UK Football: The Offense -- Then and Now
by Ken Howlett on Nov 10, 2008 3:42 AM EST
in Commentary
26 comments
Count me as one of many who resisted the urge to shout-out to Rich Brooks that he should make a change at the quarterback position. I thought the UK head coach was wise to afford Mike Hartline every opportunity to succeed as the starting quarterback. And Brooks did just that, but with an assist from Dicky Lyons' season ending injury, the coach made the right call, at the right time. At least in my opinion.
Now, all that seems so foolish. I don't think I was being foolish, but it sure SEEMS as if I were.
Since making the switch to Randall Cobb as UK's starting quarterback, the 'Cats previously feeble offense has sprung to delightful life. I credit the sudden sea change in UK's offensive fortunes to not only naming Cobb the starter, but also to "The Change" made at halftime of the Mississippi State game last week; Joker Phillips and Rich Brooks decided to take the option look from the practice field, to the playing field.
Where in the previous seven-and-a-half games the shotgun, and or spread look, was missing in action, but beginning with the second half of the MSU game we have witnessed a genesis in the Kentucky offensive sets: Versus Georgia, UK ran 79 offensive plays, 50 of those plays were run from the shotgun formation (63%). Usually, there were two running backs in the backfield with Cobb, and multiple wide-outs spreading the field. In the second half of Saturday's game, UK ran out of the shotgun on 28 of 39 offensive snaps (72%), and scored 24 points.
Here are some more tangible results due to "The Change:"
Rushing Yardage
Prior to the second half of the MSU game, UK as a team, had rushed for 1,033 yards on 273 carries (3.8 yards per carry). In the game-and-a-half since, UK has rushed for 325 yards on 72 carries (4.5 yards per carry). That's nearly a yard more per carry.
- Tony Dixon has to be pleased with "The Change." He's progressed from averaging less than three-and-a-half yards per carry, to 111 yards on only 24 carries (4.6 yards per carry).
- Alfonso Smith has carried 14 times for 71 yards (5.1 yards per carry) since "The Change."
- Randall Cobb's production has been phenomenal since "The Change." He's carried the ball 24 times for a total of 115 yards (4.8 yards per carry). He's also recorded four rushing touchdowns.
Lighting up the Scoreboard?
The best and most accurate method to gauge whether "The Change" is working, or not, is to gaze at the scoreboard.
In the last six quarters UK has scored 52 points, which extrapolates out to 34.4 points per game. It goes without saying that 34 points a game is significantly better than the 12.7 points per game UK averaged for their first four-and-a-half SEC contests.
The yardage increase has been nearly as noticeable; UK gained 331 yards versus Georgia (the 'Dogs give up 306 yards on average). In the second half against MSU Kentucky gained 152 yards on a team that averages giving up only 274 total yards.
In SEC play, prior to "The Change," UK was averaging only 279 yards per game.
Cobb
Although Rich Brooks said that he's looking to "next week," and not next year, one has to think that Randall Cobb is, to this point, making an air-tight argument for himself being the prohibitive favorite to start at quarterback next year. Up to this point I've considered Cobb to be merely a seat-warmer for either Newton, Mossakowski, or Hartline in '09. But, that may merit reconsideration.
Cobb certainly has not played mistake-free football; he has thrown a few ill-conceived passes which were intercepted, and he has a penchant for fumbling the ball (both a product of his youth), but man, what about his incredible athleticism. He has accounted for four rushing touchdowns, and one passing touchdown in the last six quarters played. That's an incredible output against quality competition. With Cobb at quarterback, the opposing defense has to pay an inordinate amount of attention to only one guy. That in itself makes him dangerous.
Rich Brooks
Who said an ol' dog will resist change? Papa Brooks seems to have embraced "The Change," even though some will say he waited too long to make his move.
If UK wins out against Vandy, Tennessee, and a bowl victim, I would bet that next year UK will resemble the West Virginia of three and four years ago (or some variation thereof). The more success that Cobb has, the easier Brooks' decision will be.
I'm betting Rich Brooks knows what to do with a thoroughbred.
DeMoreo Ford
It seems that junior UK wide receiver has been told by doctors that he should quit playing football. Ford has experienced several head injuries over the last few years (he's suffered two concussions this year).
DeMoreo will always be remembered for his 70 yard touchdown scamper in the Music City Bowl two years ago versus Clemson.
We wish you well.
Thanks for reading, and Go 'Cats.
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There are two types of coaches
One type has a system, and the athletes in the program have to fit into it. The other takes whatever the athletes in the program do best, and crafts a system around that.
