Is Chizik eying UF's approach?

[StatTiger 3,188]

If you follow college football meticulously, you have to appreciate the job Coach Urban Meyer has done in the last four seasons at the University of Florida. In four seasons, The Florida Gators have won two conference titles and two BCS National Championships, while compiling a 44-9 record. During the four seasons prior to Meyer’s arrival in Gainesville, Florida posted a record of 33-17, 28th best in the nation. Meyer’s current win percentage is 5th best in the nation, surpassing Steve Spurrier’s first four years at Florida (39-10-0).

For those thinking Florida’s success is mainly due to the merit of Tim Tebow, Florida was 22-4 before Tebow started and 22-5 since he became the starter. The Gators won their first national title under Coach Meyer without Tebow as the starting quarterback. Does Tim Tebow make Florida a better team? Certainly he does but the major reason for Florida’s recent success is Meyer’s adaptability of his offense and a very sound defense to go along with great team speed.

Of Meyer’s four Florida teams, three of them have finished the season ranked in the top ten of total defense. Two of his defenses also finished ranked in the top ten of scoring defense and his 2005 unit was 18th in scoring defense. He has adjusted his offense every season since his arrival at Florida and his current offense has clearly become the preeminent offense in the Southeastern Conference. Urban Meyer’s philosophy on the both sides of the ball as well as special teams is the “model” Gene Chizik should consider as he takes over as the new Auburn head football coach.

Running the ball…

During the six seasons prior to Meyer’s arrival at Florida, the Gators had a total of 8 games, where they rushed for at least 200-yards. In the last four seasons, Florida has totaled 21 games of 200-yards rushing, including, 16 in the past two seasons. His version of the “spread” offense is designed to attack the opponent with a balanced offense, built around a stable running game. The 2008 Florida offense was 1 of only 14 offenses in the nation that averaged over 170-yards rushing and over 200-yards passing this past season. Of those 14 teams, 8 teams finished with a record of 10-3 or better.

Three of those 14 teams also had a top ten defense, combining for a record of 36-4 this past season. One other team from the SEC made the list of 14, which was the Ole Miss Rebels. By the end of the season, Ole Miss was playing exceptional football on offense as well as defense. Houston Nutt always had a remarkable running game at Arkansas but his teams lacked defense. The 2008 Ole Miss Rebels finished the season at No. 19 in total defense. Houston Nutt finally had a solid defense to complement his offense, as the Rebels were the only blemish on Florida’s schedule.

During the 1992 season, SEC teams totaled 44 games of 200-yards rushing. By 1999, the total had dropped to just 17 as the majority of teams within the conference were adjusting their offenses to match the offensive production of the Florida Gators under Steve Spurrier. In 2005, SEC teams combined for (25) 200-yard rushing games, which increased to 32 in 2006 and 49 in 2007. There were 42 games of 200-yards rushing in 2008.

Balanced Offense…

During this past season, Alabama had six games of 200-yards rushing, which equaled the total of their previous three seasons combined. Added to their success of a well-built running game, Alabama also fielded a top ten defense, which took them to 12-0 and the SEC Championship game. They dropped their last two games of the season but it was testimony again that a combination of a good running game with a great defense can result in a momentous season. In the end, Alabama’s inability to pass the ball when it was needed resulted in their downfall and having a balanced attack with a strong defense can bring home championships. During this current decade, 6 SEC teams including the 2008 Florida Gators have averaged over 170-yards rushing and over 200-yards passing. Those six teams combined for a record of 70-10, which included the 2004 and 2005 Auburn Tigers.

Auburn’s future…

Coach Gene Chizik’s hiring of Gus Malzahn is a persuasive indicator of the direction Chizik wants the offense moving. With his three-year experience as a defensive coordinator at Auburn, Chizik has first hand knowledge of the speed and defensive capabilities of the other teams within the conference. Since the SEC’s expansion in 1992, seven conference teams have won a national championship not including Auburn’s 1993 and 2004 teams that went undefeated. There is no doubt; no other conference can equal the Southeastern Conference in defense.

