Thinking in the abstract, shouldn't Tech's IE department be able to reasonably predict where the play is going or to whom the ball is going to? In the context of play calling, coordinators probably have a "feel" approach to selecting the play rather than a strict methodology. But, with only seconds to make a play call decision and having to continuously adjust to changing circumstances, plus the intense emotions of a football game, I'd expect that the coordinators are reverting to some sort of subconscious default or bias in their decision making?
If the answer is yes or even "kind of", couldn't we align our defense to bait a QB into making a certain read? e.g., if we can project a 40% chance of short-mesh play call, where receiver 1 is the QB's 1st option & the QB is trained to throw it to option 1 if the defense is playing x coverage, then could we show x coverage + add an unpredictable/unforeseen stunt by 1 individual player. For example, maybe the DE drops into coverage where reciever 1 will be thrown the ball instead of rushing the QB. If correct, the DE would be in a position to make a play on the ball or stop the ball carrier for no YAC.
Even if you guess wrong or the offense becomes aware of this tactic and adjusts in game, you're still buying time for your pass rush by delaying the QBs decision making. If you use this tactic effectively (assuming it's possible), perhaps you could thwart momentum, which seems like an a huge factor in most offenses' success.
Just a thought. If it's nonsense, feel free to remove. Would love to hear someone's thoughts though if you better understand the logic of what I'm trying to get at.
