There are many different versions of the spread. There are some coaches (as you might have heard in remember the Titans) who run only a handful of plays, but out of multiple formations and that is enough to show the variety.
In most offenses there is a fairly simple numbering system. Something like each gap gets a number (usually 1-8) and each ball carrier gets a number and you put those together to get the play.
Something like this:
the 2 back (usually the HB) through the 1 hole (usually off the hip of the center) is called a "21". But the play sounds a lot more complex when you add in the formation.
I (as in I-formation) right (as in strong right).
now the play is "I-Right 21".
If there is a variety in the way the HB steps before the handoff you add that in.
Now the play is "I-right-21-counter".
If there is a special blocking instruction you add that in:
Now the play is "I-right-21-counter-trap".
All of these instructions basically are for different people, so a player need only know what 1 or 2 of them mean.
A Guard might need to know that the play is running to the left and is a trap, so he knows that he is pulling that direction.
The HB needs to know that he will take a counter step to the right before taking the hand-off and running through the 1 hole and where to line up.
Not that complicated really.
And you can run these plays out of almost any formation just by changing these elements around.
So if you run the Halfback trap play to the 4 hole, (outside shoulder of the guard), you could do that as a delay, a counter, or a traditional handoff, out of any formation that has a HB.
I-right 24 counter trap. Pro set-left 24 delay. Pistol right 24. All the same play, with minor variations, out of different formations. All look very different to the defense.
I said ALL of that (and I apologize for the length) to say this.
This is the type of offense that Alabama runs. This is the type of offense that Oregon, Michigan, and Auburn run, except they run it mostly out of the spread and include the option more.
This is not really the way our offensive play calls work. We have a different blocking scheme. We do a lot more reading and making decisions mid-play. Generally, almost every play our offense runs can be one of 3 plays. There is almost always a 2nd or 3rd option.
We don't line up and say, "HB sweep on 1", although that might be the end result. The QB steps up to the line, sees what the defense gives him and adjusts the entire play accordingly. He hikes the ball and then reads the DE, or the OLB or the S and chooses whether to pitch it or keep it or throw it or hand it off. This isn't something that is as easy to learn as other systems.
Many teams are set up to run a play unless one thing is shown by the defense. For instance, if you see them blitzing the 4 gap flip the play. If they are blitzing everyone audible to a quick slant. Otherwise run the play as called.
In our offense it often keys on what multiple defenders are doing and leaves several potential end results.
The reason this has been as effective as it has been over the past five years, (and winning games = effective) is because a defense can "know" exactly what you're doing and still be unable to stop it.
Why? Because generally, we don't truly know what we are doing until the defense has committed to what it is doing.
They see that we are running the ball with demps to the left, and we start out in that direction with Demps, so they attack Demps, then we see that happening and don't give it to Demps, but to Hines on a reverse for instance, or pitch it to whomever else.
The play is basically called by the defense.
There are some positions that are easier. These are mostly on Defense. The skill positions on the offense in our system will take time to learn every time.
The reason for this is because it is very different from what they've learned previously.
Last edited Today 7:10 PM by UFGuy88
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Game 2 Math
Brantley + time to throw = completion
He was throwing in rhythm by the 2nd qtr and his level of accuracy is just ridiculous. When the line is all set and pass protection is breaking down less, we are going to see quite a show.
Deonte + well thrown ball = unreliable.
He made several catches and had a good game, but I never feel completely sure that he's going to make the catch. Even some of his catches were bobbling a bit before he pulled them in. It may be that he's one of those guys where the worst place to put the ball is on the numbers. it lets him form that little "bread basket" with his hands where he cradles the ball with his hands close to his chest instead of reaching out in front of him for the ball. If the ball is thrown a little high or low, left or right of his body, he then has to reach out with his hands and usually makes a surer grab. The problem here is that Brantley is really good at putting the ball right on the numbers.
Carl Moore = Sure handed
I knew he was pretty reliable, but he appeared to have "stick 'um" on his hands in this game. It's only a shame he isn't a little faster because he has the size and the reliable hands to be a top flight receiver. He's not slow, but he doesn't seem to get as open as Deonte and I think it's because of a lack of either acceleration or top-end speed. Either way, I'm glad to see his number getting called, and I am really looking forward to seeing some very acrobatic catches from him in the future. Maybe on a fade route near the end zone where he can use his big body to "post-up" the defender and his soft hands to reach in the air and pluck out the ball. I feel that this is more his comfort zone.
