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Post by coachcb on Jan 12, 2007 17:43:47 GMT -6
I've been rooting around on the web today and it looks as if AF is going to ditch the flexbone. No one has said anything about dumping the option, but the flexbone's out. However, it is looking like they're switching over to a pro style offense. I personally think its a mistake, especially given what Paul Johnson's been doing at Navy.
What's everyone elses take on the situation?
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Post by phantom on Jan 12, 2007 17:57:33 GMT -6
I think it's a mistake. Schools like the academies need to do something different to move the ball. The flexbone gave defenses a look they don't see much, gave AF a shot at big plays with inferior talent, and allowed them to control the ball, which is important for their defense. Pro-style offense? 1A defenses see that every week.
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Post by sls on Jan 14, 2007 22:02:12 GMT -6
It didn't help army to go to a pro style system.
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Post by coachjaz on Jan 15, 2007 0:01:38 GMT -6
I think all teams with lesser talent bases should run some form of the option. How does it help AF to go to a pro style offense?
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Post by CVBears on Jan 15, 2007 1:22:47 GMT -6
Is their current system doing anything for them? they aren't winning games with an offense that most view as inferior. maybe (if it is indeed true) they are simply changing for the sake of change. after all, you have to tell recruits something on how you are going to improve the next year.
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Post by coachcb on Jan 15, 2007 10:29:35 GMT -6
Honestly, with as hard as it is to get into the AF Academy, winning 5-6 games a season with the Flexbone Option isn't half bad. Plus, Navy's got the same range of talent and does quite well with the offense.
Kicking over to a Pro Style offense isn't going to do anything for them- especially with the talent recruited under DeBerry.
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Post by gmccown on Jan 15, 2007 12:33:31 GMT -6
I have a strange feeling that if they go pro style they might win 1 or 2 games tops next year...they will most likely loose to Army and Navy.
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Post by wingman on Jan 15, 2007 12:53:18 GMT -6
As I stated on the Running Game board: They will be trying to run the same offense everyone else runs but with less talent. You're recruiting the same type of QB and WR that everyone else wants but you have a 5 year commitment and going to war possibility tied in. Does that sound like most skill players you know?? Army went that route in 2000 and still hasn't recovered. It was a disaster. What service academy has won in the past 30 years without runnng the option? Coach Sutton was fired at Army for some 5 win seasons after some very good seasons because uninformed people think "Oh Florida runs the Spread option, we should run it" except you don't have the players everyone else has. Based on other's experience: -Their defense will be on the field twice as long ( passes stop clock) - Games won't be shortened. The longer a game goes, the more likely the better talent will win - They won't be a changeup for defenses. Other teams will be playing what they see almost every week instead of having to do something new. - They won't defend the option as well since they don't run it. Look for Navy to win the next 5 meetings. Sincerely hope I end up being wrong though but I doubt it.
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Post by coachdawhip on Jan 15, 2007 15:10:36 GMT -6
What people don't realize about the service academy si they only get about 1:30-2 hours top's for practice a day ebcause of the other requirements. That's why to me the option works well at these schools.
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Post by groundchuck on Jan 15, 2007 15:56:04 GMT -6
IMO, it will be a mistake for them to switch. But what do I know? I agree it will be tough for them to recruit the top passing QBs and pro caliber WRs needed to run the pro style O at the D-1A level. But maybe they can and we will all look silly for doubting them. But I don't think so.
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Post by wingman on Jan 15, 2007 17:40:32 GMT -6
I don't think a good option team practices less. IV takes a lot of reps. But option does: - Shorten the game - require a different QB than everyone else wants - Keeps your undermanned defense off the field so they don't wear down. - Make them run a defense they don't usually run
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Post by groundchuck on Jan 15, 2007 18:29:47 GMT -6
I don't think a good option team practices less. IV takes a lot of reps. But option does: - Shorten the game - require a different QB than everyone else wants - Keeps your undermanned defense off the field so they don't wear down. - Make them run a defense they don't usually run That's why I like option and running the ball in general.
