Got To Admit

the real grad88 · November 2, 2008

This isn't about North Texas at all. It is about college football in general. At first I was excited about the Spread and found it fun to watch. Now, I'm finding it boring as dirt. It's like watching sandlot ball. I really miss the days when a passing team played a running team. I miss the Wishbone. I miss the Veer. I miss the I. I miss VARIETY. That is my main point. When EVERYONE goes to the same sandlot offense, it loses its appeal. Every game I turn on the TV, it's like watching the same thing. Teams like Nebraska have lost their identity in this new vogue offense. Anybody else missing the good ole days of variety in college football?

MeanMag · November 2, 2008

This isn't about North Texas at all. It is about college football in general. At first I was excited about the Spread and found it fun to watch. Now, I'm finding it boring as dirt. It's like watching sandlot ball. I really miss the days when a passing team played a running team. I miss the Wishbone. I miss the Veer. I miss the I. I miss VARIETY. That is my main point. When EVERYONE goes to the same sandlot offense, it loses its appeal. Every game I turn on the TV, it's like watching the same thing. Teams like Nebraska have lost their identity in this new vogue offense. Anybody else missing the good ole days of variety in college football?

Florida had some veer in their offense tonight... on top of spread. Was very entertaining.

MeanMag · November 2, 2008

This isn't about North Texas at all. It is about college football in general. At first I was excited about the Spread and found it fun to watch. Now, I'm finding it boring as dirt. It's like watching sandlot ball. I really miss the days when a passing team played a running team. I miss the Wishbone. I miss the Veer. I miss the I. I miss VARIETY. That is my main point. When EVERYONE goes to the same sandlot offense, it loses its appeal. Every game I turn on the TV, it's like watching the same thing. Teams like Nebraska have lost their identity in this new vogue offense. Anybody else missing the good ole days of variety in college football?

btw, i was bored with it before it got here. People were bored with the run happy Dickeyness, but I think most people were sick of 3rd and long draws. I'll take that to this, if Dodge can't get this working. To be truthful tho, what really makes my pants happy is a sack frenzy - crossing routes hitting - jamming people at the line - dangerous to play against defense.

Football is most entertaining when we are in the top 10 defensively, and DeLoach knows how to get us there. He's been around for a long time, and I'm positive he will have all of these defensive players running circles around the offense in no time. They just think too much at this point.

the real grad88 · November 2, 2008

btw, i was bored with it before it got here. People were bored with the run happy Dickeyness, but I think most people were sick of 3rd and long draws. I'll take that to this, if Dodge can't get this working. To be truthful tho, what really makes my pants happy is a sack frenzy - crossing routes hitting - jamming people at the line - dangerous to play against defense.
Football is most entertaining when we are in the top 10 defensively, and DeLoach knows how to get us there. He's been around for a long time, and I'm positive he will have all of these defensive players running circles around the offense in no time. They just think too much at this point.

Good points and I agree about the defense. Regarding my point, take Nebraska. They have lost their history and their distinctiveness by going with this new Spread offense. Most importantly, they can't win with to the degree that they won with their running attack. Same with Arkansas and others. When Navy came to town last year, it was one of the most entertaining games I have ever been to. It was amazing watching the triple option run to perfection. I think we should go back to more distinctiveness. West Coast teams were known for their aerial attack. Midwest teams were known for their run attack. Metropolitan teams were known for their prostyle attack. IT WAS INTERESTING. I just hope it returns.

Ole Green Guts · November 2, 2008

I run the veer double slot offense at my school (NAVY or GEORGIA TECH). This year every team we played ran the spread. When we execute it, its a thing of beauty when we dont its not too hot.

Be on the look out, my wife and I are ready to get back to DFW so I will be applying for head jobs up there and hope to land one this year.

NT80 · November 2, 2008

Most offenses evolve from trying to find something the defense can't cover or hasn't seen. Now, defenses have seen it and the spread isn't the same as when it was new. Look for variations to again make it different, including going back to more running or option offense out of the initial spread formation, forcing the defense to think about coverages. Direct snaps, multiple QBs on the field, and trick plays are all being tried to vary the spread into other things.

eulessismore · November 2, 2008

Most offenses evolve from trying to find something the defense can't cover or hasn't seen. Now, defenses have seen it and the spread isn't the same as when it was new. Look for variations to again make it different, including going back to more running or option offense out of the initial spread formation, forcing the defense to think about coverages. Direct snaps, multiple QBs on the field, and trick plays are all being tried to vary the spread into other things.