Jeff Demps = Fast
Not that this is news to anybody, but he keeps showing his speed on these big plays and I feel he deserves to be mentioned. I feel that there will be the opportunity for at least one of these runs every game, and if there is, Demps will be in the running for one of the big awards at the end of the year. I also feel that in close games, it is this break-away ability that will make the difference at least once this year. A well-timed big run to turn around a tight game.
Burton + future = Brilliant
Burton + right now = overused
I see the great potential that they see in Burton and think that we will be extremely glad he's a Gator before his career is over, but when he's in the game, it clues the defense into the play we are running a little bit. He is only in for "specialty" plays, a limited package made for him when he goes in. So when he's in the game, teams will start keying on him. Now that can be advantageous if we use that as a decoy, but most often it is leading to 2-4 yard plays and then burton trotting off of the field. I think he'll be a weapon for us, but either leave him in and run away from him some of the time, or let him go in the wildcat for a series. Not just one play at a time.
Shuffle pass = less effective
Teams have started preparing for this play and are reading it from a mile away. We ran it multiple times Saturday and it got stuffed most of those. It just isn't catching the defense off-guard. Maybe it's a timing issue where they should run it less often so the other team is legitimately surprised when it happens or set it up more when running that as part of the triple option by pitching it more. Right now, teams know that it is our first option and are stuffing it.
Addazio + time to adjust = pretty good coordinator
He made some good adjustments from week 1 to week 2 and the result was a much more stable offense. In the second half, I feel like the coaches realized that we were bigger, stronger, faster, and all around just better than the team we were facing, and that we didn't need a bunch of "gimmicky" plays to beat them. just line it up, pound it down their throats and let our obvious talent advantage do the work.
Pouncey = good
He played his butt off Saturday, put everything out there and was our best O-lineman. His snaps were more crisp and on target for the most part, and when you can pull a 300 pound center to be the lead blocker on the edge you have a really good player on your hands.
Defense = still learning
You could literally see some of the players on defense thinking out there, mostly in the front seven. They aren't in read and react mode yet. With experience, they will begin processing the information faster and reading on the run. The hit that Spikes put on Moreno is a good example of this. His first step was in the right direction, and he never paused or slowed down. He beat the running back to the hole, when the RB was the one who knew where the hole was. That didn't happen because he was faster, or because he was so tough, it was because he could see the information the offense gave him, process that information, and react faster than the offense could do the same to him. Anyway, what I'm saying is that the game will become more fluid for these young guys, there will be less hesitation, and the holes will start closing a lot faster. there will not be many 200+ yard rushing games against this team this year.
Riggs + Watkins = future "No Fly Zone"
Although Demar Dorsey, who coined the phrase, wound up signing with a different team, Riggs and Watkins have shown what that phrase meant. They are freshmen and they locked-in on a very athletic receiving corps. The QB tried to throw at them and they were in position and made well-timed plays on the ball from good positions in coverage. If they are this good now, wait until they are juniors or seniors. Not to mention the potential that I think Josh Shaw has in the Nickel or as a FS.
Moody = solid
He pushes through for extra yardage even when there isn’t a hole. He didn’t break off any long runs this week, but he showed flashes of the tough between-the-tackle running that we need from him. If he gets a little daylight I’m certain his elusiveness will show and he’ll break a few big ones this year.
Gillislee + almost any other team = starter
The kid has everything. He runs hard, he’s quick, he breaks tackles, and he makes people miss. Every time he touches the ball good things happen. I really think he would be starting for most any team in the country minus a few. Those few include us and Bama, but there aren’t too many others I can think of.
Our team + another week of experience = much better
With a team with this many new starters, there is going to be a learning curve, however, we have made huge strides already and if we continue getting better at this rate, we will be one of the best teams in the country by week 5. Lucky for us, we’ve made it through a big chunk of the learning process without a loss.
Next week = coming out party.
Not much elaboration needed here. I think we will see the pieces start to gel, and will show the country that we shouldn’t be overlooked. Tenn has some athletes, but we are obviously the superior team talent-wise. I don’t expect our team to overlook anybody after the first 6 weeks of this season has shown that every week can be a challenge in the world of college football.
He was throwing in rhythm by the 2nd qtr and his level of accuracy is just ridiculous. When the line is all set and pass protection is breaking down less, we are going to see quite a show.
Deonte + well thrown ball = unreliable.
