The Horned Frogs have THE lowest blitz rates in CFB at 11.6%, & the second lowest stunt rate at 9% (PFF).
They also deviate from the coverage norm, based in Qtrs rather than the typical C2.
#ArtofX ⤵️
One major way #TCU changes its structure is by dropping the MS into the overhang position.
Below, you can see that the Frogs have shifted the LBs to the nub & slid the MS down into the "Ni."
To the "stack," the Frogs are running C2 & away MEG Qtrs.
#ArtofX ⤵️
Teams use these alignments to clear the MOF
In the clip, we see #Michigan use the exact same formation as the image prior
TCU decides to stay in a 3-Hi shell, & the Wolverines QB can throw his WR open for a TD
Look for similar formations from #Georgia as well
#ArtofX
Nub formations (or Wings) are a typical attack on a 3-Hi system because it is constantly super-rotated
#TCU solves this issue w/ their "down" call
Below, I illustrate the gap fits & coverage
Stack = C2 (Cloud) & 2 WRs = Qtrs (Sky)
#ArtofX ⤵️
Again, #Michigan used similar formations to get #TCU into a bind with coverage
Below, the Wolverines use an Unbal Wing set to expose the MOF & run a Dbl Post concept
PA brings the C2 DBs into the box & the QB throws his WR open for a big play
#ArtofX ⤵️
The clip below illustrates how #Georgia can isolate the Slot on the Frogs' Safeties
The look from the Buckeyes is similar to the "down" call by #TCU & the Bulldogs utilize a 12p Unbal formation
#ArtofX ⤵️
.#Georgia utilized 2 TE sets against #OhioState's Hybrid defense, & will do the same against #TCU
Here is a look at an Unbal weak-side run
Something the Frogs are sure to see in the Championship game
#ArtofX ⤵️
Here is a good ex of #TCU's standard coverage
Again, the Wolverines attack with a Nub formation which #TCU runs C2 against
Versus 3 WRs, the secondary plays a loose version of what I call Special (Stubbie)
#ArtofX ⤵️
One change up for #TCU to 3 WR formations is to run a "roll" concept & let the CB take the flat
In reality, it creates a traditional BOX coverage (Qtrs) over the 3 WRs, but w/ a different presentation & leverage
To the x1 side, the Frogs run inverted Qtrs (Slice)
#ArtofX ⤵️
This clip illustrates a standard run fit for the defense, & another ex of using the "down" adjustment to max out numbers in the box
The quick motion makes the set a 3-back formation, which allows the Frogs to spin to 1-Hi, but w/ Qtrs principles
#ArtofX ⤵️
When the #Frogs do blitz, it is usually some kind of 5-man pressure
Below is a good look at an ILB + CB FZ path to attack the Nub side of the Wolverines' set
#ArtofX ⤵️
Hopefully, you can see that #TCU is not your typical 3-Hi system & is well-versed w/ answers for how teams attack
#Georgia utilizes a 2 TE attack & will need to find ways to get a vertical run game
One area to look at is how often they run Bennett on designed runs
#ArtofX ⤵️
The national championship is an intriguing matchup of contrasting styles - one that should be entertaining
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#ArtofX
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