It may have just been the hype surrounding the Miami Dolphins' "Wildcat" (variant of old single wing) making me think this, but last night, when I was watching Euless Trinity and Justin Northwest play, with Northwest using the spread as their base, then adding one or two tight ends for short yardage, those tight end sets reminded me of the single wing look (btw, that's the offense I first saw, watching the Wichita Falls Coyotes, under Joe Golden).

the real grad88 · November 2, 2008

It may have just been the hype surrounding the Miami Dolphins' "Wildcat" (variant of old single wing) making me think this, but last night, when I was watching Euless Trinity and Justin Northwest play, with Northwest using the spread as their base, then adding one or two tight ends for short yardage, those tight end sets reminded me of the single wing look (btw, that's the offense I first saw, watching the Wichita Falls Coyotes, under Joe Golden).

Good point. I would LOVE to see some of those old offenses come back. Can you imagine defenses trying to defend stuff they never see. Now, that would be entertainment! And another thing, there aren't enough great QBs and receivers to go around the country for everyone to run the same offense.

NT03 · November 2, 2008

Everything is a cycle , in 20 years from now I wouldn't be surprised if everyone starts up again with the wishbone or wing T formations. Before too long everyone will be running some kind of spread. Then whats going to happen ( don't know y it hasn't already) is your going to have teams open up a series with a 5 WR set then on their next possession line up in say the wishbone. Teams will have to learn and execute all types of different formations... talk about driving a DC KrAzY

emmitt01 · November 2, 2008

I think Appy State has it right. They have a "spread" offense but they also have a heavy dose of the option and zone read built into their offense. Linebackers can't just play the pass or the run...you never know where the ball is going.

GoMeanGreen1999 · November 2, 2008

This isn't about North Texas at all. It is about college football in general. At first I was excited about the Spread and found it fun to watch. Now, I'm finding it boring as dirt. It's like watching sandlot ball. I really miss the days when a passing team played a running team. I miss the Wishbone. I miss the Veer. I miss the I. I miss VARIETY. That is my main point. When EVERYONE goes to the same sandlot offense, it loses its appeal. Every game I turn on the TV, it's like watching the same thing. Teams like Nebraska have lost their identity in this new vogue offense. Anybody else missing the good ole days of variety in college football?

Really? Do you watch Florida much or the Texas Tech game last night against Texass? That was some pretty entertaining football.

untcampbell · November 2, 2008

I know nothing about football, but I am always entertained by an offense that wins.

And the spread that didn't tire me last night: WKU was a 17 point favorite.

gmg

greenminer · November 2, 2008

I run the veer double slot offense at my school (NAVY or GEORGIA TECH). This year every team we played ran the spread. When we execute it, its a thing of beauty when we dont its not too hot.
Be on the look out, my wife and I are ready to get back to DFW so I will be applying for head jobs up there and hope to land one this year.

Keep us in the loop. You'll always have my support.

kj86 · November 2, 2008

What drives me nuts is the lining up, getting set, then everyone standing up and looking at the sideline...ON EVERY DOWN! I understand that's the way the spread "works", but how 'bout a going on a quick count or no count occasionally? Seems like you could catch the defense flat footed every once in a while.

Green Mean · November 2, 2008

I just like an overall well planned and well balanced out offense. I dont have a problem with a Texas Tech type of spread but dangit I wanna see a good running game to go along with it. Ultimately a good defense and a good running game will always win you some games if you just have an average spread pass attack. I believe the first two oare essential.

FirefightnRick · November 3, 2008

I just like an overall well planned and well balanced out offense. I dont have a problem with a Texas Tech type of spread but dangit I wanna see a good running game to go along with it. Ultimately a good defense and a good running game will always win you some games if you just have an average spread pass attack. I believe the first two oare essential.

By the way, not sure anyone has posted this or not, but did you notice Graham Harrell take a snap, at least once that I remember, from under center on short yardage last night? It was hand off run for a 1st down I believe?

Rick

eulessismore · November 3, 2008

By the way, not sure anyone has posted this or not, but did you notice Graham Harrell take a snap, at least once that I remember, from under center on short yardage last night? It was hand off run for a 1st down I believe?
Rick

That's interesting, since Harrell's father was quoted in the Dallas Morning News last week (in a DMN special about Texas hs quarterbacks and their impact on the college game) as saying that Harrell had never taken a snap under center. I do think that kind of shows a little about Leach; someone I consider to be an "evil genius" of offense. I'm wondering if anyone else on the board thinks as I do, that Tech may win out, and play for the mythical national championship. Not giving them any love necessarily, just wondering.

