Similar CFB offenses to Michigan this coming year?

Submitted by Sauce Castillo on

Based on comments made throughout camp it seems like there is going to be a lot more spread than we've seen, but I'm sure there will still be a lot of the same types of formations we've seen from previous Harbaugh teams. Will this be a mix of ohio state with more TE/FB incorporation, or are there any current teams in CFB who might run something similar to what Michigan will run this year?

oriental andrew

August 15th, 2018 at 4:31 PM ^

However, after the Iggles carved up opposing defenses through the playoffs last season with their (not always) RPO-based offense (seriously, everything was RPO to the announcers), I do expect to see more RPO-type concepts in college football this season. 

As to how similar they will be to what Michigan will run, who knows.

Couzen Rick's

August 15th, 2018 at 12:45 PM ^

If I had to guess (wild, blind speculation) I'd guess a "pro style air raid" type deal, kinda like the Chiefs or Eagles, but with more run/pass options off the screen.

Tbh not so much a guess more like what I want to happen. Say it into existence lol.

Watching From Afar

August 15th, 2018 at 12:47 PM ^

I would think San Francisco era Harbaugh is the closest comparison.

Patterson = Smith more so that Kaep. Has a little bit of a running threat to him, but otherwise will be under center, in the pistol, and the gun running some read option stuff. Much more of a pocket passer than Kaep kind of QBs. Though Smith didn't push the ball down the field much outside of the occasional fade.

Frank Gore = Higdon since both with run between the tackles and over people when needed.

Vernon Davis = Gentry. Davis was a match up problem because of his speed - Gentry because of size.

SF didn't have great WRs and there isn't an analogue to Anquan Boldin on Michigan, but that's where a big difference could be seen.

 

AverageJoe

August 15th, 2018 at 12:55 PM ^

Call me an optimist but I think Michigan's offense will make the biggest jump in rankings of any FBS team be it Total Offense, Scoring Offense, or Offensive Efficiency this upcoming year and it won't be that close.  That and the same or similar defense will win a lot of games.

AverageJoe

August 15th, 2018 at 1:34 PM ^

Well improvement is improvement.  The point is there is a lot of room for it and for a team that was mostly competitive to begin with this can make a big difference and Michigan more than any other contender in the B10 has more upside given they were so down on that side of the ball.

markp

August 15th, 2018 at 4:25 PM ^

Yeah, it's insane how much possible upswing this team could experience. If the defense is not top-3, it will be a surprise. Couple a likely elite defense with fair or better QB play and opponents will struggle mightily. I think if teams can't count on Michigan stalling on offense this year, they'll have to adjust their game plan and leave their comfort zone.

Bo Schemheckler

August 15th, 2018 at 12:59 PM ^

There can be no comparisons to the 80 PPG juggernaut that Michigan will unleash this season with our 5 All American OL, unending stable of RBs, dizzying array of top notch WRs and #1 pick at QB. And that's how preseason optimism is done!

BlueMan80

August 15th, 2018 at 1:44 PM ^

The style of offense I'd like to see us run is one where the quarterback stays upright and can complete long passes and I'd like some nice clean holes for the running backs, too.  Those kind of offenses look good no matter what plays they are running.

what would Bo do

August 15th, 2018 at 2:05 PM ^

We've seen Harbaugh's offenses shift to be take advantage of the personnel that he has.  A Harbaugh offense will always be based on staple inside run plays with play action off of those plays.  The beauty of the personnel that he has this year is that he can run all those run plays out of base set (I think 12 personnel will be our most frequently used personnel package) and, without changing personnel at all, split out Gentry, McKeon, Evans, etc. to try to create mismatches on linebackers.  The key to the offense is going to be the ability to keep the QB upright long enough to exploit the opportunities created when the defense overplays our base plays/packages and having the QB actually hit the open receivers when that happens.

HarbaughsLeftElbow

August 15th, 2018 at 2:39 PM ^

I would say last year's Georgia team is a good comparison. Manball style team, returning multiple strong RBs, QB with a limited grasp of playbook and some mobility, and strong defense to lean on. 

 

 

BlueMk1690

August 15th, 2018 at 2:42 PM ^

Nothing I've seen in the off-season indicates a dramatic shift in offensive philosophy to me. I expect more of the same with some tweaks..which may not be all that bad if the O-Line can pass block and the QB can complete medium to long passes with some regularity.

MeanJoe07

August 15th, 2018 at 2:45 PM ^

It will be very similar to what was run in San Fran.  That's what my sources at practice are saying. Some run and pass option stuff for Patterson, Mostly shorter stuff to get our guys in space but then occasionally chucking the ol football down the field to score some homeruns. 

uminks

August 16th, 2018 at 12:49 AM ^

It will be a cross between OK ST and Alabama. Power run but if points are needed it will be like the old point a minute Michigan teams from early last century.