Hybrid Option

[skehiaian]

I used to love watching Notre Dame push opposing defensive lines off the ball, and having bruising backs like the "Bus" average 8 yards per carry. When Lou Holtz was at the helm, this was the standard that made Notre Dame so dominant. Lou used to say when the offensive line was tough, it made the rest of the team tough. I really think Notre Dame should use a hybrid spread, mixed with power running, while throwing in an occasional option attack. If you noticed last year against USC, in the fourth quarter, the drive that broke USC was when we used Hughes and his power running and pretty much demoralized USC's defense. This year, I would like to see more of that especially with teams like Navy. By using the spread and option, we should be able to create holes for our quick backs, and set up more opportunities for our power running. I know when I played quick guard on offense, our team really got fired up when we could run on opposing defenses, much more than when we used finesse in the passing game.

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK?

This is my first time starting a thread or posting any comments, so give me your feedback for future threads. Thanks, Scott

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Kelly's offense is already pretty close to what you're describing as a "hybrid spread". He makes extensive use of the Option Read when he has a QB that can run it (read: not Tommy Rees). He's also not hesitant to use a power running game when his personnel allows for it.

The last drive against USC was the product of a lot of factors: (1) USC lacks depth on the D-line, and they were getting tired; (2) our OL was in better shape due to Longo, so 4th quarter domination was possible; (3) we had a Freshman QB under center, on the road and in the rain, who'd turned the ball over four times already; and (4) the light finally came on for Hughes.

Despite what the fire-worshipers over at NDNation believe, a coach can't simply decide to start power running with success. It requires a dominant OL and a bulldozer RB. At Kelly's previous jobs, the athletes available to him were better suited to the spread, so that's what he did. Now he has an NFL sized line and some talented backs, so it's an option if and when he needs it.

But I don't think we'll see Kelly "commit to the run", nor would I want to see that. His spread has produced some incredibly potent offenses, and I have faith we'll see the same kind of fireworks from the Irish in 2011.

 

[Zibby32]

on the road and in the rain

I think this was one of the biggest factors in that drive....

 

[BeauBenken]

Just to be devil's advocate, I looked at the poll results and cashed in as the first vote for "pure spread".