Pistol vs Spread-My gun is bigger than yours

[Joe56]

Has the pistol replaced the spread as the offense of the future?

Watched Nevada play over the weekend. Whatever that Chris Ault cooks in his football meth lab, I think it works. They ran for a ton, and UNLV was pretty much at their mercy.

Granted,it's Nevada and UNLV. But on the surface, it looks much harder to defend than the spread.And as it relates to TOSU, we're so well suited to this style offense, I have to wonder if we won't have it fully installed by next year, if not sooner.

Assuming it is fully installed, does the versatility of the offense, combined with our skill level, make us more competitive nationally?

[BuckeyeInTheBoro]

For the less technical among us... what exactly is "the pistol"? My understanding is it's the shotgun with the RB lined up behind the QB instead of to the side. I've heard this was good for a small fast RB although I'm not sure exactly why. Also, if it lends itself to the option, I'm not sure it works well with Beanie in the game. I'm curious what some of the more "in the know" posters have to say about this.

[HorticullyBuck]

or the QB steps up instead of the RB behind? isnt he also to the side a little as well

[Sportsbuck28]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeInTheBoro

For the less technical among us... what exactly is "the pistol"? My understanding is it's the shotgun with the RB lined up behind the QB instead of to the side. I've heard this was good for a small fast RB although I'm not sure exactly why. Also, if it lends itself to the option, I'm not sure it works well with Beanie in the game. I'm curious what some of the more "in the know" posters have to say about this.

Its kind of like a shotgun-iformation combo...

It gets the quarterback out from under center which would give him more time to throw, as well as puts the running back in the backfield where he would be in a normal formation which lets him get a running start downhill like he would if the QB was under center.

[generaladm]

As I understand it, the pistol is a hybrid of a single back/QB under center, and a shotgun. The QB is closer to the center than in the shotgun (~3yds), and the TB is about the same distance as his place in an I-form. The advantages are: it eliminates some of the footwork from the QB; allows for quick passes; allows the RB to get a couple steps momentum before the handoff. I doubt it will replace either of the classic formations, but it looks like it's going to be popular for HS teams. When I saw Moeller vs. Princeton (Cincy) this year, they both ran the pistol exclusively. I don't think the size of the RB really matters. I guess on a basic level, it gets the ball to the QB right at the spot he would turn to make a handoff, but without the worry of footwork, and a little quicker.

[Viking]

Missouri 69 - 17 Nevada

ESPN - Daniel sets Missouri's career passing record in rout - NCAA College Football Recap

Proof that system is secondary to talent. Not saying it can't work, merely that the problem at Ohio State runs deeper than operating from a somewhat traditional offense. Having a pistol formation or package will add versatility, but it is no panacea.

[Ballard4Heisman]

From: Pistol Offense - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Pistol Offense is an American Football Offensive strategy and formation. While it has been experimented with by dozens of Football Bowl Subdivision teams like LSU, Syracuse, and Missouri, it is used mostly by the Nevada Wolf Pack. It was created by longtime and current head coach Chris Ault. It is a hybrid of the traditional shotgun and singleback offenses. The quarterback lines up three yards behind the center, and the running back lines up four yards directly behind the QB. Three wide receiver formations are common but not essential. Multiple tight ends sets combined with a fullback for protection are equally effective. The backfield exchange occurs 2-3 yards closer than in the shotgun; it makes runs more effective than the traditional shotgun, while keeping its pass efficiency. It works well with dual threat quarterbacks who can throw and run. The versatility of the formation can be utilized in a variety of ways. Because the quarterback is closer, he can see over the line and make downfield reads. He will also get the ball snapped to him faster, which can alter timing patterns greatly for a preparing defense. It can effectively use draw plays, counters, and options. Despite its unconventional and unorthodox appearance, it should be considered when listing the more explosive offenses in college football.

[Apache]

It is all in what you can teach, what they can execute, what fits your talent best, and throw in who blocks and tackles better.

Call it what you will, but HUGE-Athletic-Football Smart-Good Character X beats little-slow-unorganized O every time.

Pistol and the spread are very similar in philosophy.

Some say the pistol is more efficient in the running game, but again its what you can teach and what they can do.