quote:
It's the most effective scheme against fast paced HUNH attack. I understand when a player or two go down, it might be a coincidence. But when 6~7 players go down in multiple series to slow the game down, that's a legit cramp defense.

It used to happen to Oregon all the time in the Pac-12. It happened to AU a lot when Gus first got there in 2009 (teams were taking dives all the time).

However, in recent years it hasn't been a thing (at least from what I've seen) because 90% of teams are running tempo now. They see it in practice and are conditioned for it.

I think some of the App St. cramps were legit, but it's hard to say how many were faked (some might have been). Remember, those guys are not deep and can't rotate like most SEC teams.

Also, I have never seen a defense get called for delay of game. Did anyone notice that? Apparently App. St. was doing something illegal on defense with their hand motions and got called for it. Since they were doing that, then I wouldn't be surprised if some of the cramps were faked too.

HOWEVER, App St. is App St. UT is UT. There is no reason UT should have struggled with them like they did even if App St. was being dirty and faking injuries.