He made several catches and had a good game, but I never feel completely sure that he's going to make the catch. Even some of his catches were bobbling a bit before he pulled them in. It may be that he's one of those guys where the worst place to put the ball is on the numbers. it lets him form that little "bread basket" with his hands where he cradles the ball with his hands close to his chest instead of reaching out in front of him for the ball. If the ball is thrown a little high or low, left or right of his body, he then has to reach out with his hands and usually makes a surer grab. The problem here is that Brantley is really good at putting the ball right on the numbers.
Carl Moore = Sure handed
I knew he was pretty reliable, but he appeared to have "stick 'um" on his hands in this game. It's only a shame he isn't a little faster because he has the size and the reliable hands to be a top flight receiver. He's not slow, but he doesn't seem to get as open as Deonte and I think it's because of a lack of either acceleration or top-end speed. Either way, I'm glad to see his number getting called, and I am really looking forward to seeing some very acrobatic catches from him in the future. Maybe on a fade route near the end zone where he can use his big body to "post-up" the defender and his soft hands to reach in the air and pluck out the ball. I feel that this is more his comfort zone.
Jeff Demps = Fast
Not that this is news to anybody, but he keeps showing his speed on these big plays and I feel he deserves to be mentioned. I feel that there will be the opportunity for at least one of these runs every game, and if there is, Demps will be in the running for one of the big awards at the end of the year. I also feel that in close games, it is this break-away ability that will make the difference at least once this year. A well-timed big run to turn around a tight game.
Burton + future = Brilliant
Burton + right now = overused
I see the great potential that they see in Burton and think that we will be extremely glad he's a Gator before his career is over, but when he's in the game, it clues the defense into the play we are running a little bit. He is only in for "specialty" plays, a limited package made for him when he goes in. So when he's in the game, teams will start keying on him. Now that can be advantageous if we use that as a decoy, but most often it is leading to 2-4 yard plays and then burton trotting off of the field. I think he'll be a weapon for us, but either leave him in and run away from him some of the time, or let him go in the wildcat for a series. Not just one play at a time.
Shuffle pass = less effective
Teams have started preparing for this play and are reading it from a mile away. We ran it multiple times Saturday and it got stuffed most of those. It just isn't catching the defense off-guard. Maybe it's a timing issue where they should run it less often so the other team is legitimately surprised when it happens or set it up more when running that as part of the triple option by pitching it more. Right now, teams know that it is our first option and are stuffing it.
Addazio + time to adjust = pretty good coordinator
He made some good adjustments from week 1 to week 2 and the result was a much more stable offense. In the second half, I feel like the coaches realized that we were bigger, stronger, faster, and all around just better than the team we were facing, and that we didn't need a bunch of "gimmicky" plays to beat them. just line it up, pound it down their throats and let our obvious talent advantage do the work.
Pouncey = good
He played his butt off Saturday, put everything out there and was our best O-lineman. His snaps were more crisp and on target for the most part, and when you can pull a 300 pound center to be the lead blocker on the edge you have a really good player on your hands.
Defense = still learning
You could literally see some of the players on defense thinking out there, mostly in the front seven. They aren't in read and react mode yet. With experience, they will begin processing the information faster and reading on the run. The hit that Spikes put on Moreno is a good example of this. His first step was in the right direction, and he never paused or slowed down. He beat the running back to the hole, when the RB was the one who knew where the hole was. That didn't happen because he was faster, or because he was so tough, it was because he could see the information the offense gave him, process that information, and react faster than the offense could do the same to him. Anyway, what I'm saying is that the game will become more fluid for these young guys, there will be less hesitation, and the holes will start closing a lot faster. there will not be many 200+ yard rushing games against this team this year.
Riggs + Watkins = future "No Fly Zone"
Although Demar Dorsey, who coined the phrase, wound up signing with a different team, Riggs and Watkins have shown what that phrase meant. They are freshmen and they locked-in on a very athletic receiving corps. The QB tried to throw at them and they were in position and made well-timed plays on the ball from good positions in coverage. If they are this good now, wait until they are juniors or seniors. Not to mention the potential that I think Josh Shaw has in the Nickel or as a FS.
Moody = solid
He pushes through for extra yardage even when there isn’t a hole. He didn’t break off any long runs this week, but he showed flashes of the tough between-the-tackle running that we need from him. If he gets a little daylight I’m certain his elusiveness will show and he’ll break a few big ones this year.
Gillislee + almost any other team = starter
The kid has everything. He runs hard, he’s quick, he breaks tackles, and he makes people miss. Every time he touches the ball good things happen. I really think he would be starting for most any team in the country minus a few. Those few include us and Bama, but there aren’t too many others I can think of.
