A Real Offense Again...

[KnightVision82]

Gus Malzahn's Version of Power Football Close to being Unleashed in Orlando

Power football continues to evolve. Here’s a further examination of how the Knights can make power football a part of the spread package, Gus Malzahn-style.

www.si.com

I get it when something is working you want to run it again and again until they stop you but last year's offense was so predictable with the same offensive formation used by Heupel and no way to kill the clock.

 

[mattropolis]

It was so predictable it was ranked #2 in the country. What does that say about every single defensive coach, and every single defensive player we played against then?

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

It was so predictable it was ranked #2 in the country. What does that say about every single defensive coach, and every single defensive player we played against then?

I don’t get everyone putting the cart before horse. Can we let the games play out before anointing anyone the savior? If we didn’t have a terrible D we probably only lose 1 game.

 

[ElprofesorJuan]

I don’t get everyone putting the cart before horse. Can we let the games play out before anointing anyone the savior? If we didn’t have a terrible D we probably only lose 1 game.

Well that goes with the coaching staff. It falls back on the Coach. He controls both offense and defense. Offense was not great when it should have been. Same with the Defense. Let's hope Gus can learn from his past and create a better team. Hype was not a great coach. He has a good Offensive mind but he lacks the skills to put a team together and unite both Offense and defensive lines. Hence our team breaking apart towards the end of his tenure.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

Well that goes with the coaching staff. It falls back on the Coach. He controls both offense and defense. Offense was not great when it should have been. Same with the Defense. Let's hope Gus can learn from his past and create a better team. Hype was not a great coach. He has a good Offensive mind but he lacks the skills to put a team together and unite both Offense and defensive lines. Hence our team breaking apart towards the end of his tenure.

Shannon was not his hire. He was forced to have him be DC. That’s why he’s not in Tennessee with him. Not saying he was a great coach but you can’t blame him for defense when he couldn’t hire his own guy.

 

[Central Floridave]

Great article. This author is pretty good and covering UCF the best I've seen. HE IS AT PRACTICE!

 

[anon_gi3vk9zbfmw0w]

Great article. This author is pretty good and covering UCF the best I've seen. HE IS AT PRACTICE!

Yeah, except he completely mixed up in the article explaining "10, 11, 20, 21 personnel" etc. The first number is how many running backs are in the formation, second number how many tight ends (not the other way around, like he 'man-splained' in the article).

And the article failed to mention how/why UCF would run power formations with multiple/physical tight ends in the same formation when clearly that's the position on the roster with the least amount of depth, experience, or ability to execute those kind of play concepts more than a couple times throughout the game (no fault of their own, just not the way the roster has been constructed in the past).

For me, the difference in Malzahn will be more game management, and being comfortable/experienced enough to be flexible with the game-plan and in-game adjustments. Under Heupel, the team could score quickly, but they couldn't/wouldn't slowdown the pace and run out the clock when the game predicated a need to do so. That's not an easy thing for teams that play with pace to do, and it was something UCF struggled to do when they needed to close out a game (and the defense suffered for it as well).

 

[mattropolis]

Btw, Malzhan and his staff are an upgrade and I don’t care how they win, as long as they win. We’ll see how it all works out. I’m just saying our offense has been great since 2017.

 

[Central Floridave]

Heupel was a new head coach. I'm sure he gained valuable experience here at UCF and will learn clock management in the SEC. If not, he will sink quickly. To me we have an upgrade in Coach Malzahn. For one, he is 100 percent better in press conferences. The players also rave about his player-coach relationship. Heupel always seemed distance and guarded and would protect himself with coachspeak. Just an opinion, I'm sure I"ll hate Malzhan right after UCF's first loss. 2021 is probably the highest anticipated football season for me since being a football fan. Having articles like this really help and keeping it interesting. Even if you can find a flaw in it or something you don't like. It's an opinion piece and created for others to express theirs in reply. Also, the title is click bateable. Genius level in my opinion. Go Knights!

