runontexas said:
@Grok playcall please!
Here's what Grok said.
Establish the run early with RPOs/play-action, leverage Marcel Reed's dual-threat ability and athleticism, mix in quick game and designed movement, then attack downfield once Arkansas' multiple fronts (odd/3-4/3-3-5 under new DC Ron Roberts) and simulated pressures show their looks.
Reed (Texas A&M QB #10) is a mobile dual-threat who creates with his legs (career ~4.44.7 YPC rushing, strong in open space and on designed keepers) while showing improved pocket presence, accuracy, and play-action success in 2026. He has deep-ball ability and works well behind the LOS/short throws, but intermediate consistency and ball security have been intermittent points of emphasis. Arkansas' rebuilt defense (transfers + Roberts' scheme with coverage disguises and pressure packages) has been average-to-solid early (roughly mid-tier FBS in total yards allowed, ~125 rush yards allowed per game through four contests) but can be stressed by tempo, misdirection, and forcing second-level defenders to respect the QB run.
Suggested opening-drive philosophy (script ~812 plays)
Start conservative to settle Reed and the OL, force Arkansas to declare fronts/pressures, then expand. Emphasize:
Run game + RPO threat to occupy the front and LBs.
Play-action / boot / rollouts that use Reed's legs and create easy throws.
Quick game / screens to neutralize simulated pressure and get the ball out.
Selective vertical shots once safeties or edges are compromised.
Avoid early downfield forces into disguised coverage; prioritize positive plays and chain-movers.
Sample play calls / concepts (in roughly sequential order)
Inside zone or duo (RB) with RPO tag (glance/bubble or hitch) Test the interior and second level immediately. Reed's eyes/read keep LBs honest; if they crash, pull and throw the quick option. Gets the OL into a rhythm and establishes physicality.
Outside zone / stretch or jet sweep action into a designed QB keeper or read Force edge defenders (e.g., Quincy Rhodes Jr. types) to respect the perimeter. Reed's athleticism shines here; even a 68 yard gain sets up later play-action.
Play-action boot or rollout (naked or with a TE/RB flat + deep cross/post) Classic dual-threat setup. Fake the zone, get Reed on the move, and give him an easy throw or the ability to scramble. High-percentage and exploits any overpursuit.
Quick game: stick, slant/flat, or hitch-seam (3-step or shotgun) Against potential simulated pressure or odd fronts. Get the ball out fast to WRs (Mario Craver, Isaiah Horton, etc.) or a checkdown. Builds completion percentage and confidence.
Screen (RB or WR bubble/tunnel) Especially if Arkansas shows early blitz or aggressive edges. Uses their aggression against them and creates space for YAC.
RPO or mesh with a vertical alert / post-wheel or deep cross off play-action Once the run is established, take a calculated shot. Reed has shown strong play-action grades and can deliver intermediate-to-deep throws when windows open.
QB draw or scramble-drill concept / designed scramble If Arkansas overcommits to coverage or the pocket collapses; Reed's ability to extend plays is a major asset.
Later in the drive (if moving the chains): Mesh, levels, or four verticals variation with a checkdown Attack the intermediate middle where consistency has been a focus area, while keeping a safety valve.
Adjustments based on Arkansas' response
Heavy pressure/simulated blitz early more screens, hot routes, and max-protect play-action.
Soft coverage / two-high more run + RPO and intermediate concepts.
Overplaying the edges interior runs and QB keepers up the middle.
Soft middle of the field digs, seams, and post concepts once Reed is settled.
Goal of the opening drive: score (or at least flip field position with a long, methodical possession), avoid turnovers/negative plays, and force Arkansas into reactive mode. Reed's best early performances often involve a mix of designed runs, play-action, and quick decisions rather than pure dropback volume. This script plays to his strengths while testing a still-evolving Razorback defense that has shown vulnerability to explosive plays and sustained drives when opponents mix tempo and misdirection.
New slogan for Aggie football.
"abandon all hope, ye who enter here"
