Difference between Wildcat Offense and Regular Offense?

[17161345162785 0]

:zapbama:

"Virgin" Poster...long time lurker(Oops! Didn't remember 2 previous posts). There is speculation on whether Kodi or Trovon will be the "Wildcat" QB this year. With C Newton at QB, would someone explain the difference between Wildcat and regular. Last year Todd couldn't run, so it was easy to differentiate between the two. I've only been following AU since 1956, so take it easy on a pilgrim.

[AU Counsel 64]

In our version of the wildcat, a skill player takes the snap as the QB, while the QB lines up as a receiver.  We typically also have an unbalanced line at the same time (a guard and center switch positions, and you usually see a tight end on the weak side).  The QB is typically left alone or covered loosely by the defense.  The skill player QB is more likely to run or run the option.  Often this player is a much better runner than the QB (though this year, that may not be the case).

[Jonesy 1]

An ideal wildcat candidate is a guy who is in most plays on the offense and can also throw the ball aswell as run.

Cam can do that, but he's 6'6" and 250lbs. He's a good runner for a QB but not the best runner on the field at any given time. That's where Kodi or Trovon come in. They give the defense a different look and they also present a run and throw threat.

Also, our Qb's work on catching as you can tell by most Al.com videos. So if you put a 6'6" 250 out wide on a short route it makes the defense have to cover him, giving us a number advantage.

[stealthyfan 94]

An ideal wildcat candidate is a guy who is in most plays on the offense and can also throw the ball aswell as run.

Cam can do that, but he's 6'6" and 250lbs. He's a good runner for a QB but not the best runner on the field at any given time. That's where Kodi or Trovon come in. They give the defense a different look and they also present a run and throw threat.

Also, our Qb's work on catching as you can tell by most Al.com videos. So if you put a 6'6" 250 out wide on a short route it makes the defense have to cover him, giving us a number advantage.

Opponents are going to go nutz.

[Lynx34 0]

In our version of the wildcat, a skill player takes the snap as the QB, while the QB lines up as a receiver.  We typically also have an unbalanced line at the same time (a guard and center switch positions, and you usually see a tight end on the weak side).  The QB is typically left alone or covered loosely by the defense.  The skill player QB is more likely to run or run the option.  Often this player is a much better runner than the QB (though this year, that may not be the case).

An unbalanced line can have a center and guard switch, but the specific one we use does not.  Just the weakside Tackle and Tight End switch.  I guess I could be mistaken on that, but I'm pretty sure I'm not.  Also, the wildcat is distinctive for the ever-present "jet" (I've also heard it called "rocket") motion where a player sprints from a wideout position to make a Play-action mesh right at the snap.

And I guarantee you'll see both Burns and Reed take snaps in non-wildcat formations as well.  Burns did last year, so I'm assuming that trend will continue.

[alexava 6,946]

yes we have both tackles on one side, making one a te. this offense did not work much after the first few games, but i think it will improve this year.

[Quietmaninthecorner 1,873]

I've only been following AU since 1956, so take it easy on a pilgrim.

DANG!  54 years!  That's a long time.  You might remember back in the day when the wildcat was called the Wing-T with motion.

The wildcat  is nothing new,  It just has not been called that ,  and hasn't been used in a few decades before it was brought back in the last few years.

The thing that makes it a bit different is the tempo at which we play.

[AU Counsel 64]

I think we use that jet motion a lot outside of the wildcat too

[SumterAubie 2,923]

When is the 'Mildcat' gonna work? Fannin, running the ball into the line, can gain as much as Kodi did last year running the wildcat

[Lynx34 0]

I think we use that jet motion a lot outside of the wildcat too

Very true.  Another common motion that Malzahn uses is the "orbit" motion where the receiver makes a wide arc behind the QB to give a pitch option look.  But to stay clear on the topic, the wildcat always uses "jet" motion.

When is the 'Mildcat' gonna work? Fannin, running the ball into the line, can gain as much as Kodi did last year running the wildcat

Having rewatched all of last years games, there were times when it was quite effective.  But it was very boom-or-bust.  It would gain either 1 yard or 8 yards.  The lack of consistency is what made it appear ineffective over time.  There were also a few big gainers like the pass to Lutz against MSU.