Our team + another week of experience = much better
With a team with this many new starters, there is going to be a learning curve, however, we have made huge strides already and if we continue getting better at this rate, we will be one of the best teams in the country by week 5. Lucky for us, we’ve made it through a big chunk of the learning process without a loss.
Next week = coming out party.
Not much elaboration needed here. I think we will see the pieces start to gel, and will show the country that we shouldn’t be overlooked. Tenn has some athletes, but we are obviously the superior team talent-wise. I don’t expect our team to overlook anybody after the first 6 weeks of this season has shown that every week can be a challenge in the world of college football.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
NCAA Basketball and Recruiting Limits: What's Wrong With the UF Basketball Program
The biggest problem...to me...is the scholarship limit restriction given to the schools. It is, as its name suggests, very restrictive. In football, a team is allowed an 85 player roster which is almost 4 times the amount actually required to field a team. (assuming 11 on each side of the ball). This gives the team the ability to redshirt an entire team full of players (if they want) and still have a solid 3 deep. In the event that 5 players transfer for whatever reason, the team can easily field an experienced and competitive team often without even noticing the loss.
In basketball, where teams can only keep a roster of less than 3 times the amount needed to field a team, if a couple of transfers occur, it often severely damages the chances of your team fielding a truly deep and competitive team for years to come. Not to mention injuries (which is another area where attrition has affected UF). There is very little room for player development or redshirting due to the immediate need of the team to add depth. This not only hurts college basketball, but also adds to the lack of experienced or well-coached young talent coming into the NBA.
I say that the NCAA should raise the limit to 16-20 players, so that a single injury, transfer, or early exit, or two won't completely hobble an entire program. This amount would correlate to around the same percentage of players-to-starters as football. Think about it. If our starting CB went down would we have a reasonably solid player to replace him? (We'd have about 6 options) Or would we have to ask a LB to fill in? If or starting LT went down would we have to ask a WR to try and slow down the Bull rushing defensive ends that have about 80 LBs on them? But this is what happens in college basketball. Teams have to go with a PG playing SG, a PF playing C, or a SG playing SF at times.
This would also give more kids the chance to go to college, play for an elite school, grow into players with a real shot at a career overseas or in the NBA.
In basketball, where teams can only keep a roster of less than 3 times the amount needed to field a team, if a couple of transfers occur, it often severely damages the chances of your team fielding a truly deep and competitive team for years to come. Not to mention injuries (which is another area where attrition has affected UF). There is very little room for player development or redshirting due to the immediate need of the team to add depth. This not only hurts college basketball, but also adds to the lack of experienced or well-coached young talent coming into the NBA.
I say that the NCAA should raise the limit to 16-20 players, so that a single injury, transfer, or early exit, or two won't completely hobble an entire program. This amount would correlate to around the same percentage of players-to-starters as football. Think about it. If our starting CB went down would we have a reasonably solid player to replace him? (We'd have about 6 options) Or would we have to ask a LB to fill in? If or starting LT went down would we have to ask a WR to try and slow down the Bull rushing defensive ends that have about 80 LBs on them? But this is what happens in college basketball. Teams have to go with a PG playing SG, a PF playing C, or a SG playing SF at times.
This would also give more kids the chance to go to college, play for an elite school, grow into players with a real shot at a career overseas or in the NBA.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Pro-Pro Tebow
Tim Tebow is the Heisman-winning, record-setting, all-everything, former UF quarterback that you either love-to-love, or love-to-hate. He has proven his ability to lead teams to greatness on every level he has played. Yet still there are questions about his ability to succeed on the NFL level. So, I am going to break this down as though it were an actual job interview.
Job Requirements:
1) Natural leadership ability
2) Team Player
3) Experience
4) Proven Success in the position
5) Mentally prepared for demands of the position
6) Physically capable of meeting the demands of the position
7) Driven to succeed
Tebow's resume would show these in response:
1) This is unquestioned. Check.
2) Some have said that he kept sometimes when he should have pitched. (not something to worry about since the option isn't used in the NFL) Otherwise, he has supported, guided, and at times lifted the entire team to achieve their goals.
3) Three years as a starting QB in the toughest position, in the toughest division, of the toughest conference in the highest level of College football. Check.
4) Team success: National Championship as starting QB. National Championship as reserve. Check.
Individual Success: Heisman Trophy and holds many records. Check.
