WVU/ The spread rush offense

[Jacobs4Heisman]

Anybody else watching the WVU game? I really hope Brandon and Stud are. This is what the spread running game should look like. If we ran this offense to a T, I don't think any team in the MAC could stop us consistently. There is some real potential in this offense, which gives us some real hope this year and beyond. I like this offense even better than the Omar offense, which was a lot of fun, but not as consistent and not as effective in the red zone.

Some things WVU does differently than we have: they do run the QB keeper/sweep, but they do it out of a bunch of different formations, and never twice in a row.

They use the fullback a little bit more in the 2 back shotgun set, and they give him the rock.

Steve Slaton is nuts -- we can't duplicate that kind of talent. But Pat White? I think AT/Freddie can look that good against the MAC.

Our offensive line is just as good at our level as WVU's is at theirs. No reason we can't dominate the line of scrimmage like we did against Buffalo.

WVU does a lot more fake QB keeper passing out of their sets. We used to do this on the goal line, so I know it's in our packages. This is probably a QB confidence thing. I hope to see it a lot more against better opponents. Maybe we're saving it.

WVU also uses the middle of the field in the passing game. This is very effective in conjuction with the spread rushing attack because the linebackers are so concerned with the zone read play, crossing patterns and slants are usually wide open. These are easy throws that can really build a QBs confidence. I like our rollout passes, but we have to be willing to work the middle of the field through the air.

Given Brandon's track record as an offensive mind, I really think he can figure out how to maximize the effectiveness of the spread rushing attack. This offense can be devastating IMO, and I wouldn't mind us switching to it permanently, and recruiting QBs for it. I'm excited to see how it develops this season.

[cowboyjoe]

Great take Jacobs. I hope they are watching, too! Some excellent points made!

[hammb]

As I sat here watching WVU look like the real deal, I was thinking the EXACT same things. Good stuff J4H

[BGSUFootballFan]

I agree J4H. I have been watching WVU for awhile as they have always been one of my "other" fav teams that follow. They look great again tonight scoring on their 1st 5 drives respectively. However, I think GB is looking to run more of the pistol offense like Nevada has. Either way we need to use more plays and mix it up a bit more which I think we will with time.

[Jacobs4Heisman]

I agree J4H. I have been watching WVU for awhile as they have always been one of my "other" fav teams that follow. They look great again tonight scoring on their 1st 5 drives respectively. However, I think GB is looking to run more of the pistol offense like Nevada has. Either way we need to use more plays and mix it up a bit more which I think we will with time.

I'm confused as to what the Pistol offense is, having never seen Nevada play. I know the Pistol formation is the one we've been using with a shorter shotgun snap and a back behind the QB -- kind of like the "I" only the QB is where the fullback would be and nobody under center.

We've used this formation maybe 10 times so far, but the rest looks like the same old spread formations. Just different play selections. Is the Pistol offense just a spread variation?

[Warthog]

Is the Pistol offense just a spread variation?

My short answer is yes. But like you, I don't see anything much different other than the one formation you mentioned.

[BGSUFootballFan]

The pistol offense is a "ball control" run way more than pass offense. Basically the point of the pistol is to better run up the middle while still spreading the field. Instead of being in the full s-gun and the QB hands its to the RB and he gets engulfed unless he bounces it to the outside because he doesnt have a running start. Well with the pistol the RB gets that same running start as though it was the "i" and the QB and get him the ball faster because of the pistol. I also heard GB say he liked it because even when the D knows you are going to run they still cant stop it, and that makes the play action pass out of that formation just killer for the O when they want to go to it. I dont know that I have seen enough of it to really be excited about it, but I do know Nevada won a share of the WAC last year for the 1st time in a long time and they also lead in the nation in T.O.P.

[1987alum]

Steve Slaton is nuts -- we can't duplicate that kind of talent. But Pat White? I think AT/Freddie can look that good against the MAC.

Just have to say that Slaton is a local boy.

[jpfalcon09]

The Pistol offense is used basically for RB's that can cut and slash around the line and through defenders. It is also very good for running options out of, especially with some TE's placed on the line, among other formations with a FB to the side of the QB to block or to get the ball. It's also very good to use for play action calls, I'd like to see BG use that more often.

My high school uses this formation now and it consistently putting up 35-40 points a game. If it's used right, it can be deadly, and is much quicker to run out of than shotgun is.