Saban whines about the no-huddle offense

[TitanTiger 18,823]

Forgive me if I don't think he's really that concerned about injuries or the character of the game. He doesn't like that for lesser football programs, such offenses can negate the physical/size advantages that the big conference teams have in the trenches and in a one-off game (as opposed to someone you face every year), it can create headaches for a defense that's used to going against more traditional offenses each week. It gives them a puncher's chance in other words and lessens the recruiting and depth advantage programs like Alabama have. That's what matters to him.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/blog/eye-on-college-football/20443211

[Mikey 15,779]

All defensive minded coaches hate to face the hurry-up, no-huddle, spread type offenses. That's because those offenses tend to score lots of points and level the talent on the field.

So, tell me again why we went away from it?

[TitanTiger 18,823]

All defensive minded coaches hate to face the hurry-up, no-huddle, spread type offenses. That's because those offenses tend to score lots of points and level the talent on the field.

So, tell me again why we went away from it?

Because it tends to be less effective when teams see it more (such as conference opponents) and also puts too much emphasis on the QB as an athlete. The offense becomes far less effective if the QB is not a running threat at all on the zone-read (or can overcompensate by being an amazing passer).

Coaches also don't like the effect it tends to have on their own defense. Because their drives (successful or not) end much more quickly, the team's own defense is exposed to more plays and fatigue, which is why such offenses rarely seem to coincide with a killer defense. The defense suffers and you end up with a lot of shootouts. A secondary but not unimportant view is that they aren't physical enough. Cam Newton type guys aside, it's asinine that so many spread/no-huddle teams get into short yardage situations and can't just pound the ball ahead for a yard or two. On top of that, it seems to hurt your defense because they don't get to practice against a more physical offense.

This also doesn't get into the fact that when one of your main advantages is the fast pace and preventing the defense from subbing players, those times in the game where you need to slow it down and bleed clock with a 3-4 point lead you are tieing one hand behind your back.

Those are just some of the reasons.

[mcgufcm 3,984]

Without an athletic QB that can skew the numbers in the run game, it's just not as effective against good, prepared football defenses. There are lots of reasons to go away from it, but the simple fact is: there are more advantages to complex multiple offenses. Look at the best offenses in the SEC. Tell me how many are spread teams. The four best offenses in the East are pro- or multiple (depending on how you identify them). Alabama is probably the best or second best offense in the West. We'll know more about A&M as the season progresses, but MSU, A&M, and Mizzou are the flag bearers for the Spread in the SEC.

Moving out of the SEC, look on the West Coast. Oregon is unique. USC and Stanford are pro/multiple teams. Baylor and WVU spread you out, but Texas moved away from it. OU did too.

The bottom line is, you have to have an identity and know how you want to attack a defense. Then, you need enough variety to make it complicated for good defensive teams OR you have to overwhelm with talent. It doesn't really matter what kind of offense you run if you can do those three/four things.

[BamaGrad03 146]

Forgive me if I don't think he's really that concerned about injuries or the character of the game. He doesn't like that for lesser football programs, such offenses can negate the physical/size advantages that the big conference teams have in the trenches and in a one-off game (as opposed to someone you face every year), it can create headaches for a defense that's used to going against more traditional offenses each week. It gives them a puncher's chance in other words and lessens the recruiting and depth advantage programs like Alabama have. That's what matters to him.

http://www.cbssports...otball/20443211

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. I mean, we struggle so much with spread teams...wait...

[TitanTiger 18,823]

Forgive me if I don't think he's really that concerned about injuries or the character of the game. He doesn't like that for lesser football programs, such offenses can negate the physical/size advantages that the big conference teams have in the trenches and in a one-off game (as opposed to someone you face every year), it can create headaches for a defense that's used to going against more traditional offenses each week. It gives them a puncher's chance in other words and lessens the recruiting and depth advantage programs like Alabama have. That's what matters to him.

http://www.cbssports...otball/20443211

Yeah, I'm sure you're right. I mean, we struggle so much with spread teams...wait...

The issue (Mikey's question aside) was no huddle offenses. Not all of those are spread teams. Such offenses do often give teams trouble because they aren't conditioned for it and it takes away the ability to do situational subbing.