5) Ran a very complicated spread offense requiring many options to be considered in a hurry. Threw very few interceptions. Very rarely made mental errors. Check.
6) Has a strong arm, the ability to throw on the run, rare running ability, built like a tank. Check.
7) Work ethic is unquestioned. Obviously driven to succeed. Check.
If you were the boss and had this resume on the table, you wouldn't need to look at anyone else's. He has everything you want in a quarterback, if you know what is most important about the position, and what he needs to work on is both teachable and fixable. Would you really see a candidate this strong be pushed aside because of a simple problem (long release) that can easily be fixed?
I believe that if you didn't hire a candidate this qualified because of a simple problem, then you are more concerned about your ability to teach than his ability to learn.
Job Requirements:
1) Natural leadership ability
2) Team Player
3) Experience
4) Proven Success in the position
5) Mentally prepared for demands of the position
6) Physically capable of meeting the demands of the position
7) Driven to succeed
Tebow's resume would show these in response:
1) This is unquestioned. Check.
2) Some have said that he kept sometimes when he should have pitched. (not something to worry about since the option isn't used in the NFL) Otherwise, he has supported, guided, and at times lifted the entire team to achieve their goals.
3) Three years as a starting QB in the toughest position, in the toughest division, of the toughest conference in the highest level of College football. Check.
4) Team success: National Championship as starting QB. National Championship as reserve. Check.
Individual Success: Heisman Trophy and holds many records. Check.
5) Ran a very complicated spread offense requiring many options to be considered in a hurry. Threw very few interceptions. Very rarely made mental errors. Check.
6) Has a strong arm, the ability to throw on the run, rare running ability, built like a tank. Check.
7) Work ethic is unquestioned. Obviously driven to succeed. Check.
If you were the boss and had this resume on the table, you wouldn't need to look at anyone else's. He has everything you want in a quarterback, if you know what is most important about the position, and what he needs to work on is both teachable and fixable. Would you really see a candidate this strong be pushed aside because of a simple problem (long release) that can easily be fixed?
I believe that if you didn't hire a candidate this qualified because of a simple problem, then you are more concerned about your ability to teach than his ability to learn.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Introductory Post
Every group of friends has that one guy that everyone calls when they hear a rumor about their favorite team or when they find out that their favorite player might be traded. The guy that can always clarify the situation and make them feel that, for better or worse, they've gotten real, solid information from someone who knows what's going on.
Somehow, I became that guy.
Maybe that is a position of respect in the group, maybe it is that I have the most dedication to the sport, or perhaps, (and most likely) I just spend entirely too much time reading, watching, and researching sports information.
The thing about being that guy is that everyone always wants to debate you. I don't know what it is exactly that creates this reaction.
Maybe the want to prove they know more than me.
Maybe it is a challenge for them.
Maybe it is simply that they want to hear my thoughts.
Probably they just want to talk about the sports that they love with someone who knows what they are talking about.
Many of you married men, who spend most of their time talking to their wives, children, or co-workers, know how it feels to discuss sports with someone who has no knowledge of, or respect for the history, tradition, and pageantry of sports.
I've also met several women who are very passionate about sports and have a difficult time finding a person or place that will allow them to openly discuss the topic while respecting their opinions as equal, or really taking them seriously.
I hope that all will feel welcome to express their views here.
As a member of the University of Florida body of alumni, an English major, and an avid sports fan, I decided that I might have some insights into the sports world that people might find interesting.
I look forward to your comments.
Justin Hart
Somehow, I became that guy.
Maybe that is a position of respect in the group, maybe it is that I have the most dedication to the sport, or perhaps, (and most likely) I just spend entirely too much time reading, watching, and researching sports information.
The thing about being that guy is that everyone always wants to debate you. I don't know what it is exactly that creates this reaction.
Maybe the want to prove they know more than me.
Maybe it is a challenge for them.
Maybe it is simply that they want to hear my thoughts.
Probably they just want to talk about the sports that they love with someone who knows what they are talking about.
Many of you married men, who spend most of their time talking to their wives, children, or co-workers, know how it feels to discuss sports with someone who has no knowledge of, or respect for the history, tradition, and pageantry of sports.
I've also met several women who are very passionate about sports and have a difficult time finding a person or place that will allow them to openly discuss the topic while respecting their opinions as equal, or really taking them seriously.
I hope that all will feel welcome to express their views here.
As a member of the University of Florida body of alumni, an English major, and an avid sports fan, I decided that I might have some insights into the sports world that people might find interesting.
I look forward to your comments.
Justin Hart
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