If you caught it Tuesday night, good for you..... but Tony Franklin busted out the old "Ninja" formation from the Kentucky air raid days (and used quite a bit by Mike Leach at Texas Tech). Though Leach credits Amherst College as running it in the early 80's, it didin't really catch on until being popularized in the early 90's by Florida (under Spurrier) and Evangel Christian Academy.
The formation is used much like the "swinging gate" series; to force defenses to waste precious time preparing for such an untraditional look. This unconventional approach can force defenders to process new information, hestitate, and have the offense easily exploiting any mental error.
Typically, the alignment has the widest receivers just inside the numbers with the tackle just inside of them. The slot receiver to either side will apex behind these two players. Everything else is handled just like regular Ace formation, nothing changes from the usual offense (save the split of the tackle).
The plays typically run out of Ninja are:
42/52 flash screens to the slot receiver
Shovel pass or QB run
Verticals (with F angle)
The less, the better. The less time spent "coaching" in Ninja, the more efficient it will be for the offense as it will be used as a game planning gimmick.
On the second play of their second series against Boise State, Franklin used a trips version of Ninja, to zone flash and let QB Ross Jenkins exploit the opening in the middle of the defense to gain a quick 7 yards (making it managable 3rd and 3).
Though they never went back to it, it wasn't necessary; Franklin's frantic attack against the Boise defense through tempo, formations, and personnel allowed LTU to fend off (keep off balance) the contending National Champions.
And to think ... The other day when I had to pick three security questions along with my new password at work, The other techs laughed when I picked the question 'What is your dream job?' and I typed answer: Pharmacy Technician.
I'm living the dream, my dream. Thank You Kady Peterson for taking me to work at Harmon's Pharmacy when I was just a wee little 11 yr old 13 years ago. I love my job, almost more than cadbury eggs but that's a story for another day.
I woke up suddenly this morning after a horrible dream. It was one of those situations I had already been in but my mind wanted to relive it so that I could change my reaction and feel better about the outcome. It happens a lot. Most the time I do end up feeling better about something that happened 2 (or so) years ago. However, occasionally I'll wake up in a panic with the situation left open and without a chance to fix things or stand up for myself. Today was one of those occasions. I was hot and sweaty, my mind was racing, and I was ticked. Ready to take a stand, I sat up abruptly. Before I had a chance to make a good point, I found that I was tangled in my turquoise bedspread, reminding me that I was home, where I belong, and not far from my Colby. It was just a dream, and nothing but. I was shocked, it felt so real. The background, the emotions, the room, the smell. It was real, I swear it. But not really. I've never loved that bedspread the way I did this morning. I rolled over, and hugged Colby tight, tight enough to wake him up. He opened his eyes long enough to find my forehead and kiss it before he fell back asleep. As I said my prayers in the shower, standing up, with shampoo in my hair - The tears rolled down my face, they were just slightly hotter than the water on my back. I cried and cried. I was so grateful for that very moment I had to converse with the Lord. Sometimes life catches up with me - too too often - and I forget to take that moment every day to tell him Thank You. Sadly, it's in the shower 70% of the time. I like to think of it like this. Only I can hear me but I don't have to whisper, I have my routine down pat so it takes zero concentration to shave *Unless it's a new razor :) and It's something I do every day, without fail. I thanked him for giving me this much needed hot shower and for letting the neighbors sleep in so they didn't flush the toilet on me. I thanked him for my job and the love I have for both Pharmacies. I thanked him for the sweet spirit that dwells in our home. I thanked him for the opportunity that we have to send Colby to an LDS school and for the guidance he receives there. I thanked him for blogs and for letting me keep up with The Peterson's. I thanked him for the love that he has for me. I thanked him for a Mom that is so far past amazing, there isn't a word good enough to describe her. I said Thank You for the amazing siblings that I've always had and for the few that have joined our family through marriage who are truly supposed to be apart of us. I thanked him for my trials and for blessing me with Colby on such short notice. I thanked him for not giving up on me when I needed him the most. I thanked him for blessing Colby with an incredible amount of strength and being able to endure my craziness. I told him I was grateful for the opportunity to be A daughter of God and to have this knowledge. I started to finish but then I stopped and smiled. I thanked him for letting me be Mrs. Carter and for letting me be apart of something so amazing. I finished this prayer with a mile wide smile. Life is so good to me. I love my reality.