That said, you'd have to admit that when you have had trouble on defense, it's been against option/spread option teams.

[BamaGrad03 146]

The issue (Mikey's question aside) was no huddle offenses. Not all of those are spread teams. Such offenses do often give teams trouble because they aren't conditioned for it and it takes away the ability to do situational subbing.

That said, you'd have to admit that when you have had trouble on defense, it's been against option/spread option teams.

I don't have to admit that. We really don't struggle with anybody defensively. And the only way to beat us is with a good throwing QB, not a spread option attack. You can point to LSU last year because they spread it out with JJ against us - but they beat us with defense - they only scored 6 points. Arky scored 14, Auburn scored 0.

In 2010, we didn't lose to Auburn because they spread us out. They only got 324 total yards. SC put up points and yards, but they were pro style. Same for 2010 LSU with Lee.

You can point to 2008 Utah and UF, but that was 4 years ago. The next year, UF managed 13 points against us.

Generally running QBs don't do well (see Cam in 2010 and 30 something yards). Our weakness is a balanced approach with a good QB who is accurate enough to put pressure on our secondary. That's what Garcia did to us in 2010.

Now, how would we fare against a WVU? A Clemson? I don't know. Those are elite elite spread teams, and frankly more potent than the 2008 UF or Utah squads. But Geno Smith is also a pinpoint accurate passer.

[keesler 5,813]

The issue (Mikey's question aside) was no huddle offenses. Not all of those are spread teams. Such offenses do often give teams trouble because they aren't conditioned for it and it takes away the ability to do situational subbing.

That said, you'd have to admit that when you have had trouble on defense, it's been against option/spread option teams.

I don't have to admit that. We really don't struggle with anybody defensively. And the only way to beat us is with a good throwing QB, not a spread option attack. You can point to LSU last year because they spread it out with JJ against us - but they beat us with defense - they only scored 6 points. Arky scored 14, Auburn scored 0.

In 2010, we didn't lose to Auburn because they spread us out. They only got 324 total yards. SC put up points and yards, but they were pro style. Same for 2010 LSU with Lee.

You can point to 2008 Utah and UF, but that was 4 years ago. The next year, UF managed 13 points against us.

Generally running QBs don't do well (see Cam in 2010 and 30 something yards). Our weakness is a balanced approach with a good QB who is accurate enough to put pressure on our secondary. That's what Garcia did to us in 2010.

Now, how would we fare against a WVU? A Clemson? I don't know. Those are elite elite spread teams, and frankly more potent than the 2008 UF or Utah squads. But Geno Smith is also a pinpoint accurate passer.

I like Geno Smith, he's a dang good passer.

[mcgufcm 3,984]

Well, whether we had 300 yards or not, we did put 28 points on you. In Tuscaloosa. That's struggling.

Regardless, the flood came from a solid run game and accurate passing. Not because Bama was gassed from a no huddle offense.

[keesler 5,813]

All defensive minded coaches hate to face the hurry-up, no-huddle, spread type offenses. That's because those offenses tend to score lots of points and level the talent on the field.

So, tell me again why we went away from it?

Watch what happens to our defense when we play OleMiss & aTm - our defense will be gassed in no time, even though we will have more talent on the field than both those teams.

[TitanTiger 18,823]

Our 2009 team, with a gimp at QB gave you trouble as well. You've admitted as much in the past that option teams are the ones that are more likely to give you trouble.

[BamaGrad03 146]

Our 2009 team, with a gimp at QB gave you trouble as well. You've admitted as much in the past that option teams are the ones that are more likely to give you trouble.

Option teams like Ga Southern, yeah. But not spread. Not to the point that Saban is worried about it. I think we defend the spread better than anyone in the country.

I don't think Saban is one to be anything but frank in his commentary. If he says its an issue with injury, I believe him. Especially since no huddle and spread teams cut block a ton. (Not chop, but cut).

[TitanTiger 18,823]

Our 2009 team, with a gimp at QB gave you trouble as well. You've admitted as much in the past that option teams are the ones that are more likely to give you trouble.

