Manziel vs. Mettenburg

[ALTideUp]

Several pundits have begun to wonder how we will be able to contain Johnny Football when we were unable to stop Zach Football. I think the question is based on an incorrect assumption, namely, that we planned against Mettenberg.

I have to assume that the Bama coaching staff builds a game plan based on the available tape and stats. On the basis of what was known about Mettenberg, I have to guess Bama planned for him, not against him. In other words, they hatched a plan to make LSU rely on what was reasonably assumed to be LSU's weakest link. Bama actually executed their plan very well, making ZM throw for first downs on 3rd and 5-10yrds. But as we all saw, the otherwise hapless Mettenberg reprised Tebow's 2008 SEC championship game against us by putting balls in a space the size of a shoes box against really decent pass coverage. On those plays for which the LSU receivers were wide open, I would have to guess that an attempt to bait ZM into a bad throw failed.

In any case, game-planning this week will be AGAINST Johnny Football, not FOR him. This will no doubt mean a strategy similar to the Robinson-Jefferson-***ton-Tebow strategy. Don't get behind him, stay in your lanes, keep containment, etc. The big difference this week is that Manziel is a much better passer than the others, and so balancing containment and coverage will be harder to do successfully.

Hopefully, our pass coverage guys will be awakened by their experience of getting picked apart by ZM and realize that next week will require disciplined assignment football, flawless technique, and tattoo-close man coverage.

[McBaman]

Good points ATUp.  One of the best ways to slow down Manziel is for Bama to possess the ball.  LSU had TOP of 40 mins!!!  Twice as much as Bama's 20 mins. They had something like 85 plays.  If we possess the ball for even 30 mins, then Mett is off the field -- and so is our D.

I think we'll get better pass rush vs. aTm than we got vs. LSU.  That, and good contain will force Johnny Football into some mistakes.

Finally, LSU's open week really, really helped them, and IMHO especially Mett.  Gave him time to clear his head, get focussed, and work on timing with his receivers.  This week will be aTm's third SEC road game in a row.  Maybe that takes a toll on them.

[Catch Prothro]

Great points you guys.  Who would think that LSU's biggest weakness would suddenly turn into its biggest strength.

With TAMU, we are on more equal footing, in terms of prior games, plus we are in Tuscaloosa.  Having lived in Texas for six years, I can tell you, it won't take long for Bama fans to learn to hate TAMU.  Their fans are obnoxious ROTC types, and they carry a chip on their shoulder against Bama because we stole Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings from them, and their attempt at revenge backfired when they hired Dennis Franchione.

But they are a good team with a unique QB and offensive talent.  Another year or two in the system and they will be really, really dangerous.  But LSU did the Aggies no favor when they went for the jugular -- this Bama team will be focussed in practice this week and won't take the Aggies lightly. 

[sbo1971]

One thing that I have noticed this season is that Sunseri tends to give way too much cushion to the recievers which leads more to them being open than him getting a pick/big hit.

[Bamaphile]

We should have more than about 20 minutes TOP this Saturday, as opposed to yesterday.  A&M's defense isn't nearly as good as LSU's defense, so that will hopefully let us keep the ball and grind out some sustained drives.  If we can limit their time of possession, then we can limit Johnny Football's opportunities to make plays.

[ricky023]

This looks like apples and oranges to me. Johnny Football, is so much better than the lsu guy. We will have to be on our best behavior.
The jobs we have will have to be completed to the "t." RTR!

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