New pages in the playbook

[Once again, this is all from my own observations. I have no access to the playbook. Please excuse the crude jpgs.]

Dana Bible is not a popular Offensive Coordinator. As I've said before, I think he is ok. One thing he deserves credit for is taking the latest fad college offense (the spread option) and incorporating it into BC's offense.

We've used it throughout the season. The formation and play got its biggest test on Matt Ryan's TD run against Wake. It was a good call, especially on fourth down. The design gives Matt a few options. Ryan is not the mobile Vince Young-style QB who can use this offense up and down the field. However, in goal line situations, where he only needs a few yards, Ryan can be very effective.

Here is how it plays out.

1. BC starts the play in the shotgun. Unlike most teams running this style of offense, like Florida, we still use a Tight End and a Fullback. On the the play against Wake, Whitworth set up to Ryan's right, which is the strong side.


2. At the snap the line pushes left. Palmer leads as if he is blocking for Whitworth. The WRs engage their corners. The key to the play is Ryan and the Tight End. I haven't talked to anyone on the staff, but if we run it like other schools, Ryan truly has an option (multiple, actually). His first decision is to give it to Whitworth. I imagine he is reading the Strong Side Linebacker and the Strong Side Safety. If they bite on the run, he can pull the ball back from LV. Against Wake he seemed like he was keeping it all the way (and I don't blame him considering it was 4th down and we were down by 14.)


3. The second choice for Ryan is: keep it himself or pass. He's got to make his decision fast. His only choices for pass are the Tight End (who released from the line) or potentially the WR. But in a goal line situation, it is unlikely the WR is able to get much separation in such a small area.



4. In the Wake game, Ryan kept it himself. He needs two things: to move fast and get some blocking from his Tight End. The Tight End must read Ryan. As soon as the QB decides to keep the ball, the Tight End must quickly switch from pass catcher to blocker. His responsibility is to get in the way of any defender trying to recover from the play fake to the RB.


On Saturday, this play produced a Touchdown. Ryan barely got in but it worked. BC has struggled in the redzone the past few years, so I welcome Bible adopting other teams' successes for our personnel.