🏈 Would you consider

[capooth]

Alabama to be a balanced offense? the reason I ask is because i got in an argument with a friend last night and he was saying Alabama is not a balanced offense. What say you?

 

[Bamaman37]

267 rushing yards per game.
244 passing yards per game.


That looks pretty balanced to me.

 

[BAMAFSTBACK]

Your friend needs to get on down to the clue bird store. They're on sale in the wake of last nights exposure.

 

[AllieBama]

IMO this is the most balanced Bama has been in recent history. Although we have had QB's recently who could have run a very balanced offense, they haven't had the OL to protect them so we've always resorted to the run. I'm not knocking the run as it is our bread and butter, and I do love to watch our backs run over the DLs, but it's nice not to cringe everytime the QB drops back to pass...

 

[TideAlum05]

So far, yes. We've only played 1 real game however.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I can go either way, as the term 'balanced attack' can mean a couple of things:
1- close to equal total yardage gained by both passing and rushing plays, or
2- close to equal total plays called as either passing or rushing.

This season, we're balanced by the definition of #1 (736 passing yards, 803 rushing yards) above, but not #2 (82 passing attempts, 132 rushing attempts).

 

[Bamaman37]

I can go either way, as the term 'balanced attack' can mean a couple of things:
1- close to equal total yardage gained by both passing and rushing plays, or
2- close to equal total plays called as either passing or rushing.

This season, we're balanced by the definition of #1 (736 passing yards, 803 rushing yards) above, but not #2 (82 passing attempts, 132 rushing attempts).

I thought about that, but the last 2 games we were running much more than normal just because we were beating the crap out of 2 small schools and had our backups in. So really, the rushing attempts are higher due to that, IMO.

 

[TerryP]

I can go either way, as the term 'balanced attack' can mean a couple of things:
1- close to equal total yardage gained by both passing and rushing plays, or
2- close to equal total plays called as either passing or rushing.

This season, we're balanced by the definition of #1 (736 passing yards, 803 rushing yards) above, but not #2 (82 passing attempts, 132 rushing attempts).

Which is Saban's definition of balanced...

 

[crimsonaudio]

I thought about that, but the last 2 games we were running much more than normal just because we were beating the crap out of 2 small schools and had our backups in. So really, the rushing attempts are higher due to that, IMO.

Bama v. VT:
rushing attempts / yards: 49 / 268
passing attempts / yards: 30 / 230

 

[crimsonaudio]

Which is Saban's definition of balanced...

Mine as well, honestly.

Just saying that the debate is open-ended unless people agree to what the term 'balanced' means...

 

[capooth]

After reading all of this, not having an agreed up definition of balanced offense is exactly where my friend and I were having issues. I was arguing the stats angle and I believe he was basing his argument on the number of plays called for a run or pass. I was just making sure I was not of basis by saying that we are a balanced offense

 

[Mosby]

Could a balanced attack simply mean that both rushing and passing plays are effective - regardless of the relationship of stats between the two?

This would definitely sum up our offense thus far. :td:

 

[AllieBama]

I base my opinion from execution, not play calls. I want results, darn it!!!

 

[Bamaman37]

Bama v. VT:
rushing attempts / yards: 49 / 268
passing attempts / yards: 30 / 230

Yeah, you are right. I still go by the yards, but looking at that the scales are tilted in favor of rushing.

I still think we are balanced though.:nana:

 

[CrimsonPirate]

Generally, a team goes with what works. A game where the number of running plays greatly exceeds the number of pass plays might just mean that the runs were more effective than the passes. Doesn't necessarily mean the attack isn't balanced, just means what was working at the time.

That said, I have no clue what "balanced" means.

 

[usn92]

Also, "balanced" can mean having the same ability/productivity to pass or run from anywhere on the field and from any formation. Homer Smith uses the word "balanced" to describe an offense that can pass or run with equal efficiency regardless of field position or personnel grouping.

 

[TerryP]

After reading all of this, not having an agreed up definition of balanced offense is exactly where my friend and I were having issues. I was arguing the stats angle and I believe he was basing his argument on the number of plays called for a run or pass. I was just making sure I was not of basis by saying that we are a balanced offense

OK. Chew on this for a minute.

In a blog entry this week I mentioned some comments from Paul Petrino. He cited the 3rd quarter against UGA as their most balanced quarter and exactly what they wanted to do.

In that quarter, Arkansas ran the ball 8 times. They passed the ball 11 times.

8 vs 11 - OK, I'll grant that is a pretty balanced "play calling effort."

BUT,

Rushing yards - less than 15.
Passing yards- Over 175.

Balanced offense?

 

[psychojoe]

Homer Smith uses the word "balanced" to describe an offense that can pass or run with equal efficiency regardless of field position or personnel grouping.

Homer is a brilliant man. Unless your opponent is vastly superior they ultimately have to play to stop the run or stop the pass. If you are balanced you can throw effectively against 8 in the box and run the ball effectively fewer. The defense to an extent dictates the frequency of run or pass in your play calling, as does remaining time, score, down and distance. Balance is the ability to take what the defense gives you.