For Family night we decided to color. After printing our pictures, we found that there wasn't a single crayon in our entire house. Not one. So we didn't what anyone in there right mind would do. We went to the Grocery store. I also decided I wanted an Ice cream cone. We made a stop at the Artic Circle, went through the drive thru. "WE will have one twist cone please." - like we were sharing. Then we paid with a debit card. And I laughed the whole way home.
No scheme or strategy will impact your program and team (next fall) than this "play" below, the clean.
Building core strength and explosive transfer of power (through ground-based movements) is the single-most important process in program building.
At a previous program, we brought in Palmer Chiropractic instructor and former Olympic Team coach, Dave Juehring, to properly train our athletes (and clinic our staff). It was probably one of the best things we ever did and allowed us to see dramatic athletic improvements in our players.
Colby took me to the Temple last Friday. We sure love it there. I opened my bag and started crying. The flower I wore in my hair at the wedding fell out as well as the necklace I wore to the luncheon. Six months ago we knelt at the Altar and were sealed for time and all eternity. I was overwhelmed with the love I feel from Colby and from my Heavenly Father. As we were walking out Colby asked me if I was sure I wanted to leave. I was sure that I didn't want to leave. But it was closing time. I was on cloud nine for days. To know that we patiently (or not so patiently) endured ten months of engagement is still so crazy to me. Everyday I thank the Lord for blessing us with patience during those long months. We learned a lot during those months but I am so glad that it's over. Here is to another six months and the rest of eternity full of hot dates. I sure love being Mrs Carter, I can't seem to get enough.
Along with fall comes flu season, but having an egg allergy is not a reason to avoid getting the 2010-2011 flu vaccination. According to a new paper published on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma Immunology (AAAAI) website, recent studies show that most egg allergic individuals can receive the flu vaccine safely under the care of their allergist/immunologist.
"In the past, persons with egg allergy were told not to get the influenza vaccine because the vaccine contained egg protein and could trigger an allergic reaction. Research in the past year now shows that influenza vaccines contain only tiny amounts of egg protein. Clinical studies proved that the vast majority of persons with egg allergy did not experience a reaction when immunized with the influenza vaccine," said co-author of the paper James T. Li, MD, PhD, FAAAAI. Based on the examined research, the authors no longer recommend the practice of skin testing to the seasonal Trivalent Influenza Vaccine (TIV), although it may be useful as an extra level of caution in cases where the patient has a documented history of a past allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Anyone with a history of suspected egg allergy should first be evaluated by an allergist/immunologist for appropriate testing and diagnosis. Patients with a confirmed egg allergy can then receive the vaccine safely using one of two protocols: as a 2-step graded challenge or as a single, age-appropriate dose.
"It is not necessary to withhold influenza vaccination from egg allergic patients. Our recommendations provide two flexible approaches to vaccination. Each approach is backed with recent evidence that it is safe," according to co-author Matthew J. Greenhawt, MD, MBA. "Most allergists should be able to identify with one of our recommended approaches, and as such should be able to vaccinate their egg allergic patients with confidence."
The authors do note that the safety of these vaccines in individuals with severe egg allergy needs to be studied further.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Did you know that many people who get the flu, don't die from the flu? They die from secondary diseases that sneak up on them when their immune system is down. One such disease is Pneumonia. There is a very large risk of developing Pneumonia as a complication from the flu. Older individuals receiving both the 23-valent pneumococcal and influenza vaccines were 35% less likely to die than unvaccinated seniors, according to recent study results.
WHO recommends 23-valent pneumococcal (PPV) and influenza vaccination for older individuals.
If you have questions about the Flu or pneumonia or are interested in getting vaccinated, give us a call at Passport Health.
Grilled Avocado Quesadillas - made these the other night. Amazing. We left out the onion, cilantro, and jalapeno - because I'm a picky eater :) I added Corn and black beans instead. I highly recommend this recipe. SOO easy.
This isn't my picture but it's the picture that made me salivate and want to make it.
Mama is right. Thousands get sick or die from the flu every year. The best way to avoid getting the flu is by getting vaccinated every year!
Passport Health can come on site to vaccinate you and your co-workers or you can give us a call (1-888-499-7277) and come in to any of our 170 locations! How's that for convenient?
Just an update and example of Louisiana Tech under Sonny Dykes and Tony Franklin. Though struggling early in the season, they are getting in a rhythm with conference play and shouldn't be too terrible versus THE Boise State in their primetime Tuesday night (26 Oct) appearance on "The Deuce".