 

[knight_tracker]

Well that goes with the coaching staff. It falls back on the Coach. He controls both offense and defense. Offense was not great when it should have been. Same with the Defense. Let's hope Gus can learn from his past and create a better team. Hype was not a great coach. He has a good Offensive mind but he lacks the skills to put a team together and unite both Offense and defensive lines. Hence our team breaking apart towards the end of his tenure.

I agree, if Hype was still the coach my expectations would had been losing 3 or 4 games this year. Now my confidence is back that the potential is there to win every game. Yea! 😎

 

[mattropolis]

Yeah. All these coaches and staffs have statisticians. It’s hard to fathom someone hasn’t come up with some options based on score and clock. I mean they track every game and every play already. It’s just some analysis that needs to be done so that you can establish what to do in certain scenarios based on the clock vs the score. UCF has math degrees….use the professors, TAs, students, etc…

For example, if we just ran two plays each half against Pitt by running the clock down to like 5 seconds instead of leaving 25-30 seconds left on the clock, we probably win that game because they run out of time (they at least would not have been on like the 5 yards line).

 

[ElprofesorJuan]

Great article. This author is pretty good and covering UCF the best I've seen. HE IS AT PRACTICE!

Yep He has followed recruits for over 20 years. He knows what he is talking about and loves his job..One of my favorite guys to listen too..

 

[ElprofesorJuan]

Yeah, except he completely mixed up in the article explaining "10, 11, 20, 21 personnel" etc. The first number is how many running backs are in the formation, second number how many tight ends (not the other way around, like he 'man-splained' in the article).

And the article failed to mention how/why UCF would run power formations with multiple/physical tight ends in the same formation when clearly that's the position on the roster with the least amount of depth, experience, or ability to execute those kind of play concepts more than a couple times throughout the game (no fault of their own, just not the way the roster has been constructed in the past).

For me, the difference in Malzahn will be more game management, and being comfortable/experienced enough to be flexible with the game-plan and in-game adjustments. Under Heupel, the team could score quickly, but they couldn't/wouldn't slowdown the pace and run out the clock when the game predicated a need to do so. That's not an easy thing for teams that play with pace to do, and it was something UCF struggled to do when they needed to close out a game (and the defense suffered for it as well).

Note he cannot give up all our formations...Reporters cannot tell u all or other teams would follow the analysis .Brian says what he can without overstepping what he can say..Malzahn would never allow him on campus if he posted how the offensive plays or defensive plays are run...But I understand your thoughts..

 

[hemightbejeremy]

Yeah. All these coaches and staffs have statisticians. It’s hard to fathom someone hasn’t come up with some options based on score and clock. I mean they track every game and every play already. It’s just some analysis that needs to be done so that you can establish what to do in certain scenarios based on the clock vs the score. UCF has math degrees….use the professors, TAs, students, etc…

For example, if we just ran two plays each half against Pitt by running the clock down to like 5 seconds instead of leaving 25-30 seconds left on the clock, we probably win that game because they run out of time (they at least would not have been on like the 5 yards line).

I’m pretty sure many of the offensive plays were RPO based with options routes for the receivers depending on what the defensive alignment was. Im not sure how useful a statistician is when you are taking 10 seconds between plays. The offense was effective but part of it was the hurry up gimmick. When defenses were able to neutralize the hurry up the offense sputtered. Your Pitt game also only works with the benefit of hindsight and knowing exactly how the game played out.

 

[SimpleJack53]

It was so predictable it was ranked #2 in the country. What does that say about every single defensive coach, and every single defensive player we played against then?

Slinging it works?

 

[ElprofesorJuan]

Slinging it works?

No it doesn't...Hence 6-4....Against bad teams yes. Against teams with equal talent..No. Basically Hype System our Man can beat your Man..But if they have 3- 5 stars uhmm no..1 out of three we will hit..Then we need Frost System to create mismatches.Yeah Hype system was for beginners..

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

I’m pretty sure many of the offensive plays were RPO based with options routes for the receivers depending on what the defensive alignment was. Im not sure how useful a statistician is when you are taking 10 seconds between plays. The offense was effective but part of it was the hurry up gimmick. When defenses were able to neutralize the hurry up the offense sputtered. Your Pitt game also only works with the benefit of hindsight and knowing exactly how the game played out.