I submit that the first type has no hope of having long term success at a place like UK. It can work at a “traditional” power, but not here. When your recruiting base is such that you scoop up 4- and 5-star recruits like plankton, you will generally find enough athletes to fit your system. But UK’s success generally pivots on a couple overlooked high school players developing into something more in college. Given that this is by its nature unforseeable, the system must be flexible enough to use these players to the maximum of their abilities, regardless of where they “fit.”
Fortunately, it seems like Joker/Brooks are this type of flexible coach. Yes, they might prefer to run a pro-style offense if given their druthers, but kudos to them for recognizing what they had, and developing an offense (quickly) to take advantage of that. I think that demonstrates they have the right mind-set to be successful here for years to come. (For the opposite example, please see Curry, Bill: use of Tim Couch).
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Nov 10, 2008 9:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Funny
I just made a comment about Couch being forced to run the option against Florida for his first ever college start in a FanShot then came here and read this.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt
This season just turned a corner. Unfortunately, it only has 2+ games ahead of it.
I have to say that I was one of those wanting Cobb after the UL game. I understood why Hartline needed to be given time and could fully process the argument to keep Cobb running around WITHOUT the ball in his hands.
I do think we saw a kid see the game slow down for him on Saturday. UGA’s D did not seem as fast to him. His own receivers seemed to be slower so he could more effectively hit them. Some of his mistakes need only another game or two to really start to get coached out of him.
I do see great things ahead for UK. I like Joker as an O-Cord and LOVE him as a recruiter. Sanders shows some sort of 6th sense with young and confused QB’s and I am SOOOO glad he took the sword for Fulmer opening him up to come here.
My only thought still is if we jumped the gun. Again, I am 100% behind the steps we have taken to keep Joker & Co. here. I think there are great “builder” coaches and then great “take over and go” coaches. Joker’s skill on the recruiting trail will take a serious hit as a HC because his duties will keep him tied to a chair more. Who will pick up that slack.
I think that my excitement for what has happened over the last several years has me cautious. I think they have built a much better “Job” out of the HC at Kentucky and…………
Well, I need to just enjoy and trust those who know more about “Football” and those who know more about UK and just cross that bridge when it comes.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on Nov 10, 2008 10:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Off Topic
Does Lou Holtz even remember Joker was the guy who brought him a ton of the players that “almost” allowed him to make them a real winner at USC? I have heard him give small winks and shout-outs from time to time and I wait to see it when they talk about us and…..nope…never. I know he holds his card tight and really takes himself very serious and knows he is a journalist but he does let them out from time to time.
Even after we beat LSU, nothing! Even after the announcement of him being the successor……NOPE! They had a long talk about us and the idea of doing that in general and he never gave props. Someone else shot it in as the last word as they were tossing to the next story.
Joker and UK deserve a few props. Come on Lou give some love.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on Nov 10, 2008 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
UK has surprised me...
in the past with some progressive moves from the admin and business side of their AD. With Joker at the forefront of some of the changes, why not let him continue as is and create a General Manager position for the team to take care of his “…tied to a chair” time. Lord knows, the influx of ESPN money to the SEC for TV should trickle down enough money to reorganize the team as a business; because, face it, the money involved now is business sized — collectively, big business sized. Hopefully, we can keep Joker on the recruiting trail since he is unrivaled and with the Head Coach title, he would even be better. People with the title Head Coach from a BCS school generate excitement on the recruiting trail.
Great things are coming.
by hoboat33 on Nov 10, 2008 11:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Comments (Agreeable)
Congratulations to NYCCats and wilson 452! Well conceived and phrased comments, a lot easier said of course since I am pretty much in concordance with both. I would add that it was obvious to the most casual observer of the Norfolk State Game that UK had managed to capture lightning in a bottle when Randall Cobb signed an LOI. His 3 TD-in-3 possession performance was conclusive. That Brooks/Phillips couldn’t see the same, then allowed him to play and be injured at another position and were finally forced to rethink their position is, I believe, unforgivable. wilson452, you’re onto something when you question the anointing of Phillips as head coach-in-waiting, and in your conclusion that Coach Brooks has moved the program to a level that will attract experienced, higher quality leaders — much different circumstances than at the time of his own hiring. Hoping for 2/3 more wins that will solidify Cobb as QB of the future and confirm a true advance for UK FB.
by Wild Weasel on Nov 10, 2008 12:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Better job?
I do think they’ve elevated the status of the job… but to where?
