.

[cyfanatic13]

As someone that's watched a decent amount of film I am always watching something different. Mostly the ball but sometimes will watch a certain OL for one play, a WR/DB matchup. When watching games with friends I've noticed I see something very specific that has no impact on the game and have to ask what happened that play lol

 

[MisterO]

I like to watch the line judge, linesman, and center judge make an absolute **** show out of the simple act of spotting the football.

Ha- nothing like watching Big 12 officiating crews have a 5-man conference to discuss a delay of game penalty. As poor as Big 12 officiating has treated us in the past- I have to admit that it’s been a little better this year.

 

[FilthyShadow]

Depends which side of ball ISU is on. Offensive line - pick up run or pass, then backfield. Always amaze friends when I call a hold before refs throw flags. Linebackers & corners on defense, always tip coverage.

 

[FilthyShadow]

Scouted a lot of HS football in previous life so learned through live and film play.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

There's watching the game like a fan, and then there's analyzing it.

 

[t-noah]

There's watching the game like a fan, and then there's analyzing it.

I fanalyze every game I watch!

 

[CY88]

At the snap I will watch the guards to identify the type of play. If it is a run I will then I will follow the ball. If it is a pass I will first check on the protection/pressure and then try to check on receivers & coverage and then back to the ball.

 

[Cdiedrick]

This title is a bit odd, I'll admit, but a coworker asked me this today and I didn't have a good answer other than "the ball".

During a play, I watch the ball. Yet I hear people talk about linemen who played well on a play or a LB out of position. How do people see these things if they're watching the ball? Is there a specific position group you watch?

I watch the play develop and go from there. This was an odd question, almost nerdy.

 

[t-noah]

This title is a bit odd, I'll admit, but a coworker asked me this today and I didn't have a good answer other than "the ball".

During a play, I watch the ball. Yet I hear people talk about linemen who played well on a play or a LB out of position. How do people see these things if they're watching the ball? Is there a specific position group you watch?

I watch the play develop and go from there. This was an odd question, almost nerdy.

I will take full credit!

 

[cyrocksmypants]

I mean, TV is kind of designed to try to force you to watch the ball. So that’s not strange. If you can casually (meaning not lock into) watch the line, generally you can train your eyes to see more of the play developing.

 

[burn587]

Live and first go around I will watch the ball. Then typically on subsequent viewings I tend to watch the offensive line play and generally the coverage in the secondary (as much as possible since they’re out of frame on deeper drops).

 

[besserheimerphat]

I guess I'd say i watch it like this:

1. Check formations, watch motions and defensive reactions.
2. Follow the QB...
3. If it's a run, look ahead of the RB at the first and second level blocking. If he gets to the second level, start looking at angles and DB positioning relative to WR/blockers.
4. If it's a pass, watch what the RB does - release or stay in to block. Then check the line to see if there are any breakdowns. If so, just watch the QB and pursuit. If not, I'll try to look through the coverage but usually the ball is out before I can see much. And TV is really hard to see more than like 10 yards down field anyway.

I watch every play basically the same way whether we're on offense or defense. Just hoping for opposite things to happen.

 

[ZuriCyclone]

Imaginary lines

 

[GTO]

When we're on offense and it's early in the game I watch the OL play. I just want to get an idea of how things are going to go up front, that'll tell a lot about what kind of success the O might have that day. I also watch the opposing team's LBs when we have the ball to see how predictable our ground game is and how much they're able to cheat to the right spot just before the snap. Sad but true.

When we're on defense I watch the opposing team's QB and our DL to see what kind of penetration they're getting.

I always check to see what kind of penetration I'm getting.

 

[HFCS]

This title is a bit odd, I'll admit, but a coworker asked me this today and I didn't have a good answer other than "the ball".

During a play, I watch the ball. Yet I hear people talk about linemen who played well on a play or a LB out of position. How do people see these things if they're watching the ball? Is there a specific position group you watch?

I can only really see the battle on the line away from the ball on replays.

Sometimes if my team is in offense I can follow the whole play but when ISU is on D it's just hoping we get the ball or bring down ball carrier.

I didn't play football at a high level. I did wrestle at a high level and even watching UFC with friends I understand aspects of it (other than striking) they don't even if they are rabid fans.

 

[ISUCyclones2015]

Usually the line because you can't see the play developing much further than that. A run will be right into the line so once it passes, follow the ball. A pass you can see the motion if the throw and then watch it sail wherever and then follow the ball.

But I agree with the others. Watching in person is actually easier because TV forces you to the ball better or for worse

 

[cycophagus]

Whenever possible, I watch the ESPN SkyCam on ESPN 3. From above, you can see the blocking schemes, and watch stunts as they unfold. The sound is only what people hear in the stadium, and you are not distracted by the announcers. ATM vs Tennessee will be on the SkyCam at 11 am simultaneous to the Big XII CCG, which will be convenient since a Volunteers win would be timely for us.

 

[Pope]

If it's an Iowa game, I just watch the sideline to see which coaches are clapping.

 

[tman24]

When I am at games, for pass plays I'll watch the receivers to see who is open. Kind of hard to do that watching tv. Otherwise I love watching lineman and other blockers. Love a good block.

 

[Gonzo]

I always check to see what kind of penetration I'm getting.

You shouldn't have to check.