Option teams like Ga Southern, yeah. But not spread. Not to the point that Saban is worried about it. I think we defend the spread better than anyone in the country.

I don't think Saban is one to be anything but frank in his commentary. If he says its an issue with injury, I believe him. Especially since no huddle and spread teams cut block a ton. (Not chop, but cut).

Well the operative word was option, not spread. And no huddle was the larger point.

[keesler 5,813]

Well, it looks like Bama/Saban is the team to beat - so everyone needs to have a little option/spread/HUNH in their offensive scheming from now on I guess? Because I'm not so sure the pro-set offense is effective against them right now either.

So, what's the key to beating them and taking advantage of their defense and piling up enough points to out score them?

Last year they averaged scoring 35 ppg in 2011 - so far this year they are averging 40 ppg

They gave up 8 ppg average in 2011 - so far this year they are giving up 7 ppg

What is it gonna take to turn those numbers upside down and whip them?

[rtftiger 40]

Our 2009 team, with a gimp at QB gave you trouble as well. You've admitted as much in the past that option teams are the ones that are more likely to give you trouble.

Option teams like Ga Southern, yeah. But not spread. Not to the point that Saban is worried about it. I think we defend the spread better than anyone in the country.

I don't think Saban is one to be anything but frank in his commentary. If he says its an issue with injury, I believe him. Especially since no huddle and spread teams cut block a ton. (Not chop, but cut).

Really? You don't think that the guys whose mantra is "make them quit" would find ways to manipulate conversations toward a style of football that he favors? You don't think that his tirade earlier in the year about Western Kentucky was an indirect message to his team?

Would you rather be considered naive or a fool?

[BamaGrad03 146]

Really? You don't think that the guys whose mantra is "make them quit" would find ways to manipulate conversations toward a style of football that he favors? You don't think that his tirade earlier in the year about Western Kentucky was an indirect message to his team?

Would you rather be considered naive or a fool?

I think his tirade at WKU was a direct message to his team. But it was about exactly what he said it was about: blowing up the team with accolades in the media.

Well, it looks like Bama/Saban is the team to beat - so everyone needs to have a little option/spread/HUNH in their offensive scheming from now on I guess? Because I'm not so sure the pro-set offense is effective against them right now either.

So, what's the key to beating them and taking advantage of their defense and piling up enough points to out score them?

Last year they averaged scoring 35 ppg in 2011 - so far this year they are averging 40 ppg

They gave up 8 ppg average in 2011 - so far this year they are giving up 7 ppg

What is it gonna take to turn those numbers upside down and whip them?

When's the last time Alabama faced a team with a legit balanced attack on offense and a really good defense?

That's what it is going to take. I am a firm believer that spread teams will never field dominant defenses, because the pratices they do are all geared toward defending and supporting the spread offense. When's the last time a team that put up 50ppg had a high powered defense?

[The SandMntTiger 9]

Yea, sorry if I don't believe a guy who is a big enough of a douche bag to step over a convulsing player really cares about player safety.

[keesler 5,813]

UAT/Saban's defense doesn't allow the opponent to have a balanced offense, period. It's hard as hell to run the ball on them consistantly, their defense is made to stop the run and force the QB to pass under immense pressure.

When your defense has the ability to take away a major portion of the offensive gameplan from the opponent, then your defense dictates what the opponents offense can do and therefore, dictates to whole flow of the game.

Add in the fact that they put a fundamentally sound and well disciplined team on the field, and that they make only a few errors during a game on offense or defense, and it makes it even harder to beat them.

There are some teams out there that would give them a run, and I think WVU is one of them. But, WVU's defense isn't good enough to stop uat from scoring - - - - - Who knows, maybe aTm will be the team to sneek up on them this year, or Tennessee?

[The SandMntTiger 9]

Btw, I didn't think weeman was whining about spread offenses, I thought this weeks whine was about no huddle offenses. Lord knows he would never run a hurry up offense and risk player safety all for the sake of winning a football game. Well, 2010 Iron Bowl aside of course.

[keesler 5,813]

Btw, I didn't think weeman was whining about spread offenses, I thought this weeks whine was about no huddle offenses. Lord knows he would never run a hurry up offense and risk player safety all for the sake of winning a football game. Well, 2010 Iron Bowl aside of course.

