Offense, Offense woe is me
UHND.com - Jon Teders
10/3/2001
Well Irish fans its been three long (and I emphasize the
word long) weeks, and the offense still doesn't get it. In fact if you would have added up
all the points that we scored the first 3 weeks, we still would have lost to Texas A&M
23-24. That being said I think its time for a change. No I'm not talking about the
coaching staff (even though if you've been reading Rock's articles you'd know that a
change is in the works), no I'm talking about trying a new offense. Now before you get all
upset hear me out. I know what your thinking Notre Dame wins by running the ball, and I
agree, but lets look at all the other powerhouse teams in the country. With the exception
of Nebraska every other team wins by having a formidable passing attack. Florida, Florida
State, Tennessee, Miami, and even Oklahoma win now by being able to throw the ball.
So what I am suggesting is a spread four or sometimes even five reciever set offense. Now
before you completely stop reading this article, lets see who all this would benefit from
this.
1.) The Quarterbacks: Let's face it Matt LoVechio is not the fastest, biggest, or most
athletic QB in college football, but he is accurate, and up until recently did'nt make
many mistakes. In fact if you watch him he plays alot like Drew Brees. I think a spread
offense would be effective with him. Quick three step drops and safe passes to the wide
recievers. He is the type of QB that can move an offense up the field 7-10 yards at a
time.
I like the offense for Matt LoVechio, but I love it for Carlyle Holiday. Athletic, strong
great runner, and a cannon of an arm would make defenses very nervous to blitz him in this
offense. He also could use the quick three step drop, but I'm also thinking five step
drops, and more attempts at deep passes. Get those linebackers backing up instead on
charging in. Not only that, with a more spread offense that means more defenders spread
around. Hence more running room, and big holes for Holiday to run in if he decides to
scrabble. You could even sneak in two or three option plays a game, surprising the defense
and gain big yards off that as well. This offense could be heaven for either of these QB's
to operate in.
2.)The Running Backs: Ok your'e a Notre Dame running back. Someone that was highly
recruited. You chose Notre Dame because of the television exposure, and because well its
Notre Dame. You jog onto the field, get in the huddle hear your number called for the
play, and then realize that the defense has nine defenders in the box. All of them know
your getting the ball because of the lack of passing game, and now you have to get by all
nine solid defenders. Not exactly how you pictured your first rushing attempt at Notre
Dame? Welcome to the lives of Tony Fisher, Julius Jones, and Terrance Howard. These poor
guys don't even have a chance. Make no mistake about it they are all great runners, but
they just don't stand a chance because of the lack of passing game. Now insert the spread
offense. You've got 4 wide recievers, and a tight end for the defense to think about. The
safeties have to play well off the line of scrimmage to avoid getting burned for a big
play by passing the ball down field. Suddenly instead of nine men in the box their are
only five to six depending on how the defense decides to defend you. Now instead of having
to make three people miss you only have to make one. You also have gaping holes available.
Holes that used to be plugged by linebackers. Where are the linebackers you ask? One is
covering the tight end, the other is shadowing Carlyle Holiday. Sure you don't get as many
carries as you were getting, but your getting twice the yards. HMMMMMM which offense would
you rather play in?
3.)The Wide Recievers: There is no doubt about it that this is proabably the best
recieving core Notre Dame has had in a long time. Why don't we use them? Javin Hunter is
having a real solid year, with a real bad offense. David Givens, and Arnaz Battle are
fantastic, ant Ortage Jenkins is really coming along. With the spread offense the wideouts
would'nt have to do as much blocking, they would be free to run about in the secondary
making catch, after catch, after catch. They would know that they were going to thrown too
plenty in the game, hence more confidence. Also with the spread offense by the fourth
quarter the wideouts could really start to wear down the cornerbacks, and safties. After
following around speedy N.D. recievers (Javin Hunter has run a sub 4.4, 40 yard dash) all
day, any secondary would be tired.
4.)Kevin Rogers: What happened to the offensive genius that was at Syracuse? Well we want
him back. At Syracuse Rogers had Donavan McNabb. Who at N.D. reminds me of McNabb? Oh
thats right Carlyle Holiday. With the Orangeman Rogers was fantastic with a spread
offense, and McNabb running it. There is no reason to think that he could'nt pull the same
magic with Holiday. Getting his name back in as one of the best offensive minds in college
football.
5.)Bob Davie: That's right Bob Davie. We all know that the end is near for him. He is
going to probably be gone by the end of the year, now is the time to turn things around.
Why does Davie insist on "dumbing down the offense" these are N.D. students.
Notre Dame is'nt exactly a community college. These kids can understand complex offenses.
That being said if Davie can turn this ship around, and get the Irish scoring regularly by
the end of the season then Notre Dame could be looked at as just a wrong fit, rather than
the wrong man for the job.
After all that there are some negatives to this offense.
1.) You turn the ball over. Anytime you put the ball in the air very much your going to
have turnovers. That being said with nine turnovers in the first three games, I'm not
seeing a problem with a few turnovers in this offense.
2.) Offense scores quickly so the defense is on the field more. Hey that is already
happening. I think the defense would be more than happy to go out on the field after a
quick touchdown, rather than a quick three plays and out.
3.)QB's get hit more. I can't imagine Holiday or LoVechio being hit any more than they did
Saturday, so I can't see this as being any worse.
So do it Davie, do it Rogers, put in this spread formation. I know there will be bumps in
the road at the begining, but in the long run it would do everyone alot of good. And bring
a very exciting brand of football to South Bend.