because the linemen pulled? Is it designed for Fozzy to just out run this guy? With a quicker defender back there would this have gone for a loss?
3rd Degree Longhorn
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