I don't really talk about Malzahn's offense too often, and I don't really throw the word "gimmicky" out that often either. The offense itself is simplistic enough. Hell, Alabama's is too for that matter. AU relies on unconventional formations, constant motion, HUNH. If you really want to get down to it, it is just a variation of the single wing. If I had to define Alabama's offense, I would say it most closely resembles a multiple I-back offense. We run core pass/run plays out of multiple formations (thought it seems we play alot from Ace, Pistol, Shotgun, etc). I will now give you the opportunity to grade my response, and insert your own knowledge accordingly, as we all know that is your goal here......to try and show everybody just how smart and superior you are.
You did toss out the word gimmicky though. My goal was set by you when you popped off about it and said typically stupid shit. If you don't want to be called down, don't say stupid shit. Simple...like Malzahn's offense.
Malzahn uses 4 basic run plays. Inside Zone, Outside Zone, Power, and Sweep. Very, VERY standard stuff. Throws in some zone read, counters, trap, draws, and jet sweep for good measure, but can do that with little practice time needed because the O Line assignments don't change much. It's either zone or block down/kick out rules...simple stuff. Runs play action off those plays. About as simple as you can get. All offensive coaches use motions and formations to create leverage, as does bammer, like you said. Bammer relies heavily on zone principle plays from a bunch of formations...they use formations the same way, but probably less motion. That's bammer's "gimmick". Zone running allows the back to make the OL look good as he has lots of freedom to cut plays back, and basically run to daylight without being confined to hitting a particular hole. Making the defense commit one way, then cutting back or bouncing out the other. It's a "gimmick" of sorts. It more resembles a multiple single back offense, a la Dennis Erickson/Joe Gibbs. Malzahn's gimmick is pace of play, not playbook or scheme. By today's standards, running an offense from the shotgun is hardly "unconventional". You were right, about bammer using the pistol...invented an perfected by Nevada (I can't recall the coach's name that is credited with it). Anyway...there's my vast knowldge...which is available to any that want to know it, just not from listening to Corso and Herbstreit, and definately not from Shane from Centerpoint.
83 Replies
10508 Views