Big Ten and the Spread offense

[Taosman]

Wisconsin runs a great "system" and recruits to run it. Give them credit for having a distinct identity. Knowing who they are/what they will run.
They do like their QBs to run some. That adds to the run game.
When you run your QB much your really taking a big chance of wrecking your offense with one injury.
(that's why Illinois has 2 running QBs)

[utgrad73]

Originally Posted by Taosman

Wisconsin runs a great "system" and recruits to run it. Give them credit for having a distinct identity. Knowing who they are/what they will run.
They do like their QBs to run some. That adds to the run game.
When you run your QB much your really taking a big chance of wrecking your offense with one injury.
(that's why Illinois has 2 running QBs)

OK, if this sounds a little oxygen deprived, I apologize. Winter sucks and my fireplaces are consuming the O2 from my living space.

We should run Henton and pass TB. Or vice versa, keep it mixed up. Then if we get JP, we can run, pass, run & pass. Rotate in three QB's and its a freaking free for all that no one can stop.

I heard Pryor say when asked about his decision yet (i.e. tOSU) - "it's a good place". A good place to run and pass and practice for the NFL! It's a good place to become a great QB. We need him but I would expect a full diet of Henton and Boeckman rotating in and out next season. TP would be a bonus, that JT will find a spot for. Fit the player according to abilities and gameplan.

[Steve19]

Originally Posted by HailToMichigan

Look at it this way, does the perception of the SEC ever hang on Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, or South Carolina? By the same token the fact that Purdue and Northwestern have been running the spread for a while isn't going to change perceptions of the Big Ten. It takes a change at a Big Ten banner-carrier to do that.

But, we're not running the spread?

[bassbuckeye07]

This has been said but the read option spread is horrible when you are down multiple scores. Does anyone want Juice Williams running their 2 min offense down 10 points ??? no... Its nice for clock controll but it is over rated fo sho IMO. Its cool sometimes but when its 70% of your offense you end up stubbing your toe once or twice a year to teams like Pitt or Iowa.

[DaddyBigBucks]

Originally Posted by Steve19

But, we're not running the spread?

For the most part we didn't run the spread in '07, but we certainly ran a version of it in '06.

I have said many times in the past that, like any other "innovation" in football, the spread will eventually become one of the things that people do. Granted, teams will continue to have to focus on one thing or another; but the most successful teams will run whatever offense fits their personnel, and the spread will be just one of those packages.

Tressel is already there. To him it is already something that is just one of many packages that he will use when they fit the personnel.

A few other teams are already there with him. A few others will catch up soon. Still others will latch on to the spread until everyone's defense is geared to stop it (and even longer in some cases).

The single wing came and went for a reason. The T-formation came and went for a reason. The wishbone came and went for a reason.

Now people think that football evolution will just stop? Are the people who run the spread exclusively so mind-bogglingly arrogant as to believe that they have achieved perfection in offensive strategy? Do we have any reason, apart from their baseless claims, that this is anything other than the latest wave?

Some coaches think they are at the forefront because they are running the "hottest offense". Others can already see past it. Which kind of coach do you want running your favorite team's program?

[utgrad73]

Tressel will find a way to use the "three" QBs that we will have, going slightly out on a limb. Fit the packages to the personel or whatever. That's the neat thing about this game - always something new to see.

[808 Buck]

In theory everyone would be good at everything.

There are only so many practice hours, you have to focus on something

Wisconsin runs a great "system" and recruits to run it. Give them credit for having a distinct identity. Knowing who they are/what they will run

Give everyone more reps against it thus making it more familiar

Well done thread. These quotes are right on the money. The truly great programs develop players to fit the system. The truly great coaches, at times, will adapt that system to fit the talent pool available. In terms of defending any scheme, you want to try to make your opponent play "left-handed." Make them beat you with something other than their base philosophy. Game speed formation recognition, reading blocking schemes, diagnosing plays, are all critical to defending any offense. As stated above, the more reps you get, the more comfortable you will get defending it. But, and I'm a little old-school in this, if your team gets off blocks correctly, pursues with proper leverage, and tackles well, you will be in pretty good shape. Win the turnover battle, and I don't give a damn what offense is being run.