Analytics are a huge part of the sports world, and Penn State coach Matt Campbell knows that.
So how does he plan on using them?
Campbell addressed the topic while meeting with the media Wednesday, ahead of Saturday’s opener against Marshall.
WHAT CAMPBELL SAID
“I think you’re always going to try to use the information at hand, plus the flow of the game, the momentum of the game, to try to make the right calls in the right moment. And that’s really how I try to use it,” he said. “We certainly have all that information. We use it. But it is not the gold stamp. It’s the flow of the game and kind of trying to put the team in the best position.
HOW INVOLVED WILL CAMPBELL BE?
Like the usage of analytics, the amount of involvement a head coach has in game planning and gameday responsibilities depends on the head coach.
Some, such as USC’s Lincoln Riley— who Campbell and Penn State will see Oct. 10— are heavily involved, calling games.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Others, such as Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, are known for their ability to hire talented assistants and let them do their jobs.
Campbell was asked Wednesday what his role is in PSU’s X’s and O’s preparations, and what input he’d have during a game.
“I feel like my job as a football coach is to manage the rhythm of the football game,” Campbell said, “and I think we go in with a plan of how we assume the game is going to go, but as we all know, that never always goes to plan. More tempo, more pace, how we want to play the game, how we want to manage situational football.
“If I do have an asset, I do still put a lot of time and effort into game planning, really in all three phases, and making sure that I can help where needed if needed.”
Campbell made it clear that he has no problem letting his assistants do their thing.
“We got such great coaches that I feel really confident that really my job is to be more managing the flow of the game, and certainly situational awareness,” he said. “That’s really where I put a lot of my time and effort once we’re in game.”
