AJ McCarron: We practiced no huddle but Saban didn't want it

Submitted by Leaders And Best on

This is music to my ears. Hopefully, Hoke lets Nussmeier implement the no huddle at Michigan.

Some have speculated that Kiffin will bring more no-huddle tendencies to the Alabama offense. McCarron isn’t so sure.

“I just don’t buy into that as much, just because that’s what Nuss did at Washington,” McCarron said. “They did no-huddle. We practiced no-huddle, and then when we went into games, it’s like Coach (Saban) didn’t want us to do no-huddle. So I was sometimes a little lost and didn’t get everything, but Coach Saban is the best in the business for a reason. I just trusted in him.”

http://www.coachingsearch.com/article?a=Will-Lane-Kiffin-bring-more-nohuddle-to-Alabama-AJ-McCarron-doesnt-think-so

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Nick Saban
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Blue Bunny Friday

February 1st, 2014 at 3:53 AM ^

That's really kind of a lie.  We know what the real reason was and to describe it as a "family issue" would be inaccurate.  I'm pretty sure legality doesn't play into this as it was a final university decision on a disciplinary matter and not a pending legal matter.  I get that there will be a lot of trolls around here bringing this up, but defending blindly is worse than ignoring them.

Joined: 05/01/2009

MGoPoints: 693

Blue from Ohio

January 31st, 2014 at 6:10 PM ^

I'd love to see no huddle.  I can't imagine Hoke being nearly as restrictive with his coordinators as Saban, especially on the offensive side.  They're paying Nuss a lot of money to do what he does.  Hearing that Kiffin wants to try and bring it to Alabama and Saban already shot it down with Nuss, I'm definitely looking forward to the impending tire fire between Kiffin and Saban.  2014 just keeps giving.

Joined: 08/30/2013

MGoPoints: 769

LSAClassOf2000

January 31st, 2014 at 6:23 PM ^

From what I have seen of Nussmeier-coached offenses, we're probably getting something somewhat uptempo with a smattering of no-huddle in there. It won't always be like that, but I don't doubt that we see it, something perhaps faster than "NASCAR" even.

Nussmeier's offenses even have a faint hint of spread on occasion, I believe, although I don't know how often we'll see it here. I think most of this is that they want the power run game to work and Doug Nussmeier could very well be the guy to make this happen. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130603

reshp1

January 31st, 2014 at 7:20 PM ^

I don't really care if we go no huddle or not, but for god's sake, figure out a way to get to line in time to change the play if necessary.

Joined: 10/31/2011

MGoPoints: 34177

Mr. Yost

January 31st, 2014 at 7:36 PM ^

Just like in basketball, every now and again you go zone even if you're a man-to-man team. A change of pace, a different look, force the other team to adjust.

And even if we do go no huddle, we don't have to go fast, but at least you see what the defense is in, you don't allow them to sub and you have the upperhand.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898220

WolverineMac

January 31st, 2014 at 8:58 PM ^

I'm sure that Hoke shares his thoughts and plan and allows Nuss or Al previous to game plan and call but if it's 4th and goal or a decision that's game impactful Hoke is on charge. I think we've seen enough to know that.

Joined: 02/14/2010

MGoPoints: 2509

Brhino

January 31st, 2014 at 8:01 PM ^

Let's remember that just because you're going no huddle doesn't mean you're going crazy tempo.  For years now Brian has been enviously mentioning the sort of no-huddle offense where you get up to the line quickly, then take time to assess the defensive formation and adjust the play accordingly.  That kind of no huddle may not move any faster than our regular huddle offense, but it gives us a lot more flexibility to call the right play against whatever the defense is showing.

Borges said he didn't want to get into a chess match with the defense.  Why wouldn't you?  That's sort of your job.  Hopefully Nussmeier is more willing to play.

Joined: 09/08/2009

MGoPoints: 19477

MGoGrendel

February 1st, 2014 at 9:54 AM ^

Just getting ready to post this, but went through the comments first.

Last year we would get the the line with our "we're running to right there" play and look surprised that eleventeen defenders were there to stop us.

Now we can fake to that spot and flip a pass to the other side of the field. Bubble pass...

Joined: 01/21/2013

MGoPoints: 70243

GoBLUinTX

January 31st, 2014 at 8:41 PM ^

to huddles and tempo was a Trent Dilfer interview today.  He said every series had a purpose, but not always was the purpose to score.  The example he gave was about a LB that liked to jump the snap count so they spent an entire series with an altered snap count just to screw with the LB.  The upshot is that the LB didn't jump another count for the rest of the game.

Anyway, I found it interesting.

Joined: 12/02/2013

MGoPoints: 5895

CoachBP6

January 31st, 2014 at 9:38 PM ^

So you're telling me we'll actually be lined up in time to check to a different play or hot route?

holy taco pants

Joined: 12/18/2013

MGoPoints: 7967

M-jed

January 31st, 2014 at 10:34 PM ^

I ran into a high profile player earlier this week and he was very excited about Nuss - said he's much more modern than Borges. I realize he likely wouldn't bad mouth Nuss but its something to look for during spring.

Joined: 10/09/2010

MGoPoints: 3073

Caesar

February 1st, 2014 at 4:08 AM ^

Didn't Borges constantly talk about not scoring a ton of points all the time because it was a part of some big plan? I know he was inept and everything, but if that's the case, I'm not sure the no huddle comes to Michigan under Hoke's regime.

Joined: 03/25/2009

MGoPoints: 7708