Stoops' Offense and the truth about the Air Raid

[BlueRaider22]

When Stoops hired Brown, Stoops mentioned that he wanted Brown to run a slightly more balanced Air Raid that was flexible according to the personnel. He cited Oklahoma State as the example.

-OSU at the time ran an Air Raid offense that ranged about 50-60% passing. What changed the rate was the personnel for that yr. For instance, if they had a good corps of RBs and a underclass QB, they would throw less.

-Brown ran the Air Raid at Texas Tech. He ranged from 58-60% during his 3 yrs there......regardless of the personnel. So, Stoops didn't ask him to change his offense.....mainly just be more flexible according to the personnel. Brown didn't have the personnel to run his offense to full tilt during his time at UK. His first he had no WR's, no TE's, a running QB, and some good RB's.......so he only threw the ball 44% of the time. The following yr, personnel improved and he got up to 48%. It is my understanding that Brown was very happy with his time as UK's OC. It took an unexpected HC opening at a school where Brown cut his coaching teeth to get him to leave.

-Stoops had to replace Brown as the OC. So, he once again went back to what he wanted.......Oklahoma State's prior offense. Who was one of OSU's recent Air Raid OC's whom Stoops wanted to emulate? Dana Holgorsen. And whom did Stoops hire to replace Brown? Holgorsen's disciple, Shannon Dawson.

-So, the notion that Stoops is holding Dawson back is just plain illogical. Stoops has tried 2x in a row to install this very offense. IF anything Stoops wants Dawson to run his offense.



Now, onto the "Air Raid" offense. When UK fans hear the words "Air Raid" they think of something very specific. They think of Couch/Leach/Mumme. They envision 71% passing.......like Leach is currently averaging at WSU.

The problem with that is that the term "Air Raid" is in reference to an offense concept......and not a certain pass rate. That's why Leach can run the Air Raid at WSU at a 71% pass rate. Brown can run the Air Raid at TTU at 59%. And Dana Holgorsen can run the Air Raid at WVU at 50-55% pass rate.......or even less.

If you envision the Air Raid offense as passing the ball 70% of the time like Mumme/Leach, you will be disappointed even if Stoops/Dawson is successful.

http://smartfootball.com/offense/th...-to-leach-to-franklin-to-holgorsen-and-beyond

This link shows you how the Air Raid is different from Mumme to Leach to Brown to Holgorsen.

 

[TBCat]

Well I guess this is a nice attempt at defending what we are seeing but it makes no difference. If this what Stoops had in mind then he wasn't ready to be a head coach because it is awful. The Air Raid is not a balanced offense. Never has been. It is designed to be extreme.

Saying you want to run a balanced Air Raid is like saying you want to run the old Oklahoma Wish bone offense, except you want to throw the ball 60% of the time out of it. It makes no sense. You take the thing you are good at and water it down. It's no longer an explosive offense it's...well I guess balanced. And easy to shut down.

You would also have to say Stoops has held Brown and Dawson back because as you pointed out this was Stoops' vision of the Air Raid not Browns nor Dawson's . Neither OC has ever run anything that even resembles this crap. If this is what Stoops has in mind then he needs to for his own good get out of the way and let his OC run the offense. This balanced Air Raid has blown up in his face and has cost him a bowl game. If he runs a balanced Air Raid for 2 more years it will cost him his job.

To be honest we do understand this isn't Mumme's Air Raid it's a more restrained type of Air Raid. What we don't understand is why. There is no appeal to this version. It's not a fun fan friendly Air Raid. It's not difficult to defend. And yet you still have all the draw backs of a pass first system such as not being able to run the ball and having trouble punching it in around the goal line. We have successfully neutralized the advantages of the offense and kept the drawbacks.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Whoah?! You think I'm defending the offense this yr? In no way was what we saw this yr what anyone envisioned.

