Several weeks ago I wrote an article about the defensive side of the ball, who the main players were and how to identify the different schemes. Today we'll move to other side of the line of scrimmage to break down the offense.
Scheme:
BYU uses a spread offense, an adapted version of the Texas Tech offense (lots of short passes with 3-4 wide receivers.) BYU changes things up by using TE's and running backs more. BYU has its offensive linemen split wider than a typical offensive line. Boiled down, the spread offense is designed to make the defense cover the entire field, vertically (short and deep routes) and horizontally (boundary to boundary.)
Offensive line:
Center - Very important position, manned by Sete Aulai, in BYU's scheme. Typically a QB would call out blocking assignments at BYU the center handles this responsibility.
Guards- One on each side of the center. They are responsible for pass protection and run blocking. On some run plays, guards will "pull" and leave their spot to block around the other side. Rey Feinga and Travis Bright are both excellent guards.
Tackles- The quarterback's best friend (or worst nightmare.) If David Oswald and RJ Willing don't do their job the QB ends up with grass in their face mask. They are responsible for blocking the speed rushers on the outside and at times will also pull if there is a TE on their side.
Receivers
Tight Ends- At most schools, the TE would just as easily be lumped in with the offensive linemen. At BYU, TE are mostly used as a receiver and are likely to be the QB's safety valve. This years batch of TE's, Vic So'oto, Andrew George and Dennis Pitta, have an interesting mix of blocking and receiving abilities. Look for them to get a lot of balls thrown their way as Hall gets used to the speed of the game.
X and Z- BYU uses these designations for their outside receivers. With returning players Austin Collie, Michael Reed and Matt Allen, this is a good group that will rotate frequently to keep their legs fresh.
H- This position, likely filled by Bryce Mahuika, is a hybrid of a receiver and running back. Last season we saw Hague and Meikle here, and both got several hand offs during the season from the position. At BYU they are more likely to get the ball thrown their way than act as a HB.
Running backs
Fullback- At BYU the lines between the fullback and halfback are blurred. Most BYU backs are around 220lbs+ and could act in either capacity. Fifa Tonga...er..Manase, will be the guy at this position. They are asked to be a lead blocker, pass protect, run the ball and make catches.
Halfback- In reality, at BYU the main difference is that they get the ball more often. Fui Vakapuna will be BYU's main RB and should provide some excitement. Id expect him and Tonga to share the load of running.
Quarterback
At Quarterback University, Max Hall has some big shoes to fill. The Quarterback, with few exceptions, gets the ball at the start of each play and hands it off or throws it. We may see some more roll-out this year to take advantage of Hall's mobility.
Extra Credit: BYU runs a no-huddle offense. The players wear arm-bands with the plays that are then signaled in from the sideline. This makes the defense stay on their toes and takes advantage of a tired defense or mismatches.
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2 comments:
I enjoy your blog.Could you go into some of the options that BYU has by virtue of having so many TEs that are like wideouts?
Tight ends that can run good routes give BYU a huge advantage in 4-receiver sets. Defenses typically don't want to cover tight ends with corners because the corners surrender significant height and weight to tight ends. The problem is, defenses that try to cover them with linebackers leave themselves vulnerable to big plays because the tight ends can outrun linebackers. Johnny Harline showed this on several occasions last year, including that long touchdown against UNLV, I think it was. Or New Mexico--it's a bit fuzzy in the memory at the moment.
Anyway, BYU's tight ends can attack linebackers in a man-to-man defense by running crossing routes or running seam routes straight downfield. In zone coverage, the tight ends are most effective slipping into the holes between the linebackers and the safeties (20-25 yards downfield) or catching balls right underneath the linebackers in the flat or on a stop route.
I personally expect a lot from the tight ends this year. So'oto and George have been in the system a few years now and have great physical tools. Pitta was a standout in the Crowton system and should be salivating at the chance to work in much simpler, more tight-end-friendly spread offense under Robert Anae.
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