Describing Eddie Gran's Offensive System

[BlueRattie_rivals]

I'm really stoked about this football season; I feel that this is the year that solid recruiting will finally show results on the field. For the last couple of years, we've been treading water with JC stop-gap players, Joker era holdovers, and young kids not ready for prime time. The early Stoops recruits are now upperclassmen, ready to bring a new brand of football to UK.

I'm also excited to see Coaches Gran and Hinshaw install their system at UK. Both coaches have experienced success at the highest levels of college football. There will be no learning on the job for UK coordinators; we will have experienced, steady hands at the wheel.

That said, I haven't watched much UC football the past couple of years, nor do I have a clear recollection of Gran or Hinshaw's time at other coaching stops. So I have to confess that I'm a touch uncertain about what their offense will look like. I'd love to know:

1. Running game: Power? Stretch? Run-Option? Single back? Zone-Read?
2. Passing game: Vertical? West coast? Spread?
3. Personnel: Packages? Heavy/Jumbo sets? Use of the TE? Favored types of receivers?
4. Tempo: Hurry up offense? Mixed tempo? Grind it out (when needed)? No huddle?
5. Formations: Spread? Two-Back? Shotgun? Two-TE?

Looking forward to your responses.

 

[UKfan2151]

Gran's base formation is 3 WRs, a TE and a single back. In that regard, what he does isn't really all that different than what most teams run these days, to include the spread guys. So while it can technically be called a pro-style offense, it isn't that old school pro-style college system from 15 years ago where you line up in the I formation for the bulk of the game.

 

[EnPassant]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

 

[RV]

1. Running game: Power? Stretch? Run-Option? Single back? Zone-Read?

Power, inside zone, outside zone.

1. 
   
2. Passing game: Vertical? West coast? Spread?

Multiple tree with choice routes tied to run/pass options including rub routes and screens.

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. Personnel: Packages? Heavy/Jumbo sets? Use of the TE? Favored types of receivers?

Will utilize the personnel on hand. Favorite type of receiver is anyone that catches the ball consistently.

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. Tempo: Hurry up offense? Mixed tempo? Grind it out (when needed)? No huddle?

Wants to snap the ball in 15-20 seconds but will pull back on the reins at appropriate times.

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   
4. 
   
5. Formations: Spread? Two-Back? Shotgun? Two-TE?

Again, will utilize the talent on hand and will change from game to game and during each game as necessary while trying to get favorable matchups.

 

[scotbishop]

Power, inside zone, outside zone.
Again, will utilize the talent on hand and will change from game to game and during each game as necessary while trying to get favorable matchups.

Thats good to hear cause we are not use to an OC that will change from game to game depending on the situation and matchups.

 

[hmt5000]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

Josh heupal at missou is 2 year Oc.

 

[hmt5000]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

They scored over 30 on Houston and Miami.

 

[merrimanm]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

Gran and Hinshaw have over a decade of SEC experience. Gran not being a coordinator is more due to loyalty to Tuberville at AU and then being picky about the job he accepted after that. Like he did to us the first go around, he turned down jobs when he felt the timing wasn't right. He felt the timing was right to join back up with Tuberville wit a coach he had a great relationship with and trusted and a team with some talent in a weak league.

 

[mpennin3_rivals40320]

Gran utilizes the tight end much more than what we have been seeing the past couple of year's. I can't wait to see what kind of numbers Conrad put's up this year. Kid is a stud and he's only going to get better with an O.C. that will use him in the right way. Also seemed like inside the 10 Dawson called the fade route way too often. I look for Gran to be a little more creative than Dawson was and I believe If he can stay healthy Boom and the tight end will put up some impressive numbers.

 

[3kidsandme]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

Gran was Cincinatti OC for 3 years. There offense made big jumps his very first year and climbed ev

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

Gran was oc at cincy for 3 years. His offense set a school record in yards his first year as coordinator. They put up 28 and a ton of yards on a pretty decent Ohio State team. Plus 30 plus on Temple and Miami. His offense got better every single year. I think 3 straight years calling plays is plenty of experience.

 

[seccats04]

Josh heupal at missou is 2 year Oc.

