Third And Short

I recall at least two occasions on third and short where Jeremy Hill did not follow the lead blocker and was tackled short of the first down. And on both of those occasions the lead blocker was blocking a man past the first down. As good as Hill is, I don't think he has good vision as a running back. On either of the plays I am thinking about Hill simply crashed into the line behind the center and guard while there were gaping holes at the left tackle.

In any event, Clemson was sending defensive linemen into gaps which is a high risk tactic. LSU's two touchdown runs came when the tactic backfired on Clemson. LSU's failure to make adjustments to capitalize on Clemson's risk taking is a major disappointment. Trying to throw when the linemen were stunting the gaps also played right into Clemson's strength. They had already beaten the pass blocking and were able to pressure Mettenberger. So LSU's play calling increased the effectiveness of Clemson's tactics.