This thread was to provide the following:
-To dispel the notion that Stoops does not want the Air Raid offense
-Attempt to put to rest the notion that Stoops is holding Dawson back from running what he wants to
-To explain that the Air Raid offense is NOT just the extreme high passing rate ala Mumme/Leach.
-To explain that Stoops wanted Brown from the beginning and to provide some insight to why he wanted Dawson.
-To help explain what Stoops' ideal offense would be like......which IS what Brown and Dawson run.

Stoops wants an offense like Oklahoma State.......and probably WVU. If those aren't "fun fan friendly" offenses to you, then you'll never be satisfied.........ever.......with just about any football outside of Leach ball.......or perhaps Arena football.

Follow the link in the OP. Read it and learn it. The Air Raid is NOT just throwing the ball at a high rate. It's not just an "extreme offense." It's an offense that incorporates a few key concepts and play designs. It just happens that the originators threw it at a high rate. Therefore guys like Brown, Dawson, and Leach still run the Air Raid offense even though it's fairly balanced.

 

[BlueRaider22]

-Kevin Sumlin as an OC ranged from 55-65% pass rate depending on personnel.
-Lincoln Riley ranged from 51-60% pass rate during his 5 yrs at ECU
-Sonny Dykes ranged from 44-63% pass rate as OC at Arizona

These are all Air Raid guys who are more balanced in the way they run their offense.

 

[K_TIME]

1. Stoops is adamant to run a Air Raid formation where we're in shotgun and trying to run the ball and not using our QB in read option/threat to run. That ideology isn't going to work at UK in SEC. Look no further than Vandy game...2 times on goal line and we can't generate 2 yards are resort to a freaking 5 wide formation on goalline...that is just stupid ideology on offense.

2. The guys who run out of shotgun are in ACC/BIg 12 but in this conference...you'll be eaten alive. Texas AM and Auburn run in shotgun but use their QBs to run as well. Under Dawson...QB hardly ever takes off with the ball...so defense just keys totally on RB and has plenty of gaps to attack.

 

[EnPassant]

When Mumme was running that offense 1997-2000 or whatever it was at a time when a lot of folks weren't even playing much nickel coverage and had very simplistic coverage schemes.

You can throw all those WR screens anymore - people defend all that stuff so much better and they play a lot faster in the back 7 with personnel jay looks different than what Couch was throwing against.

 

[sluggercatfan]

When Stoops hired Brown, Stoops mentioned that he wanted Brown to run a slightly more balanced Air Raid that was flexible according to the personnel. He cited Oklahoma State as the example.

-OSU at the time ran an Air Raid offense that ranged about 50-60% passing. What changed the rate was the personnel for that yr. For instance, if they had a good corps of RBs and a underclass QB, they would throw less.

-Brown ran the Air Raid at Texas Tech. He ranged from 58-60% during his 3 yrs there......regardless of the personnel. So, Stoops didn't ask him to change his offense.....mainly just be more flexible according to the personnel. Brown didn't have the personnel to run his offense to full tilt during his time at UK. His first he had no WR's, no TE's, a running QB, and some good RB's.......so he only threw the ball 44% of the time. The following yr, personnel improved and he got up to 48%. It is my understanding that Brown was very happy with his time as UK's OC. It took an unexpected HC opening at a school where Brown cut his coaching teeth to get him to leave.

-Stoops had to replace Brown as the OC. So, he once again went back to what he wanted.......Oklahoma State's prior offense. Who was one of OSU's recent Air Raid OC's whom Stoops wanted to emulate? Dana Holgorsen. And whom did Stoops hire to replace Brown? Holgorsen's disciple, Shannon Dawson.

-So, the notion that Stoops is holding Dawson back is just plain illogical. Stoops has tried 2x in a row to install this very offense. IF anything Stoops wants Dawson to run his offense.



Now, onto the "Air Raid" offense. When UK fans hear the words "Air Raid" they think of something very specific. They think of Couch/Leach/Mumme. They envision 71% passing.......like Leach is currently averaging at WSU.