I can't believe Mizzou hired him. Heupel got fired at OU because his offenses were terrible and OU has been crazy good on offense ever since Stoops got there. With Odom being a defensive head coach like Stoops it'll be interesting to see how that turns out.

 

[vhcat70]

Favorite type of receiver is anyone that catches the ball consistently.

Then, Hello, Charles Walker. No one close ex Conrad.

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

Gran utilizes the tight end much more than what we have been seeing the past couple of year's. I can't wait to see what kind of numbers Conrad put's up this year. Kid is a stud and he's only going to get better with an O.C. that will use him in the right way. Also seemed like inside the 10 Dawson called the fade route way too often. I look for Gran to be a little more creative than Dawson was and I believe If he can stay healthy Boom and the tight end will put up some impressive numbers.

Conrad is going to be a secret weapon that helps open up so much more of our offense. The misuse of TEs the past few years is borderline criminal!

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses.

The thing about Gran is that he's probably the least experienced play caller in the SEC - I can't thing of anyone else who's only been a play caller for two years. Doesn't mean he can't be really successful in the SEC but the fact is he's been in coaching since the mid 90s and was just a couple of years ago given an OC spot. He looked to be a career RB/ special teams coach before that.

Will he be an upgrade - maybe - not sure it's the given that pretty much everyone here just assumes. If the UK OL doesn't get a LOT better then SEC games are again going to be low scoring affairs for the Wildcats. That's not what people want to hear, but save this post for after the trip to the Swamp.

Gran is one of the least experinced OC's in the league but it should be a major upgrade. But most all of our staff is the same way. not a whole lot of experience at their present positions. I do think that we have some Talent on the staff sans a couple of guys so far.
also I am going to be surprised if you do not take some slack for saying that our offensive line needs Improvement. thing is when I say it I have 50 people behind me all saying that they are just fine it is all the offensive coordinators fault. even though they have not looked good in the past several years. from False starts, holding too just letting guys run past them without even putting a body on them. seems like I remember one guy either last year or the year before let up a sack three times in a row never putting a hand on the guy.

 

[WildCard]

It's actually pretty remarkable how similar almost all teams are. Yeah some teams stress certain things more then others but for the most part, no one does anything that you haven't seen within a couple of weeks before or will see a couple of weeks after.

Cincinnati ran the same stuff as most teams - they had a really good QB and for the most part faced some poor defenses....

I find a lot of truth in the above quote. Naturally there are many nuances to each offense and a coach will lean on his strong suits in any given year. But the biggest "difference" I see in today's offensive game is (1) whether or not you run (i.e., run, not scramble) your QB and (2) the "pace" of your offense.

Regarding Gran's offense I only watched 1 Cincy replay from last year and the B/W game this spring. Gran's history at UC says (1) he doesn't run the QB and (2) he likes to go fast. The B/W game certainly did not show any particular "offensive tendency" but did show they can (will ?) run the QB if Johnson is in. Other than "go fast" I think any pre-season thoughts about his first year offense at UK are pretty speculative.

Peace

 

[hmt5000]

I find a lot of truth in the above quote. Naturally there are many nuances to each offense and a coach will lean on his strong suits in any given year. But the biggest "difference" I see in today's offensive game is (1) whether or not you run (i.e., run, not scramble) your QB and (2) the "pace" of your offense.

Regarding Gran's offense I only watched 1 Cincy replay from last year and the B/W game this spring. Gran's history at UC says (1) he doesn't run the QB and (2) he likes to go fast. The B/W game certainly did not show any particular "offensive tendency" but did show they can (will ?) run the QB if Johnson is in. Other than "go fast" I think any pre-season thoughts about his first year offense at UK are pretty speculative.

Peace

grans qb last year had injury problems so they didn't run as much. i think the first 2 years they avg 5 to 7 called qb runs/gm from what i read on the board. its definitely not a staple but he does like to use it to keep the lb'ers honest.

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

Just the concern of a QB running the ball can help an offense. We've seen it many times against us over the years. I don't expect Barker to run a lot but I could see him doing it a few times a game to keep the defense on its toes. Main thing is to keep him healthy though!

