[stupac2]

At least there was one highlight that came out of last game...

Sophomore CB Frank Buncom was a bright spot for the Cardinal on Saturday night, leading the defense with six tackles and a ‘pick six’ in his first collegiate start.

Buncom’s 26-yard interception return touchdown drew the cheers in Stanford Stadium, though being in position to make the play was even more impressive. The Stanford sophomore recognized that in 3rd and long situations, Washington State’s offense likes to run a ‘jerk’ passing play to deceive the defense and open up a big play reception.



First watch the running back (#32) run an underneath route to pull down our safety, Justin Reid. The slot receiver (#17) runs a corner route to pull our nickelback Zach Hoffpauir to the sideline. The intended receiver on the play (#8) is on the bottom of the screen, and he appears to run a hitch, so that Buncom will bite and come down. #8 quickly jerks out of that route to run up the field, where he expects to find open space for a big catch and run.

Though playing in just his fifth career game, Buncom is prepared. He recognizes the play and does not bite. He stays over the top of the receiver, in position to make the tackle 8-10 yards short of the first down. When Washington State’s quarterback overthrows his target, Buncom is able to make a leaping catch and take off for the end zone.

In addition to being one of the nation’s top defensive back recruits, Buncom was also his high school’s top wide receiver. His film study and preparation put him in position, and then his playmaking ball skills let him make the spectacular play.

[stupac2]

At least there was one highlight that came out of last game...

Sophomore CB Frank Buncom was a bright spot for the Cardinal on Saturday night, leading the defense with six tackles and a ‘pick six’ in his first collegiate start.

Buncom’s 26-yard interception return touchdown drew the cheers in Stanford Stadium, though being in position to make the play was even more impressive. The Stanford sophomore recognized that in 3rd and long situations, Washington State’s offense likes to run a ‘jerk’ passing play to deceive the defense and open up a big play reception.



First watch the running back (#32) run an underneath route to pull down our safety, Justin Reid. The slot receiver (#17) runs a corner route to pull our nickelback Zach Hoffpauir to the sideline. The intended receiver on the play (#8) is on the bottom of the screen, and he appears to run a hitch, so that Buncom will bite and come down. #8 quickly jerks out of that route to run up the field, where he expects to find open space for a big catch and run.

Though playing in just his fifth career game, Buncom is prepared. He recognizes the play and does not bite. He stays over the top of the receiver, in position to make the tackle 8-10 yards short of the first down. When Washington State’s quarterback overthrows his target, Buncom is able to make a leaping catch and take off for the end zone.

In addition to being one of the nation’s top defensive back recruits, Buncom was also his high school’s top wide receiver. His film study and preparation put him in position, and then his playmaking ball skills let him make the spectacular play.

[fullmetal]

I also love that there was another LB ready to tackle the receiver if the throw had been made (or so the perspective seems to indicate).  But if the throw had arrived when the receiver was at about the 25 yd line, that would have been an easy completion. 

Wish the GIF would have shown the TD!

[fullmetal]

I also love that there was another LB ready to tackle the receiver if the throw had been made (or so the perspective seems to indicate).  But if the throw had arrived when the receiver was at about the 25 yd line, that would have been an easy completion. 

Wish the GIF would have shown the TD!

[CTcard]

  But if the throw had arrived when the receiver was at about the 25 yd line, that would have been an easy completion. 

I think you mean about the 20 yard line.

It was a third and 23 play, where WSU had to get to the 32 yard line for a first down. Even with a completion at the 20 Buncom was in reasonable position to tackle the guy short of a first down - though it doesn't look like a sure thing to me.

[CTcard]

  But if the throw had arrived when the receiver was at about the 25 yd line, that would have been an easy completion. 

I think you mean about the 20 yard line.

It was a third and 23 play, where WSU had to get to the 32 yard line for a first down. Even with a completion at the 20 Buncom was in reasonable position to tackle the guy short of a first down - though it doesn't look like a sure thing to me.

[fullmetal]

Ah right.  Gotcha.  I'd forgotten the context.  Most excellent play then!

[fullmetal]

Ah right.  Gotcha.  I'd forgotten the context.  Most excellent play then!