Ever felt like you had to give something up defensively because of your fast offense? "The bottom line is winning games and I think you, as a successful coach, whether playing fast or slow, you have to determine what's best for you team."
This quote, or question, right here. ^^^ I honestly don't understand the issue. It's being brought up here and it's been discussed by D1 coaches and even Chizik supposedly asked Malzahn to slow it down some. Since it's been talked about by 1,000X greater football minds than me, apparently there's something to it. So, the premise is that because your offense is playing so fast, your defense has to go back out on the field much quicker and maybe more often no matter if the offense scores or they have a 3 and out. I get that but I just don't think that's the case the way college football games are played and more importantly, broadcast these days.
First off, here's a real novel concept. Don't know if coaches have considered this one or not but I'm gonna' throw it out there just in case. How about when the defense goes out there....they hold the other team to a 3 and out? How about they not let the other team go 80 yards in 10 plays? Just because your offense plays fast doesn't mean you get a pass on tackling or covering someone. Go out there and stop their offense and you get to go sit down in front of the fans and take a few slugs off the Hatorade bottle.
Second, let's say your "fast" offense does go 3 and out. What happens? They jog off the field and the punting team runs on. The long snapper.....I'ma let that soak in for a sec.....snaps it back and the punter who boots it 43 yards downfield. The returner signals fair catch. They both jog off the field. Aaaaannnd..the little guy in the red hat walks slowly on the field with his hand up and your D gets to spend the next 5 minutes in front of the fans, taking slugs off the Hatorade bottle.
For me, it doesn't make two shits how fast or slow your offense plays. If the D sucks and can't tackle or cover, they'll be out there most of the game. If they're stout, they'll only be out there a few minutes and then they can come off the field, sit in front of the fans....and take a few slugs off the Hatorade bottle.