TerryP
Staff
Unique. I don't mean that in the sense we'll see something that we've not seen before. I do mean we'll see a combination of things unseen. It's an evolution, if you will, of things we've seen over the last few years.
The year Daboll spent in the sidelines was a return to more of a Pro-style set. The Kiffin years brought two different aspects to the offense: the integration of the RPO along with up-tempo play. With Locksley taking the helm of the play calling duties and coordinating the offense he's looking to bring all three aspects into one offensive scheme. As you can see it really isn't unique but the combination of all three phases isn't something we see today in collegiate football.
One of the reasons I believe Tua to be "the guy" is the role that quarterback is going to play. I'm not really a fan of cross sports analogies but in this case looking at the quarterback position, with a point guards role from basketball in mind, will give you an idea of how they plan to develop the position--though the fundamental ideal (run to set up the pass) isn't going by the wayside.
We all know that a major staple of Saban's scheme is controlling the game: both in how the game progresses along with the speed/rate at which the game is played. Understand. I do not expect Saban to move away from "killing the clock mentality" when the team has the game in control. That said, the notion/narrative of Saban running a conservative offense doesn't fit. He still wants the game in his hands, his control, but the method of doing so is changing.
We've seen a glimpse of how Tua is developing when it comes to reading a defense. I bring that up in relation to the point guard analogy--a QB with the ability to see where the defense is making adjustments; specifically making a mistake with those adjustments. I don't see them moving away from the power running game and its advantages. As example:
There really wasn't a huge scheme change in the second half versus Georgia. There was an emphasis that was placed more on having the best athletes in the right positions. That's an advantage because the team won't have to have a game where the correct offensive plays are called throughout and I also suspect that we'll see less of "if they only executed correctly."
The power running game is here to stay. However, now we'll see an option added that will allow multiple quick passing options. With the threat of the deep ball being on every defensive coordinators mind we'll see that emphasized as well. However, the changes we'll see will be in the options; the checkdowns. The backs will be in position for those quick dumps offs and we'll see some of the receivers in those middle routes--all with the ability to create a big play. It's multiple threats from different positions/areas in the passing game.
How well it works? I don't know. No one does. It won't take away from the entertainment value because it has the ability to be a really fun offense to watch.
It's been a really interesting week or so for me hearing about what their goals are and then comparing it to different games/highlights I've watched from past seasons. If you have the time I'd encourage you to pay attention to a few things.
One, some of the offense that Locksley ran when he was at Maryland. We'll see similar sets/formations and motion.
Secondly, keep in mind what Josh Gattis has been involved with under Franklin at Penn State. A mix of the two will give you a glimpse into what we'll see this fall.
And last but not least, don't discount how much of an impact having a designated quarterback coach will bring. It's going to be a melding of sorts between the three schemes we've seen from Enos, Gattis, and Locksley along with the power we've become accustomed to seeing on Saturdays.
Just a little food for thought on a Sunday afternoon...
The year Daboll spent in the sidelines was a return to more of a Pro-style set. The Kiffin years brought two different aspects to the offense: the integration of the RPO along with up-tempo play. With Locksley taking the helm of the play calling duties and coordinating the offense he's looking to bring all three aspects into one offensive scheme. As you can see it really isn't unique but the combination of all three phases isn't something we see today in collegiate football.
One of the reasons I believe Tua to be "the guy" is the role that quarterback is going to play. I'm not really a fan of cross sports analogies but in this case looking at the quarterback position, with a point guards role from basketball in mind, will give you an idea of how they plan to develop the position--though the fundamental ideal (run to set up the pass) isn't going by the wayside.
We all know that a major staple of Saban's scheme is controlling the game: both in how the game progresses along with the speed/rate at which the game is played. Understand. I do not expect Saban to move away from "killing the clock mentality" when the team has the game in control. That said, the notion/narrative of Saban running a conservative offense doesn't fit. He still wants the game in his hands, his control, but the method of doing so is changing.
We've seen a glimpse of how Tua is developing when it comes to reading a defense. I bring that up in relation to the point guard analogy--a QB with the ability to see where the defense is making adjustments; specifically making a mistake with those adjustments. I don't see them moving away from the power running game and its advantages. As example:
- The offensive line is coming together to the point I can envision a lot of different zone blocking concepts. You know the depth and diversity we have in the running back corps.
- It's going to be an offense where we'll see multiples with different personnel--three and four wide is something we'll be familiar with. Do not discount the number of playmakers they'll have. There's few groups as deep as the one Bama will field this season.
- And lastly, one of the better vertical attacks we've seen in the Saban era.
There really wasn't a huge scheme change in the second half versus Georgia. There was an emphasis that was placed more on having the best athletes in the right positions. That's an advantage because the team won't have to have a game where the correct offensive plays are called throughout and I also suspect that we'll see less of "if they only executed correctly."
The power running game is here to stay. However, now we'll see an option added that will allow multiple quick passing options. With the threat of the deep ball being on every defensive coordinators mind we'll see that emphasized as well. However, the changes we'll see will be in the options; the checkdowns. The backs will be in position for those quick dumps offs and we'll see some of the receivers in those middle routes--all with the ability to create a big play. It's multiple threats from different positions/areas in the passing game.
How well it works? I don't know. No one does. It won't take away from the entertainment value because it has the ability to be a really fun offense to watch.
It's been a really interesting week or so for me hearing about what their goals are and then comparing it to different games/highlights I've watched from past seasons. If you have the time I'd encourage you to pay attention to a few things.
One, some of the offense that Locksley ran when he was at Maryland. We'll see similar sets/formations and motion.
Secondly, keep in mind what Josh Gattis has been involved with under Franklin at Penn State. A mix of the two will give you a glimpse into what we'll see this fall.
And last but not least, don't discount how much of an impact having a designated quarterback coach will bring. It's going to be a melding of sorts between the three schemes we've seen from Enos, Gattis, and Locksley along with the power we've become accustomed to seeing on Saturdays.
Just a little food for thought on a Sunday afternoon...
