Third and Long Call A Bad Move or Good Decision?
FAYETTEVILLE - After reviewing the film and looking back, Arkansas coach Houston Nutt say there is no second guess in the play calling. That includes a failed pass on third down that gave Alabama the ball with over two minutes in regulation.
"They moved that defense into a bear," says Nutt of Alabama's defense. "They knew McFadden wasn't back there, and we knew they were going to be pinching. So we thought we could go out and get one-on-one, if we got the first down, you're not asking the question today. But we also told him [quarterback Casey Dick] to run it, too, now. If there's any questions run it, but he's trying to make a play."
Nutt said all things considered, the play of Casey Dick and the play calling of David Lee was impressive. Dick finished the game 11-for-23 for 145 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Dick did have a 40 yard touchdown to freshman Crosby Tuck on another third down pass call.
"He really did a fine job of managing and checking us out of a bad play to get us into the right one," says Nutt on his quarterback's play. "I thought he threw the crossing routes very accurate. The pass to Crosby Tuck was huge on third-and-one, a good call by David Lee to draw them in with a fake to Felix. It looks like a run in a running formation and we ran a stop-and-go."
Nutt says that after falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Lee was thinking it was time to open up the passing game. But Lee was reminded of Arkansas' best weapons, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, and decided to avoid scrapping the ground attack.
But after taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, McFadden was knocked out of the game literally. D-Mac suffered a slight concussion and was held out of the final minutes of the game. Nutt says his star running back wanted to go out there, but trainer Dean Weber advised against it. Chances are he'll be ready to go again this Saturday against No. 21 Kentucky in Fayetteville.
Following the loss, Arkansas dropped from both major polls. The Hogs entered the game ranked No. 16 in both polls.
What do you think? Do you think the play call to throw on third and long was a smart decision?
"They moved that defense into a bear," says Nutt of Alabama's defense. "They knew McFadden wasn't back there, and we knew they were going to be pinching. So we thought we could go out and get one-on-one, if we got the first down, you're not asking the question today. But we also told him [quarterback Casey Dick] to run it, too, now. If there's any questions run it, but he's trying to make a play."
Nutt said all things considered, the play of Casey Dick and the play calling of David Lee was impressive. Dick finished the game 11-for-23 for 145 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Dick did have a 40 yard touchdown to freshman Crosby Tuck on another third down pass call.
"He really did a fine job of managing and checking us out of a bad play to get us into the right one," says Nutt on his quarterback's play. "I thought he threw the crossing routes very accurate. The pass to Crosby Tuck was huge on third-and-one, a good call by David Lee to draw them in with a fake to Felix. It looks like a run in a running formation and we ran a stop-and-go."
Nutt says that after falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, Lee was thinking it was time to open up the passing game. But Lee was reminded of Arkansas' best weapons, Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, and decided to avoid scrapping the ground attack.
But after taking the lead late in the fourth quarter, McFadden was knocked out of the game literally. D-Mac suffered a slight concussion and was held out of the final minutes of the game. Nutt says his star running back wanted to go out there, but trainer Dean Weber advised against it. Chances are he'll be ready to go again this Saturday against No. 21 Kentucky in Fayetteville.
Following the loss, Arkansas dropped from both major polls. The Hogs entered the game ranked No. 16 in both polls.
What do you think? Do you think the play call to throw on third and long was a smart decision?
It apparently was not a good decision since the the pass play failed. That being said,there were not many options left since D-Mac was not available. I'm not sure why Jones and Hillis weren't utilized more on the last drive. I have always been a fan of keeping it on the ground during a time management situation.
Posted by
Anonymous |
September 20, 2007 at 11:26 AM
In the opion of fan of the razorbacks all my life tonight was the worst displace of what i would like to call our coach. Houston Nutt should be fired for what hes made this team into. He's ruined the chance for Darren Mcfaddens chances of heiseman. Our season is already over. That tells you what kind of a coach we have. You can not win a game by bein conservative. The new A.D should clean house as soon as he gets control. What nutt had to say after the game showed you how much he cares.
Posted by
Anonymous |
September 22, 2007 at 8:36 PM
It's really sad that some people in Arkansas thinks that Houston Nutt is as good as we can do and will accept his level of coaching. Arkansas Razorbacks will not ever be a consistant winner with Houston Nutt. His last name says it all. It's not fair to the kids that become Razorbacks nor to the entire State of Arkansas. I think Houston will use McFadden up and possibly to the point of getting him hurt. Play calling is terrible just like it's been since Houston's been here at Arkansas. The only exception was last year with Coach Malzahn on the hill. Did anyone notice the difference in the level of excitment while Gus was here at Arkansas? Has anyone noticed how excited Houston gets if he make one or two good calls a game. Houston would resign and leave Arkansas if he really loves that helmet as much as he says he does, but he won't. Arkansas needs a new coach in a very bad way. To get a change we have to make a change. Remember "Get Gus on the hill"? Arkansas needs Gus back on the hill. His style of football is exciting, it spreads the field both horizonally and vertical. We can only hope that Houston is replaced soon.
Posted by
Anonymous |
September 23, 2007 at 4:55 PM
2 words for you...GO SOONERS!!!!!
Posted by
Anonymous |
September 24, 2007 at 8:45 AM