The problem with that is that the term "Air Raid" is in reference to an offense concept......and not a certain pass rate. That's why Leach can run the Air Raid at WSU at a 71% pass rate. Brown can run the Air Raid at TTU at 59%. And Dana Holgorsen can run the Air Raid at WVU at 50-55% pass rate.......or even less.

If you envision the Air Raid offense as passing the ball 70% of the time like Mumme/Leach, you will be disappointed even if Stoops/Dawson is successful.

http://smartfootball.com/offense/th...-to-leach-to-franklin-to-holgorsen-and-beyond

This link shows you how the Air Raid is different from Mumme to Leach to Brown to Holgorsen.

You are so wrong in all of this...I look at the "air raid" as putting points up on the score board and playing fast which is not happening...MS is a staunch defensive minded coach he is none of either...16 PPG is the reason we are where we are

 

[BlueRaider22]

^I think you are confusing what we've seen the last 3 years with what is desired. No one is wanting an offense that resembles the last 3 yrs. Brown and Dawson just have done the best with what personnel they had so far.

If Stoops didn't want a Spread-Air Raid offense he wouldn't hired Brown or Dawson.

Moreover there's an easy way to prove this. If the offense starts to develop in the next few hrs once the personnel allows such, we will get a clearer picture of what is desired.

 

[sluggercatfan]

Whoah?! You think I'm defending the offense this yr? In no way was what we saw this yr what anyone envisioned.

This thread was to provide the following:
-To dispel the notion that Stoops does not want the Air Raid offense
-Attempt to put to rest the notion that Stoops is holding Dawson back from running what he wants to
-To explain that the Air Raid offense is NOT just the extreme high passing rate ala Mumme/Leach.
-To explain that Stoops wanted Brown from the beginning and to provide some insight to why he wanted Dawson.
-To help explain what Stoops' ideal offense would be like......which IS what Brown and Dawson run.

Stoops wants an offense like Oklahoma State.......and probably WVU. If those aren't "fun fan friendly" offenses to you, then you'll never be satisfied.........ever.......with just about any football outside of Leach ball.......or perhaps Arena football.

Follow the link in the OP. Read it and learn it. The Air Raid is NOT just throwing the ball at a high rate. It's not just an "extreme offense." It's an offense that incorporates a few key concepts and play designs. It just happens that the originators threw it at a high rate. Therefore guys like Brown, Dawson, and Leach still run the Air Raid offense even though it's fairly balanced.

WSU quarterback Sat night-keep in mind this kid is a walkon-38-53 335 yds 2tds in a win over ucla @ucla driving 80yd in less than a minute for the winning td

 

[sluggercatfan]

^I think you are confusing what we've seen the last 3 years with what is desired. No one is wanting an offense that resembles the last 3 yrs. Brown and Dawson just have done the best with what personnel they had so far.

If Stoops didn't want a Spread-Air Raid offense he wouldn't hired Brown or Dawson.

Moreover there's an easy way to prove this. If the offense starts to develop in the next few hrs once the personnel allows such, we will get a clearer picture of what is desired.

I honestly don't think MS knows what he wants to run...think it is quite obvious

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

We havent seen what Stoops really wants on O because of personnel. We had Whitlow, who wasnt a dependable passer at all.

Since, we've had Towles who just cant rid of the ball on time. He's notorious for holding the ball, despite the fact the offense and protection is based on quick throws. With Barker, we'll see more of what Stoops envisions for our O. But it will require us getting first downs, which is far from a given.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I honestly don't think MS knows what he wants to run...think it is quite obvious

??? I'll try again.
1. He hires Brown....an Air Raid guy who ran the Air Raid at about 59% pass rate at TTU. Tells him he wants to be a bit more flexible and balanced. Citing Oklahoma State as an example......who ran and still runs the Air Raid.
2. Then hires Dawson. And Air Raid guy who has been under the guidance of another Air Raid guy in Dana Holgorsen......who previously ran the Air Raid at Oklahoma State and runs the Air Raid at WVU.