Coach Urban Meyer has laid the foundation for success not only within the conference but also at a national level. It’s not surprising; Coach Chizik sought Coach Malzahn because his offense is very similar in schematics currently deployed by the Florida Gators. It should also be noted that both of Malzahn’s offenses at Tulsa also made the list of offenses that averaged over 170-yards rushing and 200-yards passing. Auburn established itself as one of the better defenses in the nation under Coach Tommy Tuberville with the assistance of Gene Chizik as an assistant. The time has come to do the same on the offensive side of the football.

The schemes and foundation will be established in 2009 but Auburn will need to improve recruiting to make its mark offensively on a national level. Auburn’s 2009 signing class is a good start in that direction. In 1990, Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators flipped the Southeastern Conference upside down with its wide-open offense. Urban Meyer’s current tenure at Florida has been just as impressive, especially when you look only at the final results. Coach Gene Chizik has a plan in place and he hasn’t wasted time implementing it. He has hired two respected coordinators and the assistant coaches needed to produce the talent to execute their schemes. Hopefully in time, Auburn will become the beast in the West that Florida currently holds possession of in the East.

In 2004, we saw what a top ranked defense and a balanced offense could do at Auburn. There is a lot of work to be done before the new addition of the Auburn Tigers take to the field in the Fall but I have no doubt there are better days ahead for the Auburn Tigers.

[mobilejon 0]

Great Post - excellent read!

[rolltoomer 0]

Isn't it great to read a post that is not a flame or a slam or a braggadocio?

Refreshing as well as thought-provoking.

[OldNewby 27]

Excellent analysis!

[TigerHeat 9]

If you follow college football meticulously, you have to appreciate the job Coach Urban Meyer has done in the last four seasons at the University of Florida. In four seasons, The Florida Gators have won two conference titles and two BCS National Championships, while compiling a 44-9 record. During the four seasons prior to Meyer’s arrival in Gainesville, Florida posted a record of 33-17, 28th best in the nation. Meyer’s current win percentage is 5th best in the nation, surpassing Steve Spurrier’s first four years at Florida (39-10-0).

For those thinking Florida’s success is mainly due to the merit of Tim Tebow, Florida was 22-4 before Tebow started and 22-5 since he became the starter. The Gators won their first national title under Coach Meyer without Tebow as the starting quarterback. Does Tim Tebow make Florida a better team? Certainly he does but the major reason for Florida’s recent success is Meyer’s adaptability of his offense and a very sound defense to go along with great team speed.

Of Meyer’s four Florida teams, three of them have finished the season ranked in the top ten of total defense. Two of his defenses also finished ranked in the top ten of scoring defense and his 2005 unit was 18th in scoring defense. He has adjusted his offense every season since his arrival at Florida and his current offense has clearly become the preeminent offense in the Southeastern Conference. Urban Meyer’s philosophy on the both sides of the ball as well as special teams is the “model” Gene Chizik should consider as he takes over as the new Auburn head football coach.

Running the ball…

During the six seasons prior to Meyer’s arrival at Florida, the Gators had a total of 8 games, where they rushed for at least 200-yards. In the last four seasons, Florida has totaled 21 games of 200-yards rushing, including, 16 in the past two seasons. His version of the “spread” offense is designed to attack the opponent with a balanced offense, built around a stable running game. The 2008 Florida offense was 1 of only 14 offenses in the nation that averaged over 170-yards rushing and over 200-yards passing this past season. Of those 14 teams, 8 teams finished with a record of 10-3 or better.

Three of those 14 teams also had a top ten defense, combining for a record of 36-4 this past season. One other team from the SEC made the list of 14, which was the Ole Miss Rebels. By the end of the season, Ole Miss was playing exceptional football on offense as well as defense. Houston Nutt always had a remarkable running game at Arkansas but his teams lacked defense. The 2008 Ole Miss Rebels finished the season at No. 19 in total defense. Houston Nutt finally had a solid defense to complement his offense, as the Rebels were the only blemish on Florida’s schedule.