At best we’re an entry level SEC school. Coaches who have dreamed of coaching with the big boys in the SEC might look to come here as a stepping stone. So who do we pull from? The lower level D1 schools who are on an upswing (Moriss) instead of the I-AA schools (Mumme)? Are we now getting active coaches instead of retired coaches (Curry, Brooks)? Or are we still looking at coordinators from other schools for our job?
What exactly do you think it means to bring the program up? Do we think Joker isn’t better than the coaches we might otherwise get? We’re still not going to be able to compete with the Notre Dames of the world to snag the next Urban Meyer like Florida can.
And as to Cobb’s role in the future… I worry about this. He’s looking great. But he’s not a pro-style QB. I think part of what Joker has been selling kids on at UK is being able to showcase their skills on an SEC stage in a pro-style offense that can impress NFL scouts. If we become another Triple Option or Spread Option team, can we use that recruiting tool? What about our two stud QB’s coming in next year? They weren’t afraid to compete with each other, but what about someone who is just one year older than them? Will Newton want to sit behind Randall Cobb for 3 years? Will Mossakowski want to sit behind both of them?
Good questions all around.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My question
comes from the fact the it is an absolute unknown. I don’t have any idea where we would pull from and really, I doubt anyone does.
The only way to know is to hire consultants and do a full on search. We know where it was but do we know where it is?
Trust me, I am more than comfortable with Joker and think he has earned it but I do have the lingering question about what would happen if we did throw the nets out again now. I think he, by the fact that this was as much his team and project up to his first day on the job as HC, will be on a shorter leash if we take steps in the wrong direction. He won’t get the “Takes 5 years” line because he will be in year 7-8 already.
It will be AWESOME in the spring to see the QB’s battle it out. If MossMan is still rehabbing and takes a redshirt it will make the Newton Cobb battle even more crazy. Hell, I like having “too much awesome” on campus and when the dust settles we will be better for it.
Spread/option vs. Pro: Well, I liked Nirvana but new they were no Yes when it was boiled down to actual musicianship. Theu were just letting it all hang out and making some cool noise. Still today, I like a little Nirvana from time to time but when I want to be really inspired I grab something of more substance. So, i like the excitement of Cobb but Woodson was at times pure art. My eyes will be on MossMan for the future.
Changing how you think will change what you think.
by wilson452 on Nov 11, 2008 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pro-Style Offenses?
Does anyone have a count on how many FBS programs run a pro-style offense? It seems to me the prime objective of a college program is to win at that level and any NFL athletes developed is a luxurious secondary.
by Wild Weasel on Nov 10, 2008 2:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Luxurious Secondary to you and me
But a very real factor in the decision-making of a recruit.
For example: Look at Tim Tebow’s pro prospects. Very few draft scenarios show him being drafted very high due to the style he plays. Ditto to Graham Harrell. He’s putting up huge numbers but Matt Stafford tops the list of QB’s for the draft for many scouting services. (Seriously?!!? Stafford?!!?)
This is probably more applicable to QB’s than to other positions. But it can also be relative to defenses. WVU plays an odd 3-3-5 stack that doesn’t translate well to the pros. Similarly, there are fewer NFL teams that play a 3-4 defense and some college nose tackles see their draft status fall.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is why ...
… the spread will eventually disappear as the college mainstay. As quarterbacks come to realize that running offenses like the spread place their NFL prospects in jeopardy, they will gravitate away from those systems.
We won’t see it for a while, but Tebow could become the leading indicator. I think its just a matter of time before you see the pro-style offense back as the #1 scheme, and the spread will lose some popularity. I doubt it will ever go away, just as the triple option, wishbone and Veer haven’t completely disappeared, they have just become situational schemes where a team is bereft of a pro-style quarterback but has an athlete that can run those systems, very much like UK is doing this year.
Make no mistake — Brooks wants to get back to the pro-style offense. When you have good receivers and a strong-armed quarterback, it is the best offense to run. The defenses will eventually catch up with the spread, it just takes a bit of time.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Nov 10, 2008 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts as well.
Football is like an arms race. Certain schemes of both offense and defense are hot for a while until the opposition discovers an effective way to counteract it.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
...hot for a while...
I got it! We’ll start the next hot (old) thing. Dual back unbalanced single wing with Newton and Cobb as the backs and Mossakowski taking a redshirt to rehab his sholder.
…errrrrrr. Maybe not
by hoboat33 on Nov 10, 2008 11:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure
A year or two ago, I would have absolutely agreed. But it seems like many pro teams are starting to incorporate some aspects of the spread offense into their schemes (e.g., Miami and their wildcat formations). Plus, as more athletes grow up in theses offenses, it would behoove some pro teams to craft their offense around what they can do.
