Offensive Pace Question

Submitted by sbeck04 on
I remember way back when in the dawning of the RR era there was a lot of talk about the pace of the offense. Specifically there were three paces to the offense (the names of which elude me even after a site search). I haven't noticed the O playing at a ridiculously break-neck pace lately. This got me wondering why and perhaps a bit hopeful for the future. Could someone more football savvy shed some light on this? Am I wrong? Is it due to some remaining youth on the O? Is it to try and keep the D off the field? Any other reasons I've over looked? If the O is meant to move faster does this then bode well for future teams with good D's? Debate.

Super J

November 8th, 2010 at 3:08 AM ^

If your offense plays as fast as they can it keeps the D from subbing.  You really want to keep the ball on your hash when you play this fast to make it evern harder for the D to sub.  You reap the rewards in the second half.  Look at any Oregon tape from this year.  This is their MO.  Fast and close to their side.

This is Michigan

November 8th, 2010 at 3:13 AM ^

Per Rittenberg (prior to the Illini game):

Michigan has scored 19 touchdowns on drives that have taken two minutes or less. Eight of those drives spanned less than one minute.

 

 

This is Michigan

November 8th, 2010 at 6:45 PM ^

I haven't seen much of a difference than last year besides the UCONN game where I thought they were purposefully slowing down. I can't help but remember that 7-8 minute touchdown drive.  

Everytime UM has the ball on offense and they show RR, he is constantly getting the offense to move quickly and get up to the line so the coaches can make the correct read of the defense or to simply get the ball off quick. Prime example is even after the touchdown in OT. You would think they might want to take their time for the 2 point conversion, but they hurried up on the line.

 

I don't quite understand why you are "hopeful" or what that actually means. Would you rather have a slow pace offense? It does bring up a good question about whether or not this offense would be as effective if they play off a slower pace, but from an offensive standpoint, I think it is pretty obvious what a fast pace offense is capable of and why it is beneficial.

willywill9

November 8th, 2010 at 5:53 AM ^

It really depends on the situation. Ive noticed at times where we are taking a second to figure out what play to call. Seems like sometimes they line up with something then denard or tate look over and change it up. Maybe they are switching it up to disrupt any snap jumping. But just rewatch the game and look at the playclock. They are playing pretty quickly at times.

NomadicBlue

November 8th, 2010 at 7:48 AM ^

head. 

I think you have to keep the time between snaps somewhat variable to keep the defense guessing at all times.  Yes, snapping the ball quickly will prevent the defense from changing personnel, but getting lined up and then taking a moment to ensure everyone has the correct play has the same effect.  It doesn't always have to be at breakneck speed as long as the threat is always there you can influence how the defense is called and played. 

Edit:  Meant to be a reply to willywill9

cypress

November 8th, 2010 at 7:08 AM ^

The one problem that playing at such a fast pace is that it really doesnt help our defense. When you have a weak defense, the ideal situation would be to have a ball control offense that limits how much time the other time has the ball. Its asking a lot for our defense to defend the other team for 35 mins of possesion every game since we score so quickly. But the bottom line is we need the points so I guess we cant be picky on how we score.

Michigan4Life

November 8th, 2010 at 8:18 AM ^

plays pretty fast but RR has them change up the tempo at any time in the game to keep the defense on their heels.  The more you can keep the defense on their heels with the tempo and playcalling, you've won half of the battle before the snap starts.  The real battle is execution which Michigan offense wins for the most part.

jsquigg

November 8th, 2010 at 8:47 AM ^

You don't think the offense is playing at a fast pace?  Then can you ask ABC and especially the B10 Network why I miss a handful of plays each week because they are getting an EPIC CLOSEUP or are too slow in showing the damn replay?

Jeff

November 8th, 2010 at 12:53 PM ^

I hear you.  But the producers/directors are getting better.  They have completely stopped doing the studio updates while Michigan is on offense.  The first 4 games or so they hadn't figured it out and we'd miss the beginning of plays to see what was happening in some random Texas game.

I would always yell at the TV to only do that while Michigan is on defense.  It took them several weeks but they have finally listened to me.   Now we don't miss any parts of the game and if we do, who cares because it's just our defense not tackling.

MMB 82

November 8th, 2010 at 9:54 AM ^

Existing everywhere on the field simultaneously (and no offsides penalty because you are in a different dimension). The key, of course, is Dilithium. The result is scoring Infinity points instantly. And you don't need instant replay, you simply go back in time.

zguy517

November 8th, 2010 at 10:00 AM ^

What you do is take it easy until you get a first down or a defensive lineup that you like and then ratchet it up a notch to keep that group out there.

Boshdelightful

November 8th, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^

In 2008 I remember hearing about the 3 paces being called something like "Quick, Indy, and Jet" respectively. I'm not sure if it was just ESPN filling airtime or if there was any validity to it.