Quoner · November 3, 2008

That's interesting, since Harrell's father was quoted in the Dallas Morning News last week (in a DMN special about Texas hs quarterbacks and their impact on the college game) as saying that Harrell had never taken a snap under center. I do think that kind of shows a little about Leach; someone I consider to be an "evil genius" of offense. I'm wondering if anyone else on the board thinks as I do, that Tech may win out, and play for the mythical national championship. Not giving them any love necessarily, just wondering.

FWIW, I saw him take snaps under center in CS a few weeks ago when the situation called for it.

GreenAlums · November 3, 2008

That's interesting, since Harrell's father was quoted in the Dallas Morning News last week (in a DMN special about Texas hs quarterbacks and their impact on the college game) as saying that Harrell had never taken a snap under center. I do think that kind of shows a little about Leach; someone I consider to be an "evil genius" of offense. I'm wondering if anyone else on the board thinks as I do, that Tech may win out, and play for the mythical national championship. Not giving them any love necessarily, just wondering.

TT will get by OSU just fine but OK may be a bit different. If they can get by OK then yep, I think they will win out!

Quoner · November 3, 2008

TT will get by OSU just fine but OK may be a bit different. If they can get by OK then yep, I think they will win out!

Bold quote - sure you don't want to predict the Baylor win too? And/or Mizzou?

I'm impressed by OSU for one reason - they held Texas and Mizzou to 28. They also won't have an inexplicable half of Greg Davis playcalling to handicap them. I think Tech wins, but I don't see why everyone just writes off OSU all the time. That last game of the season against OU could be quite interesting...

LongJim · November 3, 2008

Bold quote - sure you don't want to predict the Baylor win too? And/or Mizzou?
I'm impressed by OSU for one reason - they held Texas and Mizzou to 28. They also won't have an inexplicable half of Greg Davis playcalling to handicap them. I think Tech wins, but I don't see why everyone just writes off OSU all the time. That last game of the season against OU could be quite interesting...

Totally agree. OSU can actually run the football, and Gundy doesn't usually implode until late 4th quarter. OSU is very physical, as well. If I were Tech, I would be more concerned with the Cowboys than BlowU.

GreenAlums · November 3, 2008

Totally agree. OSU can actually run the football, and Gundy doesn't usually implode until late 4th quarter. OSU is very physical, as well. If I were Tech, I would be more concerned with the Cowboys than BlowU.

Agreed, however, OSU is a home game for TT and BlowU (I like that ) seems to be able to intimidate TT in to a mental disadvantage. OSU beat TT last year by just 4 points, when TT had a poor defense. Home field, better TT defense, planning for Texas gave them good film from OSU to watch, Leach is a winner,...it just all stacks up to the needle pointing to TT in the battle with OSU.

Just think, not that many years ago UNT beat TT, in Lubbock! What happended? Where did the two schools diverge enough to create the current day positions?? I think Dr. B. knows and is doing something about it.

Green Dozer · November 3, 2008

What happended? Where did the two schools diverge enough to create the current day positions?? I think Dr. B. knows and is doing something about it.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Dr. B is going to have to print up a lot to catch them!

ADLER · November 3, 2008

Got To Admit, I'm bored to death with the Spread

What?????

Don't any of you remember all the slow death games with 5 or 6 first downs, waiting until the final second every play to snap the ball, and all those damn delay of game penalties?

Gawd, it was BORING.

If someone doubts me, please try to find any coach that had more games of 12 or fewer first downs in his career. I know we have some board members with endless time to research this kind of stuff, maybe they'll be able to prove me wrong.

The defense still needs to be built and the special teams require a complete overhaul, but even though it still needs work, the offensive philosophy is the best that we have had in a long time.

November 3, 2008

What?????
Don't any of you remember all the slow death games with 5 or 6 first downs, waiting until the final second every play to snap the ball, and all those damn delay of game penalties?
Gawd, it was BORING.
If someone doubts me, please try to find any coach that had more games of 12 or fewer first downs in his career. I know we have some board members with endless time to research this kind of stuff, maybe they'll be able to prove me wrong.
The defense still needs to be built and the special teams require a complete overhaul, but even though it still needs work, the offensive philosophy is the best that we have had in a long time.

I don't know about the number of games with 12 or fewer first downs but the last of four years of Dickeyball the average number of first downs per game (excluding penalties) was 13.2. In the 20 games of Dodgeball (with only 3 wins) they have average 20.9 first downs per game by running or passing. That's almost a 60% improvement. Yep, that's really boring.

By the way, if one is bored with the sameness of offenses in college football, pro football must make them lifeless.