We had quite a few turnovers and missed opportunities. Pitt got the ball back with 4 minutes left on clock and scored but left 1 minute for us to score. Got sacked twice. Nothing to do with 2 plays in each half.

 

[PhDee]

I didn’t like Huep but can we give the man credit for making the right decision on throwing DG into the fire.

I think we could have actually won more games in 2019 with Wimbush based on his athleticism and experience , but BW was not the long term solution.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

I didn’t like Huep but can we give the man credit for making the right decision on throwing DG into the fire.

I think we could have actually won more games in 2019 with Wimbush based on his athleticism and experience , but BW was not the long term solution.

I thought Wimbush had some personal problems and his head wasn’t in to playing? I doubt you have a guy come from Notre Dame and just refuse to start him because you’re thinking about 3 or 4 years later. He left at his first offer. He was in win now and leave mode.

 

[PhDee]

I thought Wimbush had some personal problems and his head wasn’t in to playing? I doubt you have a guy come from Notre Dame and just refuse to start him because you’re thinking about 3 or 4 years later. He left at his first offer. He was in win now and leave mode.

I could be wrong, but I thought a lot of the in his head came because he was being beat out by a true freshman at UCF. I thought that's why Lebby and Huep kept repeating, "we will start the QB that is most consistent". Wimbush was clearly an athletic monster, but he had only 1 year and he was never making it as a QB in the pros. We start DG and we don't win as many games, but are better prepared for the next season.

That was my interpretation of the whole situation but I could be wrong.

 

[Knight Strength]

I didn’t like Huep but can we give the man credit for making the right decision on throwing DG into the fire.

I think we could have actually won more games in 2019 with Wimbush based on his athleticism and experience , but BW was not the long term solution.

I always thought Heup played DG just because he was more accurate deep passer. Plus if he did start BW, DGs first year could have been the Covid year.

 

[PhDee]

I always thought Heup played DG just because he was more accurate deep passer. Plus if he did start BW, DGs first year could have been the Covid year.

DG was the more accurate passer, 100% agreed. I just think BW's athleticism and ability to run could have given us an advantage especially since our offense players were just throwing hail marys.

 

[KnightVision82]

Nobody wants to put down the passing game kudos deserved by DG. Nonetheless, without a running game you lose the big games. The other game changer is your DL. Our LBs were saying how thankful they are that the DL looks stacked this camp. We will see if our DL is up to the challenge this season in the Boise game. If Boise wins we will have a hard time beating some of the best teams in the AAC as well because we are in a passing league. I don't agree at this time with this game prediction below because I believe that the DL is going to be outstanding this season to go along with the more balanced offense. We'll have a good idea of where we are 9-2-21...

UCF vs Boise State Prediction, Game Preview

UCF vs Boise State prediction and game preview. UCF vs Boise State Broadcast Date: Thursday, September 2 Game Time: 7:00 ET Venue: Bounce House, Orlando, FL Network: ESPN – All of the CFN Fea…

collegefootballnews.com

 

[Knight Strength]

DG was the more accurate passer, 100% agreed. I just think BW's athleticism and ability to run could have given us an advantage especially since our offense players were just throwing hail marys.

Oh exactly. BW would have kept the chains moving against Pitt, Cincy, and Tulsa.

 

[Endeavor.]

I don’t get everyone putting the cart before horse. Can we let the games play out before anointing anyone the savior? If we didn’t have a terrible D we probably only lose 1 game.

precisely this. I still have reservations about our new offense, Gus brings a more complete coaching skillset but one thing we cannot say is that we haven't been scoring points these past 4 years

 

[Yaes]

I could be wrong, but I thought a lot of the in his head came because he was being beat out by a true freshman at UCF. I thought that's why Lebby and Huep kept repeating, "we will start the QB that is most consistent". Wimbush was clearly an athletic monster, but he had only 1 year and he was never making it as a QB in the pros. We start DG and we don't win as many games, but are better prepared for the next season.

That was my interpretation of the whole situation but I could be wrong.

