Insight from coaches of the 10 Undefeated FBS Teams
Oct 22, 2024 1:27 pm
Coach -
We are over half way through the college season and 10 FBS undefeated teams remain. We have had at least one staff member of each of these teams in our clinics, and we will share insight from each staff today.
#1 Oregon Ducks. Record: 7-0.
Will Stein has the Ducks Offense in the Top 25 in several major offensive categories. They are #1 in completion percentage. They have completed an impressive 76.4% of their passes and average 302.9 yards per game in the air.
The key to a high completion rate is coaching the details. Coach Stein’s approach is to take simple concepts that appear in many playbooks and coach the finest details. You can see that in how he teaches spacing in this video:
Oregon Ducks Offense Clinics Bundle
Oregon Ducks Defense Clinics Bundle
Other Clinics from Oregon Staff:
Special Teams Philosophy & Drills - Joe Lorig, STC/Nickels
Understanding Position Maintenance: In M.O.F. Closed Principles - Dante Bartee, Analyst
Game Planning out of the 4-2-5 - Dante Bartee, Analyst
Cover 3 (1 High Zone) Match Principles vs. 3x1 Formations - Dante Bartee, Analyst
Cover 3 (1 High Zone) Match Principles vs. 2x2 Formations - Dante Bartee, Analyst
#3 Penn State Nittany Lions. Record: 6-0
Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki on Executing Efficiently
Kotelnicki's offensive philosophy revolves around two key metrics: execution and efficiency. Execution is driven by clear communication and practice, while efficiency is measured by gaining consistent yardage on each down. For instance, gaining four yards on first down or half the distance needed on second down is considered efficient. This focus on consistent, manageable gains ensures that the offense stays ahead of the chains and maintains a rhythm, crucial for sustaining drives and scoring points.
See Coach Kotelnicki explain his philosophy on execution in this video.
Video: Efficiency and Execution
Other Clinics from the Penn State Staff:
Penn State Football Culture - James Franklin
Building a Winning Culture - James Franklin
`Built to Last` - Leadership and Accountability - Tom Allen
Changing Football Culture - Tom Allen
Distorting the Defense with RPO`s - Andy Kotelnicki
Developing an Offensive Game Plan - Andy Kotelnicki
Penn State Defensive Circuit Drills - Terry Smith
Building a Special Teams Culture - Justin Lustig
Special Teams Topics and Organization - Justin Lustig
#6 Miami Hurricanes. Record: 7-0
The Gallop and the Wide Zone Play
It starts up front, and a play that OL Coach Alex Mirabal loves is the Wide Zone play. It provides an attack that distorts the defensive front. Offensive Line Coach Alex Mirabal teaches the techniques that allow the Hurricanes to utilize the scheme successfully, including the Gallop technique.
The technique is important to the success of the play and Coach Mirabal shares two techniques they use on their zone schemes, the double under and gallop technique (click on image for video):
The “Gallop” technique is an important component for the offensive line in running a successful Wide Zone play. Coach Mirabel illustrates it on scrimmage film in this video (click on image for video):
#10 Iowa State Cyclones. Record: 7-0.
3-High Safety Defense
Iowa State has been a popularized the 3-high safety defense, emphasizing effort in their approach to rallying to the football and covering the alley. As the defense incorporates more defensive backs, communication becomes crucial. These players must interpret the game plan and make adjustments based on the opponent's formations.
Video: Communication
Effective communication among your athletes is crucial, as it enhances their understanding of the entire defensive strategy. This clarity enables them to execute various looks, disguise blitzes effectively, and present coverages in deceptive ways.
For the Cyclones, generating turnovers is paramount, especially at a higher rate than they commit them. In zone coverage, their defense must capitalize on every opportunity presented. With a veteran defensive backfield, Iowa State relies on this ability to consistently gain an advantage over their opponents.
Video: Disguise
Other Clinics from the Iowa State Staff:
Our Main Focus and 10 Steps to Reach Our Full Potential - Matt Campbell, Head Coach
Integrating FB & TE in Play Action Passing Game - Tyler Roehl, Asst HC/RB
Tight End Training for a More Dynamic Offense - Tyler Roehl, Asst HC/RB
Training a Physical Fullback to Dominate the Run Game - Tyler Roehl, Asst HC/RB
#11 BYU Cougars. Record: 7-0.
Defensive Line Coach Preston Hadley shares how he develops DL Skills and Fundamentals in this clinic.
In keeping it simple, he talks about how it’s about hands, hips, and feet for the defensive line. He talks about each in this video (click on image for video):
#13 Indiana Hoosiers. Record: 7-0.
3rd Down Defense
Indiana is #24 in pass defense allowing just 180.0 yards per game through the air and they are allowing only a .337 conversion rate on 3rd Down.
Defensive Backs Coach Ola Adams believes that this involves your presentation and the plan behind it with a deep understanding of the “why” and knowing what outliers are which you should not spend time on. The presentation will change with motion and shifts. Those things must look the same and have the communication behind them that allows for that consistency that does not allow the defense to identify man or zone easily.
Coach Adams shares that philosophy in this video:
#19 Pitt Panthers. Record: 6-0.
Do Your Homework!
Having multi-sport athletes or being strained for time doesn’t have to put learning the game on the shelf for your players. In this video, Pitt Defensive Coordinator Randy Bates discusses “homework” given to their linebackers. While this is something done in season, it certainly can be adapted to the off season to keep your players engaged and increasing their football IQ even if it is in small weekly doses. Furthermore, it provides opportunity for discussions with your players individually or in a group to continue to learn.
#23 Army Black Knights. Record: 7-0.
Defensive Coordinator Nate Woody breaks down their base defense, showing that their strong safety is a major key to the defense, being the coverage caller while the middle backer handles everything from the line of scrimmage to himself.
More Clinics from the Army Staff
Army Defense Bundle (67% off)
Cody Worley - Option Framework & QB Fundamentals
Army OL Coach Matt Drinkall Bundle (65% off)
Army Special Teams Bundle (45% off)
Clayton Kendrick-Holmes - The Chief of Staff Role and Why You Need One
Conor Hughes- Organization and Management of large teams in the weightroom
#24 Navy. Record: 6-0.
In this clinic with Mick Yokitis, WR Coach, the focus is on Navy Run plays, emphasizing quarterback decision-making and blocking techniques. Key roles of players, including the center and tackle, are analyzed, along with perimeter blocking by slot backs. The clinic also covers handling defensive pressure and the importance of communication.
Liberty. Record: 5-0.
CPR Time
Jamey Chadwell moves on to Liberty, but you can be sure that they immediately will begin building the player coach relationship with “CPR Time.”
CPR stands for coach-player relationship. It’s a concept that Coach Chadwell learned from sitting around the dinner table at his family farm.
That idea has translated to CPR time which they utilize two times a week to build trust amongst their team members. He explains it here:
Other Clinics from the Liberty Staff:
Bill Durkin, OL Coach - Counter
Willy Korn, OC - Freeze Option and RPO
Who will stay undefeated in 2024? Only time will tell. In the meantime, enjoy these clinics and learning ball from some of the best this season.
Coach Grabowski & The CoachesClinic Team