During the 1992 season, SEC teams totaled 44 games of 200-yards rushing. By 1999, the total had dropped to just 17 as the majority of teams within the conference were adjusting their offenses to match the offensive production of the Florida Gators under Steve Spurrier. In 2005, SEC teams combined for (25) 200-yard rushing games, which increased to 32 in 2006 and 49 in 2007. There were 42 games of 200-yards rushing in 2008.

Balanced Offense…

During this past season, Alabama had six games of 200-yards rushing, which equaled the total of their previous three seasons combined. Added to their success of a well-built running game, Alabama also fielded a top ten defense, which took them to 12-0 and the SEC Championship game. They dropped their last two games of the season but it was testimony again that a combination of a good running game with a great defense can result in a momentous season. In the end, Alabama’s inability to pass the ball when it was needed resulted in their downfall and having a balanced attack with a strong defense can bring home championships. During this current decade, 6 SEC teams including the 2008 Florida Gators have averaged over 170-yards rushing and over 200-yards passing. Those six teams combined for a record of 70-10, which included the 2004 and 2005 Auburn Tigers.

Auburn’s future…

Coach Gene Chizik’s hiring of Gus Malzahn is a persuasive indicator of the direction Chizik wants the offense moving. With his three-year experience as a defensive coordinator at Auburn, Chizik has first hand knowledge of the speed and defensive capabilities of the other teams within the conference. Since the SEC’s expansion in 1992, seven conference teams have won a national championship not including Auburn’s 1993 and 2004 teams that went undefeated. There is no doubt; no other conference can equal the Southeastern Conference in defense.

Coach Urban Meyer has laid the foundation for success not only within the conference but also at a national level. It’s not surprising; Coach Chizik sought Coach Malzahn because his offense is very similar in schematics currently deployed by the Florida Gators. It should also be noted that both of Malzahn’s offenses at Tulsa also made the list of offenses that averaged over 170-yards rushing and 200-yards passing. Auburn established itself as one of the better defenses in the nation under Coach Tommy Tuberville with the assistance of Gene Chizik as an assistant. The time has come to do the same on the offensive side of the football.

The schemes and foundation will be established in 2009 but Auburn will need to improve recruiting to make its mark offensively on a national level. Auburn’s 2009 signing class is a good start in that direction. In 1990, Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators flipped the Southeastern Conference upside down with its wide-open offense. Urban Meyer’s current tenure at Florida has been just as impressive, especially when you look only at the final results. Coach Gene Chizik has a plan in place and he hasn’t wasted time implementing it. He has hired two respected coordinators and the assistant coaches needed to produce the talent to execute their schemes. Hopefully in time, Auburn will become the beast in the West that Florida currently holds possession of in the East.

In 2004, we saw what a top ranked defense and a balanced offense could do at Auburn. There is a lot of work to be done before the new addition of the Auburn Tigers take to the field in the Fall but I have no doubt there are better days ahead for the Auburn Tigers.

I'm on board. Chizik was a good hire. He's done a good job with getting a staff and recruiting. We will have a QB coach, a coherent offensive strategy, and our normal stout AU defense. If our special teams improves we should be in very good shape.

We still own Urban Meyer. Maybe we'll get another shot at him soon.

[SouthLink02 8]

No

No he isn't

And if he is, he needs to stop

[cadillacattack 0]

right string, but the wrong yo-yo.

If Auburn wants to emulate an elite program like Florida's, (a goal which I would enthusiastically support) then regardless of which sport we're talking about it needs to start with an elite leader like Jeremy Foley.

[BoJtrueAUman 4]

No

No he isn't

And if he is, he needs to stop

Denial thats always a great way to go South,lol or at least pray that it doesn't go that way right?

[SouthLink02 8]

No

No he isn't

And if he is, he needs to stop

Denial thats always a great way to go South,lol or at least pray that it doesn't go that way right?

Well I gave up on praying after UF won another NC so I am having to try another way to go about it.

[BoJtrueAUman 4]

No

No he isn't

And if he is, he needs to stop

Denial thats always a great way to go South,lol or at least pray that it doesn't go that way right?

Well I gave up on praying after UF won another NC so I am having to try another way to go about it.

lol, I asked a friend of mine(UF fan) how it felt to never get shut out of a NC, he was like good I guess,lol