Sounds reasonable.

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

Shannon was not his hire. He was forced to have him be DC. That’s why he’s not in Tennessee with him. Not saying he was a great coach but you can’t blame him for defense when he couldn’t hire his own guy.

Thank GOSH Shannon is GOOOOOOOOOONE!

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

Oh exactly. BW would have kept the chains moving against Pitt, Cincy, and Tulsa.

Totally agree. Very BAD decision by HIPPO. SOOOO glad he's Gone! We could have beaten pitt if he would have changed a few things up and put BW in! I was there. VEry sad.

 

[Central Floridave]

this is ripe for some funny comments

'Josh Heupel's Offense' e-book now available

‘Josh Heupel’s Offense’ e-book now available.

volswire.usatoday.com

 

[U C to the F]

this is ripe for some funny comments

'Josh Heupel's Offense' e-book now available

‘Josh Heupel’s Offense’ e-book now available.

volswire.usatoday.com

What is it, a Stick-it note? I’m sure it’s a super compelling read…

 

[PhDee]

What is it, a Stick-it note? I’m sure it’s a super compelling read…

I bought it, it's completely blank!

 

[Knight_Classes_begin_7pm]

this is ripe for some funny comments

'Josh Heupel's Offense' e-book now available

‘Josh Heupel’s Offense’ e-book now available.

volswire.usatoday.com

Run up the middle, run up the middle, panic-pass, punt

 

[Gwoz]

Is the expectation that this offense will score significantly more than 42 per game?

 

[PhDee]

Is the expectation that this offense will score significantly more than 42 per game?

define significantly

 

[Wings0fred]

Is the expectation that this offense will score significantly more than 42 per game?

Not for me. But I expect us to not get shutdown for an entire half like what happened in the 2H versus Tulsa.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

If tempo goes down our points go down. Probably 37 per game. Which doesn’t matter if defense is good. Anything similar to last years defense and we’re in trouble.

 

[Gwoz]

If tempo goes down our points go down. Probably 37 per game. Which doesn’t matter if defense is good. Anything similar to last years defense and we’re in trouble.

Doesn't even need to be tempo causing it. Heupel used home run balls and plays to the sidelines. If Malzahn is using the middle that will eat up more time and result in more plays per drive.

A lot of Heupels plays were either deep passes down the sidelines looking for the receiver to win it, or essentially screen passes to Marlon Williams on the sidelines. One being high percentage completion and the other being low percentage, but both being low risk for turnover. Curious how it will go when the middle of the field is used and the possibility of tipped balls, deflections, ect. I could see an uptick in turnovers vs. previous years.

 

[BlakNGoldAllDay]

Doesn't even need to be tempo causing it. Heupel used home run balls and plays to the sidelines. If Malzahn is using the middle that will eat up more time and result in more plays per drive.

A lot of Heupels plays were either deep passes down the sidelines looking for the receiver to win it, or essentially screen passes to Marlon Williams on the sidelines. One being high percentage completion and the other being low percentage, but both being low risk for turnover. Curious how it will go when the middle of the field is used and the possibility of tipped balls, deflections, ect. I could see an uptick in turnovers vs. previous years.

Clock doesn’t stop for good anymore when guys go out of bounds. Once ball is spotted the clock starts again. But we’ve had bad luck with tipped balls when we go over middle already.

 

[KnightVision82]

I was impressed by the run blocking that seemed to come from the Frost offense in the video. By 2020 it was more run up the middle and 1-on-1 passes to the outside. When Frost said we were a run offense first he backed it up with his play calling and backs Remember at first our run yardage was greater than our pass yardage. The tempo was fast under both Heupel and Frost but the play calling definitely was different than what we devolved to in 2020. I remember us playing against Gus and Tulsa back in the day and he did a great job of play calling and up tempo offense. I hope we get that Gus at UCF.

 

[Knight Strength]

If tempo goes down our points go down. Probably 37 per game. Which doesn’t matter if defense is good. Anything similar to last years defense and we’re in trouble.

Agreed. Doesn't even matter how good the offense is.