And you still don't think Stoops knows what he wants to run?

 

[BlueRaider22]

WSU quarterback Sat night-keep in mind this kid is a walkon-38-53 335 yds 2tds in a win over ucla @ucla driving 80yd in less than a minute for the winning td

WSU has the current 21st total ranked offense. 492 passing yds/game, 77 Rush yds/game. Avg 35.2 pts/game
OSU has the current 18th total ranked offense. 498 passing yds/game, 145 rush yds/game. Avg of 43.6 pts/game

WSU is currently 71% pass, 29% run for the yr.
OSU is currently 50% pass, 50% run for the yr.

Both are scary offenses and darn near impossible to stop. Both are extremely explosive and can score in an instant.

Both are Air Raid.

 

[Rawrrr]

Just look at the term air raid. A real air raid reigns terror from the skies onto the opponent swiftly and mercilessly (hurry up offense lobbing passes all over the field). It is not GROUND raid or MIXED raid, but AIR raid. Any hint of what that would entail in regard to passing play percent and total number of offensive plays per game? If terror is raining from the ground half the time at a medium pace, it can't truthfully be called an air raid offense.

Also someone mentioned run heavy offenses of yesteryear and I see a LOT more inverted wishbones and broken I's than spread formations at UK the last 3 years.

 

[anon_7tbtqcx308nxh]

Just look at the term air raid. A real air raid reigns terror from the skies onto the opponent swiftly and mercilessly (hurry up offense lobbing passes all over the field). It is not GROUND raid or MIXED raid, but AIR raid. Any hint of what that would entail in regard to passing play percent and total number of offensive plays per game? If terror is raining from the ground half the time at a medium pace, it can't truthfully be called an air raid offense.

Also someone mentioned run heavy offenses of yesteryear and I see a LOT more inverted wishbones and broken I's than spread formations at UK the last 3 years.

Two things in response to the highlighted section:

1. UK, and a lot of offenses, will use a TE in the backfield because it screws with the other teams substitution packages. For example, if Vandy's DC sees UK has 3 WRs, a RB, and a TE then UK could conceivably go power run out of the broken I or go 4-Wide with Conrad split out. It prevents the DC from automatically knowing whether he should send in his nickel package or not.

That's why there's more broken I's across college football.

2. UK's offensive line isn't good enough to win all their one-on-one match-ups in the box, so UK has cut their losses and use two additional blockers in the inverted wishbone. They know that means a safety will roll up, but they think it's worth it. The results have been encouraging enough to continue using it.

 

[Rawrrr]

Two things in response to the highlighted section:

1. UK, and a lot of offenses, will use a TE in the backfield because it screws with the other teams substitution packages. For example, if Vandy's DC sees UK has 3 WRs, a RB, and a TE then UK could conceivably go power run out of the broken I or go 4-Wide with Conrad split out. It prevents the DC from automatically knowing whether he should send in his nickel package or not.

That's why there's more broken I's across college football.

2. UK's offensive line isn't good enough to win all their one-on-one match-ups in the box, so UK has cut their losses and use two additional blockers in the inverted wishbone. They know that means a safety will roll up, but they think it's worth it. The results have been encouraging enough to continue using it.

That all makes pretty good sense, but I would beg to differ on the IWB results being encouraging, UK is 99th in total offense right now, and 92nd in sack avoidance.

 

[BlueRaider22]

Just look at the term air raid. A real air raid reigns terror from the skies onto the opponent swiftly and mercilessly (hurry up offense lobbing passes all over the field). It is not GROUND raid or MIXED raid, but AIR raid. Any hint of what that would entail in regard to passing play percent and total number of offensive plays per game? If terror is raining from the ground half the time at a medium pace, it can't truthfully be called an air raid offense.

QUOTE]

Actually the Air Raid can be any of that. Once again, I challenge you to read the link provided in the OP. The Air Raid offense hangs on a few key concepts that are contained in that link. None of those concepts state that you have to throw it "x" amount of times.......but it just so happens that most who choose to run the Air Raid offense tend to throw it at a higher rate.