Running the 'Wild Dawg' out of various personnel sets, Franklin has done a nice job of late keeping the offensive momentum moving and defenses guessing, allowing QB Ross Jenkins some breathing room to run the offense.
Let me start by saying I love making and carrying out new traditions with Colby, He is an incredible sport and even encourages some of my silly annual festivities. This is one that will be in the Carter family for years and years to come. I found these fun kits at Target last October for $1 and this year I found a small extension at Smith's for $3. I was excited to combine the two and see our creations. We hung them on our Calendar board and I don't think they'll be moving anytime soon. We love this activity. *Each monster comes completely blank, except for the body and the plain clothes.
Such a good sport!
One of Colby's, I can't stop laughing about the mustache.
Up next: Our annual coloring contest with the Carter's. We charge an entry fee and prizes are given to the winner. (or everyone)
Lots of people have been asking when I'm going to start having kids. Have we talked about it? How many do we want? When are we thinking we'll start. YADDA YADDA YADDA. I love when people ask these questions, only because it lets me be creative in my answers. The other day someone said soo ... When are you having a baby? My response: Not today. Stopped em right in their tracks. They were speechless, so I stared and made it awkward. It will be a few more years before we add some kiddos to the mix. Enough years that I've set a goal for myself to accomplish before they come along. That goal? Run a Marathon. A full one. Starting right now ... then run and run and run until a good race comes up. I'm secretly shooting for the LA one specifically for a reason to visit CA but it might have to be St. George next October. We shall see. For now, I'm not having a baby today or tomorrow :)
Most of us here are exhausted but still running on a high from the great success of Tuesday night's Rethink Africa event. I cant wait to see the photos from the lovely Joy Reinhardt, a talented photographer who willingly donated her services for the evening.
The evening went by so quickly that it still feels like a dream. The Musicians from Tonal Concepts, the Dancers from Flair Dance Studio and the Singers from Morgan State University performed "Africa" beautifully and without mistake.
Saturday was filled with more firsts than just hunting. I also made my very first Pumpkin Pie. Colby was quite impressed and even said it tasted delicious. You should have seen my Mom's face when I told her, she was so excited for me. I had a few of my siblings try it and they all really liked it! I was actually surprised how good it turned out. I'm anxious to try somethings else. Did I mention Colby and I have been eating it for breakfast? It's that yummy.
Got up at 5 in the am. Didn't comb my hair. Put on some camo and some bright orange. Left the house.
Went on a 3 (or so) mile hike. Watched my husband gut an Elk. A real one. Dared Colby's cousin Kyle to take a bite out of a real, still warm, giant, Elk heart. He did it. For $25 tiny dollars. I almost vomited.Watched the boys skin two Elk. Didn't Vomit.
Can NOT wait to show you pictures, some are quite disgusting.
I had an absolute blast and I'm anxious for next year.
I sure hope I'm invited again, I tried really hard to be quite, I kept up on the hike, didn't complain, and asked very few questions. :) so not me.
Last year, we covered Nick Saban’s 1-high defensive principles, so its only fitting we review his 2-high concepts now. The bulk of understanding Saban’s philosophy resolves around digesting his vocabulary. This ‘vocabulary’ provides a comprehensive communication method for technique or concept that remains universal though his different sets.
With the propensity of 1-back attacks, and as illustrated with the 3-deep coverage series, a defense has to have a competent answer to the threat of 4-receiver vertical stretch (2x2 or 3x1 formations). This is why we see most every defense basing out of a 2-high coverage shell. This provides a comfort zone for defenses to match 2x2 formations and will illustrate why the 3-4 becomes a choice to achieve this balance (can adjust to two detached receivers to a side while keeping a 2-high coverage shell).
nothing wrong with being 2-deep
The easiest way to immerse yourself in his 2-high concepts is to start with Saban’s do-everything Cover 7. Cover 7 is man-to-man match quarters; 4-on-3 strongside / 3-on-2 weakside. At its most basic application, it is just a standard quarters defense. Each side will match according to the split of the formation and game plan. Because it can be adjusted in so many ways, the consistent 2-high shell can give a myriad of looks but remain constant before the snap.
TRIANGLE
To help digest this, its best to think of this in terms similar to the TCU coverage concept (with the exception of MOFO safeties). Away from the passing strength, you will have one receiver split, and at the most, two. This is referred to as the ‘triangle’ side, for the 3-on-2 apex the defense has (safety, corner, backer against a receiver and back). Typically, the dominant receiver will align as the passing strength (X).