I've seen him run the hurry-up-offense/the two minute offense many times over the years. He runs it at different times throughout the game, just to give his team practice I guess?

[cptau 145]

UAT = USCe = Whining about no huddle................

Puts a lot of pressure on the DC to keep their players rotating and with the right defensive players on the field. Sorry about that, but that's how football works. The defense has 3 time outs per half to use and lots of TV timeouts to slow things down. And then there is the fake injury and I lost my helmet thing to also slow things down............

[BamaGrad03 146]

UAT/Saban's defense doesn't allow the opponent to have a balanced offense, period. It's hard as hell to run the ball on them consistantly, their defense is made to stop the run and force the QB to pass under immense pressure.

When your defense has the ability to take away a major portion of the offensive gameplan from the opponent, then your defense dictates what the opponents offense can do and therefore, dictates to whole flow of the game.

Add in the fact that they put a fundamentally sound and well disciplined team on the field, and that they make only a few errors during a game on offense or defense, and it makes it even harder to beat them.

There are some teams out there that would give them a run, and I think WVU is one of them. But, WVU's defense isn't good enough to stop uat from scoring - - - - - Who knows, maybe aTm will be the team to sneek up on them this year, or Tennessee?

UT doesn't run the ball or play D. I actually think A&M will give us a game. Their defense isn't terrible (not amazing), and they're improving week by week. I think WVU and Oregon could absolutely give us a run - or get smoked by Bama on any given day. Those teams who rely on tons of points are always up and down, really unpredictable.

[TigerNBham 3]

Yea, sorry if I don't believe a guy who is a big enough of a douche bag to step over a convulsing player really cares about player safety.

Win at any cost by any means is worshipped @ the crapstone.

Nick $atan is a jerk and a manipulator, a perfect fit for them so hungry for success they will put up with anything.

He bullies the press, his players skirts so many rules the NCAA can't keep up,.

Player safety, puhLEEZE, how about payroll safety for himself?

The comment about the one punch wonder doing him in is the driving force here.

He knows from experience his process on D can be broken down in a one and done series by speed and physical attrition

and lack of time to substitute.

But, maybe I am being to hard on the diminitive " humanitarian " .

He has seen first hand all the injuries and medical hardship scollies working his little

tikes too hard can produce.

He is so transparent and pathetic he is funny,.

[Weegle777 63]

The only way to beat bama is to not get intimidated and hit them in the mouth on every play. Contrary to popular opinion, teams don't have to play a perfect game to beat them, you just have to keep bringing it on every down, and never quit. And say what you want about saban, he is this or he is that, but what he has built is a machine. A simplistic, effective, efficient machine that just wins ballgames. It's not fancy, it's not flashy. It just wins games. And until people realize that college football is a multi-million dollar business, and treat it as such, bama will continue to dominate the landscape because saban has figured this out. He is paid to win ballgames, not to babysit. Which is why he is seen as an inconsiderate, cold hearted, bully that doesn't care about his players. And I have been an Auburn fan since I was old enough to watch football, but I do have to recognize what works. And that is what is going on in Tuscaloosa right now, a coach that knows what it takes to win championships. And he is the best in the business.

[WarEagle10 77]

The only way to beat bama is to not get intimidated and hit them in the mouth on every play. Contrary to popular opinion, teams don't have to play a perfect game to beat them, you just have to keep bringing it on every down, and never quit. And say what you want about saban, he is this or he is that, but what he has built is a machine. A simplistic, effective, efficient machine that just wins ballgames. It's not fancy, it's not flashy. It just wins games. And until people realize that college football is a multi-million dollar business, and treat it as such, bama will continue to dominate the landscape because saban has figured this out. He is paid to win ballgames, not to babysit. Which is why he is seen as an inconsiderate, cold hearted, bully that doesn't care about his players. And I have been an Auburn fan since I was old enough to watch football, but I do have to recognize what works. And that is what is going on in Tuscaloosa right now, a coach that knows what it takes to win championships. And he is the best in the business.

Gump. Why don't you and saban just get a room already? (wait....somebody check on weeg's. I think his account has been hacked)