From what I've seen around, the QB is a convert from safety, big kid, solid runner, not a great thrower- game manager type. RB is a MAC (Bowling Green?) commit, good stats, power running game, from highlights doesn't seem to have break-away speed, but is solid. Styles Jr. plays WR and DB, he is their big play guy, but from the PC fans it sounds like he may be underused on offense. He is definitely a game breaker in the open field. He is a big weapon on kickoffs and punts, so X will need to be very careful there. from what I can see in highlights on hudl, there are a lot of jumbo type formations, 6 on the line, bunched close, plus an H back, and bringing more people to the point of attack than you can defend. Seems like the complete opposite of the X attack. Defense is going to have to stay disciplined and tackle well, and the 3 linemen are really going to have to hold their space at the point of attack so the LB's can get in. I imagine X will crash Kirk as well.
Defense plays with a lot of the same philosophy, bring more guys than you have. They play with a downhill attacking attitude, and they bring pressure from all over the place, usually 5-6 guys per play. LB's are almost always making their first step forward, and the defense relies on penetration and pressure. It will be interesting to see how X handles this style if they continue to bring it, which I expect they will. The O-Line has been great in pass blocking, but they will have to stay organized and cohesive. Looks like a LB is coming off of at least one edge per play, so there may be opportunities for traps/ draws/ counters in the run game, but the outside zones and sweeps are going to be tough. Looks like the middle of the field is open quite a bit, especially in the 15 yard and shorter area. I would love to see some true RB screens this week, and I think Klare could have a big game. Clifford is going to probably be matched up with Styles, which will be fun. I would really like to see them use him on quick slants (the old 82 wide pop) when Styles is playing back. I'm just hoping they runs slants and crosses for the 3 wr's regularly, I think those will be available, and all have shown good hands and the ability to run after catch.
Honestly, I think PC may have more talent on the whole, but this is a better matchup x's and o's wise for StX. If X scores 28+, I think they win, especially if they get out early, and force PC to drop people into coverage on defense, and force them out of the power run game on offense. Honestly, Coverdale can win or lose this game for X with how he attacks what the PC defense is doing. What also helped X against SHS that I could see happening against PC is winning the emotional battle, especially when X has the ball. They can't let PC get into that feeding frenzy where they are coming full speed in attack on every play.
