Student of the Game- Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills

While the Saturday mood at Hard Rock Stadium was funeral-esque, the Sunday edition was much more jubilant. And the Student of the Game Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills edition captured the highlights. The fins won 21-19 and once again Tua Tagovailoa was a key cog why.

Going 13-18 on 186 passing with one touchdown on the day doesn’t sound too impressive but when you consider Buffalo’s time of possession, it was. The 40:40 to 19:20 disparity didn’t necessarily tip the scale to your favor but Tagovailoa made pivotal throws in money situations to make it work.

Here you will see how infinitesimally small the window of opportunity was on this throw but it didn’t matter. River Cracraft gets the credit for hauling in a ball in contested traffic. #BANG!

I don't think you realize how infinitesimally small the window of opportunity for #Tua and the #dolphins were on this throw.

You needed, anticipation, arm confidence, zip and one false step by a safety to make this work. Cement shoes for safeties. #OBB @JohnMichaelsU @OBBFins pic.twitter.com/fSjBPbj7mW

— Roman #OBB (@Romancane) September 28, 2022

Tua seems very keyed in and in tune with this offense. On this first down, Dolphins utilize a play action pass with an underlay split zone running concept. The Buffalo Bills linebacker core isn’t too overly fooled with the concept and they get back into coverage quickly.

Tagovailoa however was ready. Once the Mike Linebacker opens up his gate to the boundary side a window emerged in the middle of the field. The quickness to diagnose the play and ability for Tua to get rid of the ball efficiently nets a first down to Jaylen Waddle.

On 1st down Mad Mike calls a play action pass from 11 set personnel Tua knew it was zone and his key was the Mike. When the Mike opened up it was too late

Watch the #dolphins "bump the glass" even though the Bills weren't too fooled by the split zone p/a you step wrong..1st down pic.twitter.com/fMDLcUiKIh

— Roman #OBB (@Romancane) September 28, 2022

There is a big difference between the NFL and College game. That is going to be featured this week in this Student of the Game Miami Dolphins edition. You have to have a small attention to detail and Jake Allen is a very damn good quarterback. Miami Hurricane quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was in a similar situation this week when the Hurricanes lost to MTSU and the result wasn’t Allen-Esque.

Pencil and Popcorn time. This Student of the Game is part of the Review U series and consider this our version of AP classes. Just click play and watch how the Dolphins go 3-0. Sure, our beloved Kenny Dorsey threw a clipboard this week but he still gets a hall pass from us Hurricanes fans. #BANG! #StayDangerous.

About the Author: Roman Marciante

Born and raised in South Florida. Local Boy. Husband. Tali and Franco’s dad. “Hey grandpa, is there a local college team we can watch?” “Do they throw the ball?” They don’t run the option do they?” Thus the love affair was born. Proud supporter of St Thomas Aquinas Raider nation and alum. One day got in a studio with two other buddy’s and started a conversation about a local team and the rest was history. A former pro athlete who secretly had a CIA job and some people call “Chief.” Yells “Bang” a lot. “It is not wrong, it is just different.” Managing Editor for the OBB Legend, host of X’s and Ro and Student of the Game connoisseur. I still remember the day I beat Mike Tyson in a fight. 007-373-5963. Thanks for all your help Mac. I couldn’t have done it without you.