re: Lack of Trick Plays

I've been thinking about that too, for a week or so now. I can't remember a single trick play all year. The scary thing is, you KNOW they HAVE some. They just haven't NEEDED any. YET. It's comforting, however, to know that, if their backs are against the wall, and they need a trick play, it will be something NO ONE has seen, not from LSU. And whatever it is, you can bet that Burrow, Edwards-Helaire, and Jefferson/Chase/Moss will execute it perfectly.

The thing about a well-executed trick play is, in addition to getting you a first down or touchdown when you need it badly, once you pull it off, the other team has to guard against it for the rest of the game. And that means all your conventional plays are easier to execute. Run a perfect flea flicker, and the next time you have the ball, the defensive backs can't leave their receivers when they see a handoff. And once CEH gets through the defensive line, he'll have 20 yards and a full head of steam before he even sees a defender.

Does coach O have a few trick plays up his sleeve? I guarantee it! He and Ensminger both worked for Miles too long to not have a bag of tricks. Will he need one? Probably not. But if it was me, I'd run one on the first play just to get in Venables's head. Because if there's anyone on Clemson's team or sideline that can beat LSU, it's not Lawrence, it's not Etienne, it's not S-whiney, it's Venables, the defensive coordinator. And when he has to throw two weeks of planning and preparation in the trash 3 minutes into the game, it's over.