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Post by coachdawhip on Jan 15, 2007 18:51:16 GMT -6
I don't think a good option team practices less. IV takes a lot of reps.
The QB doesn't have to spend the whole summer reading coverages to learn where to throw the ball 2 and whom to throw it to either.
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Post by enzpville on Jan 15, 2007 19:35:47 GMT -6
This may or may not be true but based on some of the staff additions and some credible sources AF may be going to some type of gun-option. Whether or not this will help will not be known. Any one else confirm or deny what I have here?
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Post by Yash on Jan 15, 2007 19:53:11 GMT -6
Every school has a practice limit of 20 hours a week. I'm pretty sure AF gets their 20 hours. I agree they need to run the option to be successful. They stuck with a good VT team 3 years ago in a bowl and almost beat Tenn. this year. Odds are they go with the revlution and try to run the spread.
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Post by wingman on Jan 15, 2007 21:44:18 GMT -6
They've alreeayd told some skill recruits they're running the spread option
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Post by coachcb on Jan 16, 2007 8:46:06 GMT -6
They've alreeayd told some skill recruits they're running the spread option Are we talking double slot flexbone spread option or Urban Meyer's SG single wing/spread option? I'm betting they move into a "modernized" SG triple option. Kind of funny- same offensive philosophy as under DeBerry, different formations. But of course, they do well with it and they'll be the next flavor-of-the-day SG option team.
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Post by wingman on Jan 16, 2007 14:33:44 GMT -6
Recruits were told they would run what West Virginia and Wake Forest run. I still say if it's 50 % passing, they will have a tough time. Look at Army, Bobby Ross wins a national championship at Georgia Tech and goes to the SUper Bowl at San Diego and can't win 5 games at Army running the usual stuff.
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Post by tog on Jan 16, 2007 14:39:54 GMT -6
well if they are going to run some of that stuff, then they still might have a shot
and it will still be fun to watch em
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Post by Yash on Jan 16, 2007 14:47:01 GMT -6
I know its not irony but Air Force has been in the national leaders in rushing for the last 20 years. Its about time they move the ball through the air.
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Post by tog on Jan 16, 2007 14:50:21 GMT -6
i do think they could go texas tech style and compete
just not the traditional spread zone read stuff
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Post by jhanawa on Jan 16, 2007 15:04:30 GMT -6
I think them running a shotgun veer attack isn't much different strategy wise than from under center flexbone but it will give them some advantages compared to under center. In addition, I think they could mix in a better passing threat than they currently have from it. I agree if they try to line up in a normal pro style offense that they will get hammered, they don't have the horses for that race, but an option based attack from gun with some air raid mixed in, I think would work well for them. Also, I think they should keep a basic under center threat, midline, veer, etc.
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Post by coachcb on Jan 16, 2007 15:51:30 GMT -6
It'd be interesting to see them run the Air Raid- but that'd be a tough route to go. Putting the ball in the air that much would keep their undersized/undertalented defense of the field too much.
I think that they can do well with a SG Wing T/Option look- plus it would be interesting to see if they improve their record by running it. The only problem I see with it is lack of individuality- teams in the Mountain West see the same attack from Utah each and every year.
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Post by coachdawhip on Jan 16, 2007 20:31:51 GMT -6
Every school has a practice limit of 20 hours a week. I'm pretty sure AF gets their 20 hours. I have a cousin that played at Air Force he talks on how they may not always practice 20 hours a week sometimes 12-15 hours, because the the Academy requirements.
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Post by wingman on Jan 17, 2007 11:19:04 GMT -6
My son is a West Point grad and it's pretty much like carrying 20-22 units at a normal school plus military training.
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Post by Yash on Jan 19, 2007 2:15:49 GMT -6
I was going to try and go to the academy until I read the handbook and the restrictions and all that stuff. Plus its a 9 year commitment, so I just signed up for 4, done in may, can't wait to go to college.
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Post by gmccown on Jan 25, 2007 12:14:36 GMT -6
Interesting....I think they should run the DW...(insert evil double wing laugh here)...
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