 

[WildCard]

grans qb last year had injury problems so they didn't run as much. i think the first 2 years they avg 5 to 7 called qb runs/gm from what i read on the board. its definitely not a staple but he does like to use it to keep the lb'ers honest.

Well, just about everybody runs a couple of sneaks and/or QB draws each game. I'm thinking in terms of the QB run being a real part of the run offense.

In 2014 Kiel had 63 rushes in 13 games of which 18 were sacks. That leaves 45 QB "runs" or about 3.5 "rushes" per game.

In 2015 Kiel/Moore had 88 rushes in 13 games, 26 of which were sacks. That leaves 62 QB "runs" or 4.7 "rushes" per game.

You have to believe that several of those "runs" were positive yardage scrambles. I'm not sure the above numbers reflect enough "QB run game" to make the defense do anything out of their normal defensive approach.

Peace

 

[hmt5000]

Well, just about everybody runs a couple of sneaks and/or QB draws each game. I'm thinking in terms of the QB run being a real part of the run offense.

In 2014 Kiel had 63 rushes in 13 games of which 18 were sacks. That leaves 45 QB "runs" or about 3.5 "rushes" per game.

In 2015 Kiel/Moore had 88 rushes in 13 games, 26 of which were sacks. That leaves 62 QB "runs" or 4.7 "rushes" per game.

You have to believe that several of those "runs" were positive yardage scrambles. I'm not sure the above numbers reflect enough "QB run game" to make the defense do anything out of their normal defensive approach.

Peace

Nope. I'm just saying that he will call some qb runs unlike Dawson who would not. I read he didn't call as many with Kiel as he would of liked.

 

[Ctroberts1024]

I've watched a ton of Cincy games here recently. Couple things Gran likes to do:

Every run play is an RPO. So the QB run a normal read option reading the last man on the LOS and they have a built in route combo as well. Normally it's a screen but we saw in the blue white game when Hoak pulled it then flicked the ball to Badet. So our QBs aren't going to be just handing the ball of like the past couple of years, it really is a READ option.

Passing concepts. Gran loves rub routes. For the life of me, I will never understand why we never used these but we will now. He does a fantastic job of using rub routes to get guys open underneath whether it's a slant or an out. He also uses stacked formations with the WRs. Again, makes it harder for the DBs to match up off the LOS. He also used a lot of "choice" routes. So the WR will run his route based on a certain look he's getting. Lots of shallow to mid crossing routes as well as stick routes. Conrad and Juice should really thrive with those two concepts.

 

[cardkilla_rivals379685]

I've watched a ton of Cincy games here recently. Couple things Gran likes to do:

Every run play is an RPO. So the QB run a normal read option reading the last man on the LOS and they have a built in route combo as well. Normally it's a screen but we saw in the blue white game when Hoak pulled it then flicked the ball to Badet. So our QBs aren't going to be just handing the ball of like the past couple of years, it really is a READ option.

Passing concepts. Gran loves rub routes. For the life of me, I will never understand why we never used these but we will now. He does a fantastic job of using rub routes to get guys open underneath whether it's a slant or an out. He also uses stacked formations with the WRs. Again, makes it harder for the DBs to match up off the LOS. He also used a lot of "choice" routes. So the WR will run his route based on a certain look he's getting. Lots of shallow to mid crossing routes as well as stick routes. Conrad and Juice should really thrive with those two concepts.

really nice read, thanks! I'm SOOO excited to see this offense. We finally have some experienced playmakers back. Speed, height, and experience. Like our chances at breaking out!

 

[Greasy Creak Mafia]

Let's put it like this, there is nowhere to go but up when replacing Shannon Dawson. BTW that is two years of being an OC that Dawson did not have. Also the fact he worked with Peyton Manning don't hurt his pedigree either.

I closely watched at least two UC games and channel surfed back and forth a few others. Th Memphis game was the stuff legends were made of on both teams OCs. But Cincy and Memphis had QBs and Cincy had a RB that were dam good players. Plug a good coach in a good QBs ear and you can do big things.

As long as the OC don't call a shotgun formation while on the 2" line with a bowl season on the line, he will be light years better than Dawson.