Not saying this will definitely happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a different style of NFL offense 5-10 years hence (for some teams, at least).
C! A! T! S! CATS! CATS! CATS!
by NYCCats on Nov 10, 2008 6:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pro-Style Offenses? One Answer.
Can’t vouch for accuracy but from bigtenfever.com:
Of the Athlon Preseason Top 25, only eight schools (Ohio St, USC, UGA, Wisc, ASU, Tenn, VaTech and Rutgers) run legitimate pro styled offenses. With Terrelle Pryor poised to take the OSU reins as a duel threat in 2009, it would appear another pro scheme will temporarily bite the dust.
by Wild Weasel on Nov 10, 2008 2:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Potentially one reason so many college QB's fail
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
While I'm discussing the merits of schemes on NFL success...
If either of these hot shot QB’s come in with a big arm and half a brain, its probably in Randall Cobb’s best interest to play wide receiver for three years at UK. He won’t make money under center… but I think his athleticism gives him a chance at a WR position at the next level. Matt Jones at Arkansas, Hines Ward at Georgia, and Antawn Randel-El at Indiana are perfect examples of athletes who had to make the switch.
Ideally, Cobb could show off before he’s up for the draft and remove any doubt about his ability.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 4:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Scheme change
One thing to remember is that Newton is an option/spread style quarterback. Mossakowski is the pro-style QB.
It will be interesting times next summer; seeing which direction Brooks and Joker decide to go in.
by Ken Howlett on Nov 10, 2008 5:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Newton
I know he currently runs an option/spread attack… but from what I’ve read, Randy Sanders and his ability to develop Manning, Ainge, and Woodson over the years is what is bringing him to UK.
As you say, it will be interesting times.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 10, 2008 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Re: True
Newton mentioned the coaching staff as being the first and foremost reason he chose UK.
Whether they attempt to turn him into a pro-style QB remains to be seen, but it seems to me that fully utilizing all of his talents would be the smartest way to go.
I love the option/spread offense, and unless someone suddenly ‘cracks the code’ I don’t see it going away any time soon. With the proper personnel it is almost unstoppable.
I think Tru has a point about players eventually NOT wanting to play that style due to the pro game not offering those types of players the opportunity to play QB, but I think if that happens, it is waaaaay down the road.
by Ken Howlett on Nov 10, 2008 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Why recruit and sign the 2 new QBs?
That’s my question. If Cobb as QB and the spread are the future of the offense, why did we bother to recruit Mossakowski and Newton? Those two are better suited to Brooks’s preferred offensive scheme, which is what we should continue to run since it gives us a recruiting advantage, however slight that may be.
I’m very impressed with how the offense has improved since Cobb has been running the Pony set, but I think that, due to his height, we will be better served to see him as a receiver next year. SEC defenses have and will figure out a way to effectively defend the spread effectively. Cobb is too short to be a pocket passer.
by Anything but Gatorade on Nov 12, 2008 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Do what it takes to win this year and then make it an open QB battle next year. If Newton or Mossakowski can win it over Cobb/Hartline, then I say hand it to them.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Nov 12, 2008 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well ...
… in no way is the spread the offense of the future at Kentucky.
Brooks is not a fan of the spread. He will only run an option offense if it is the best offense, and when you get a really strong-armed pro-style QB in here with some experienced receivers, it won’t be. Newton is a dual-threat QB like Cobb, and it is possible that Brooks will move Cobb back to WR as soon as one of those guys becomes viable. Cobb isn’t going to be a QB at the next level, and if he wants to get there, he needs to become a great receiver or a player like Percy Harvin, who lines up all over the place.
I can easily see Cobb and Newton switching off in-play between slot and QB, giving the defense all sorts of question marks. Mossakowski may wind up taking a red shirt his first year due to his injury, as letting those shoulders take time to heal would be an ideal situation for both him and the team.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Nov 12, 2008 6:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe I didn't ...
… think of the possibility of Cobb and Newton sharing QB duties next year.
I think you’re right about Cobb and the NFL. He needs to make a name for himself as something other than a QB. Something I’m sure he will do before leaving UK.
Re: Anything but Gatorade — Newton and Mossakowski were being recruited long before Cobb arrived on campus. The coaching staff had no idea that Cobb would become the starting QB this year. The plan was for him to play receiver, but with the dismissal of Pulley and the ineffectiveness of Hartline, Cobb has been thrust into playing quarterback.
I say recruit the best players, every year, at every position … especially quarterback. Competition is a GOOD thing.
by Ken Howlett on Nov 13, 2008 1:20 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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