With Cover 7, he can easily be accounted for in a few ways;
aggressive man-to-man with corner (“MEG”) or
double-coverage bracket between the corner and safety (“CONE”)
A “MEG” (technique) call will be made that declares the corner will man up with the #1 receiver wherever he goes (#1 will be matched by the corner).
A “CONE” call will double the single receiver much like how traditional quarters is played to the single-receiver side (if X is shallow, corner gains depth to his ¼ and safety constricts his deep middle ¼ ).
This leaves the #2 receiver or back-out as the only threat to be matched by the safety and backer (Will). The Will matches the fourth receiver (X,Y,Z are accounted for – so whoever becomes the 2nd receiver away from strength) or the 1st crosser (coming from the passing strength).
If second receiver aligns (outside the box) the Will adjusts and walks out to split the difference. Typically, if a second receiver shows to the ‘triangle side’, any “MEG” call would be adjusted to “MOD”, which simply has the corner playing off-man on the first receiver.
The “MOD” call declares that the corner will not take #1 on anything under 5 yards and will be anticipating some kind of 2-man China/Hi-Low concept from these two receivers (Will would now match #1 receiver short / corner would now match #2 receiver high). These adjustments can be called / declared by the safety, but more often used per game plan.
STRONG / PASSING NUMBERS
Believe it or not, that was actually the ‘hard part’. Quarters into the passing strength is actually quite simple, as it really is just standard quarters rules. With two receivers to the passing strength, you have the vertical stem of #2 being controlled by the deep safety, and any vertical by #1 being handled by the corner (unless in “MEG”). The SLB / Nickel will take the first receiver to the flat, the Mike will match the final #3. This should sound extremely similar to how pattern match coverage is introduced and used in 3-deep zone and fire-zone pressures.
The “MEG” / “MOD” adjustment is available to use on this side, as well. Why would you use this? Why wouldn’t you just hang back in standard quarters? Because the common weakness of quarters in the perimeter distance for the OLB to respond to. By modifying how the #1 receiver is played, you can remain in the same coverage with a minor tweak on the (standard) routes that will be used to attack quarters coverage (underneath). With a corner locking down the #1 receiver, it will become a 2-on-1 match between the OLB and deep safety.
A ton of examples of Cover 7 (with and with out meg/double meg)
*first clip features nickel sub with "leach" tag on the slot
Vs 3x1 Cover 7 can adjust to all formations, but what happens when faced with trips, as is common with most ‘spread’ or 1-back formations? The answer is, “ZEKE”, which is just a banjo matchup for the linebackers. We’ve seen this before with the Rip/Liz post on 3x1. It is essentially saying the outside linebacker takes the first out route, the inside linebacker will take the second out route.
The inside linebacker will take the first inside route, the outside linebacker will take the second inside route.
Away from trips, “MEG” will be played against any single receiver The Will matches man-to-man on any back release as the 4th receiver releases.
If the #4 receiver aligns as a slot (now a 2-man receiver threat is present), the “MEG” is off and adjusted to “MOD” technique by the corner.
If the #4 receiver flow strong (to the trips), then they will be playing ‘3 Buzz Mable’, which is just man-match banjo with the safety dropping into the hook area (and Will expanding as force player). This rule also applies to 2-back flow (both backs release to the strong side) action.
This post has been in the works for a while, but possibly more apropos after the Arkansas game where there was considerable controversy of ‘blown assignments’ regarding the Razorback’s first score. On paper, it actually wasn’t an impossible matchup; 2x2 matched with an even Cover 7 coverage, the field corner is man-to-man in MEG. It really became a 3 receiver flood, so the Will would've matched first outside (F), Mike would cut the crosser (Y) and with #2 shallow and away, the Sam would've dropped into the dig.
With having given a basic overview of Saban’s quarters coverage, it will provide context in which to gain understanding in how he handles slot formations (where the real tweaks in the scheme come from). I hope to be able to provide an addendum to this by going over Saban’s Cover 2 package, as well as other slot adjustments from 2-high.
Possibly, in the future we will explore his other coverages, but in the meantime, here are how he defines other zone coverages….
Cover 4 - is a 5 under / 2 deep (corner & free safety) against slot formations. Cover 2 – is 2 deep (free and strong safety) 5 underneath Cover 6 – is 3 deep 4 underneath with a weakside rotation Cover 8 – is quarter halves matched (strong side plays quarters / weak side plays cover 2) *cover 5 (man under 2 deep) *leach – 4 under 2 deep where the star (nickel) is man-to-man on the slot receiver
