OT: Will Muschamp's offense
Will Muschamp is considering running a pro-style offense down in Gainesville. Given the current athletes on the roster on the offensive side of the ball, do you guys potentially see some guys transfering and/or decommitting?
Also, Florida does not have a RB who can carry the load for that type of offense, nor do they have that prototypical possession type WR. I do feel the offense is better suited for John Brantley, but with no running back it might not be a good idea. I know Muschamp is a great recruiter so I am sure he will find the right guys, and in time, it will suit the Gators well.
This situation is very similar to that of the 08 Wolverines. A whole new offense, a new head coach, and a roster with guys recruited for a different style of offense. Do you forsee the Gator's struggling if they go to a pro-style or do you think they can adjust? This team has more talent than we did in 08, but imo, I see some struggles. Just interested to see how the Mgoblog community feels about this.
December 14th, 2010 at 5:44 PM ^
Somehow I don't think running back will be a problem at Florida unless a bunch of kids transfer. Running backs can be good regardless of the offense. You see small backs who are successful from pro-style formations, and you see big backs who are successful, too.
The quarterback is the most important variable in the equation, IMO. You can make your line, receivers, and running backs work to your advantage, but the QB needs to fit the system.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:23 PM ^
I think anyone with the pedigree to start at Florida can work in a pro system. A guy like Denard could work out in a pro system that was slightly stripped down (lots of rollouts and moving pockets).
December 14th, 2010 at 5:46 PM ^
The most relevance that Florida running a pro style offense has to Michigan is it means Dee Hart likely won't be headed to UF if RR is let go. Maybe he'll find some place else but it certainly helps Michigan's cause as of right now.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:43 PM ^
I know Dee said that he wanted to play in a spread offense, but with his talent I think he can play in any system.
December 14th, 2010 at 5:47 PM ^
I think there will be struggles, but their OL is better than Michigan's 08 OL. Maybe RR can use his snake oil to grab a couple of disgruntled Gators.
December 14th, 2010 at 7:42 PM ^
I read in George's voice because of your avatar...too funny.
December 14th, 2010 at 5:58 PM ^
Magnus is right. We put too much stress on the spread. A lot of guys want to play in a spread because it creates space for them to make big plays. But it doesn't mean they couldn't be just as successful in a pro style offense.
On top of that, it's easier to go from a spread to a pro instead of vise versa like Michigan had to. Tate or Devin or Denard are/or could be really good pocket passers. But John Navarre and Chad Henne were obviously never going to be able to run a read option. Muschamp will likely graduate each year and get a little deeper into the various components of the pro-style as he gets his own recruits (more movemement before the snap, play action, multiple tight end sets, etc.).
December 14th, 2010 at 5:56 PM ^
Jordan Haden and Jon Dowling were some disgruntled Gators.. RR's snake oil must've been watered down at that time.
December 14th, 2010 at 5:58 PM ^
I agree 100% about the QB being most important. What I am saying though, is that in a pro style you have to be able to run between the tackles, and do it well to open up the playaction pass. Now, you can also be a pass first team in pro style, but we all know that establishing the run in any offense is crucial. I just dont see any guys from Florida who could be that between the tackles back. When was the last time Florida had a true running back? Tebow has been their most productive running back over the past 5 years.
I really could care less about Florida, and I hope they do struggle, I just wanted to see if you what your opinions were since it is a similar situation.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:33 PM ^
I seem to remember rivals or somebody saying Mack Brown is the true running back Florida fans have been seeking for years.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:39 PM ^
It would be kind of ironic If Mack Brown ends up being the running back that Muschamp needs.
December 15th, 2010 at 8:23 AM ^
It's not ironic it's coincidental.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:11 PM ^
Their talent level across the board is ridiculously higher than ours was in '08 so maybe it will be similar but I think they should be fine.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:51 PM ^
Whoever they have at QB is going to be a better option than Sheridan or Threet.
December 14th, 2010 at 6:48 PM ^
i think its a lot harder to go from pro to spread then from spread to pro
December 14th, 2010 at 11:02 PM ^
It seems to me that the biggest change when you go from spread to pro or the other way round is for the offensive lineman. As someone noted above, even Texas, with their talent, couldn't just switch to a conventional running game like it was nothing. Their lineman had been screening guys for Colt McCoy and then, this year, they were being asked to drive guys down the field.
As the OP noted, Florida also doesn't have a proven load-carrying RB on the roster (though they of course have plenty of highly-rated players). As talented as Brantley apparently is, he'll be learning a new system...There are a lot of reasons to think that Florida will have a year of growing pains if they make this switch.