 

[BlueRattie_rivals]

One of the things I've read time and time again when looking back at Gran's various stops is that he is a consummate teacher and role model for young men. At AU, UC, and FSU, Gran had different roles, but at each one his players thought of him as a father figure. I saw an interview with an FSU player talking about a then special teams coach Gran. He said that Gran was a man of few words, but you'd better listen when he does talk. Gran was evidently detail-oriented and structured. But most of all, he valued personal relationships with his players, treating them much like he treats his own kids.

Kinda makes me wonder if he turned down OC jobs along the way to so he could stay hands-on with the players. Even as the OC at UK, he's stayed on as RB coach. Also, he may have preferred getting more experience with top talent at different schools, choosing special teams at FSU instead of OC at a mid-major.

I think that his general temperament and experience with a variety of schemes and players will coalesce into the most valuable trait in an coordinator: the ability to maximize the potential of the players through coaching and scheme.

 

[SanAntonioCat_rivals376502]

One of the things I've read time and time again when looking back at Gran's various stops is that he is a consummate teacher and role model for young men. At AU, UC, and FSU, Gran had different roles, but at each one his players thought of him as a father figure. I saw an interview with an FSU player talking about a then special teams coach Gran. He said that Gran was a man of few words, but you'd better listen when he does talk. Gran was evidently detail-oriented and structured. But most of all, he valued personal relationships with his players, treating them much like he treats his own kids.

Kinda makes me wonder if he turned down OC jobs along the way to so he could stay hands-on with the players. Even as the OC at UK, he's stayed on as RB coach. Also, he may have preferred getting more experience with top talent at different schools, choosing special teams at FSU instead of OC at a mid-major.

I think that his general temperament and experience with a variety of schemes and players will coalesce into the most valuable trait in an coordinator: the ability to maximize the potential of the players through coaching and scheme.

Excellent post.

 

[Greasy Creak Mafia]

I think the real test for an OC is in competitive games that your in late. The calls made in those situations define you ( i . e. Vandy, Auburn, UL with a 21point lead at the half) when you can make solid decisions in those type of games you prove yourself either solid or not.

 

[EnPassant]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he has a great year - his biggest impediment is the OL and people have quickly forgotten how that unit absolutely couldn't block decent fronts last year. Young has to start at OT - that position last year was horrific.

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

Here is a link to a Cincy game and Kiel ran the ball twice on their first TD.

 

[Deeeefense]

I've watched a ton of Cincy games here recently. Couple things Gran likes to do:

Every run play is an RPO. So the QB run a normal read option reading the last man on the LOS and they have a built in route combo as well. Normally it's a screen but we saw in the blue white game when Hoak pulled it then flicked the ball to Badet. So our QBs aren't going to be just handing the ball of like the past couple of years, it really is a READ option.

Passing concepts. Gran loves rub routes. For the life of me, I will never understand why we never used these but we will now. He does a fantastic job of using rub routes to get guys open underneath whether it's a slant or an out. He also uses stacked formations with the WRs. Again, makes it harder for the DBs to match up off the LOS. He also used a lot of "choice" routes. So the WR will run his route based on a certain look he's getting. Lots of shallow to mid crossing routes as well as stick routes. Conrad and Juice should really thrive with those two concepts.

The use of rub routes bothers me a little bit due to the way officials will judge them. If this is a regular part of an offense I can almost guarantee that sometime during the season, one big game changing play that involves a rub route will be flagged as an illegal pick.

 

[RV]

The use of rub routes bothers me a little bit due to the way officials will judge them. If this is a regular part of an offense I can almost guarantee that sometime during the season, one big game changing play that involves a rub route will be flagged as an illegal pick.

The difference between a rub route and a pick play is defined by who it involves. During a rub route two receivers attempt to get their defenders to run into or slow down each other whereas the pick play involves a collision or near collision between a receiver and a defender.

The latter is a penalty, the former is not.

 

[Beatle Bum]

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if he has a great year - his biggest impediment is the OL and people have quickly forgotten how that unit absolutely couldn't block decent fronts last year. Young has to start at OT - that position last year was horrific.

8000 posts and 53 "likes." I know we have more Card fans than that who post here. What gives?