Dana Holgorsen runs the Air Raid. Kevin Sumlin runs the Air Raid. Lincoln Riley runs the Air Raid. Sonny Dykes runs the Air Raid. All of these guys run extremely explosive and fast offenses. And they all do it with a fairly balanced run/pass ratio.
****It is extremely important to note this fact. Because when you hear Dawson, Stoops, etc, mutter the words "Air Raid" their vision of it is not Mumme/Leach like a large portion of the fanbase is visioning.****

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

2. UK's offensive line isn't good enough to win all their one-on-one match-ups in the box, so UK has cut their losses and use two additional blockers in the inverted wishbone. They know that means a safety will roll up, but they think it's worth it. The results have been encouraging enough to continue using it.

It provides extra protection for a struggling OL and a QB whos slow to go through progressions, if at all.

It also creates a balance where the DL cant just pin its ears back on a pass rush.

Finally it cuts down on the amount of receivers. This is/was helpful because Towles just couldnt get through progressions quickly, if at all. The smaller number of options were why he always looked better throwing from the IWB.

 

[Rawrrr]

Actually the Air Raid can be any of that. Once again, I challenge you to read the link provided in the OP. The Air Raid offense hangs on a few key concepts that are contained in that link. None of those concepts state that you have to throw it "x" amount of times.......but it just so happens that most who choose to run the Air Raid offense tend to throw it at a higher rate.






Dana Holgorsen runs the Air Raid. Kevin Sumlin runs the Air Raid. Lincoln Riley runs the Air Raid. Sonny Dykes runs the Air Raid. All of these guys run extremely explosive and fast offenses. And they all do it with a fairly balanced run/pass ratio.
****It is extremely important to note this fact. Because when you hear Dawson, Stoops, etc, mutter the words "Air Raid" their vision of it is not Mumme/Leach like a large portion of the fanbase is visioning.****

I was just kind of tongue in cheek going by the definition of the words they used to name their new footballs-raining-from-the-sky-like-WWII bombs over London offensive concept, way back when. They need to make up a new name because it doesn't really fit into the definition of an actual air raid, you know, Blitzkrieg etc. Hey how about Shock and Awe? [winking]

 

[anon_7tbtqcx308nxh]

That all makes pretty good sense, but I would beg to differ on the IWB results being encouraging, UK is 99th in total offense right now, and 92nd in sack avoidance.

I should have phrased that better. It hasn't made UK good at running the ball - far from it as you point out - but there's enough success that they've stuck with it relative to the alternative (i.e. single back out of Pistol/Shotgun)

 

[anon_7tbtqcx308nxh]

It provides extra protection for a struggling OL and a QB whos slow to go through progressions, if at all.

It also creates a balance where the DL cant just pin its ears back on a pass rush.

Finally it cuts down on the amount of receivers. This is/was helpful because Towles just couldnt get through progressions quickly, if at all. The smaller number of options were why he always looked better throwing from the IWB.

True true.

I don't think it's the progression angle, though. Towles has shown he makes his progressions most of the time when given time. Now, that's not to say he's consistent on his throws after making those progressions...

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

True true.

I don't think it's the progression angle, though. Towles has shown he makes his progressions most of the time when given time. Now, that's not to say he's consistent on his throws after making those progressions...

Theres only been one game this season where Towles has gone through any sort of progression that I saw. I cant remember if it was Mizzou or Auburn. Whichever game it was, he was spreading the ball around and he looked really good. I hoped that was a turning point for him.

The rest of the time, he struggles making any presnap read. Then he looks for the primary receiver (usually Baker). If that player isnt open, he holds the ball until sacked because he cant make it through a progression. Doesnt matter if hes given 3 seconds, or 5 seconds, or more. He cant get rid of the ball because he doesnt know where to throw it if the primary receiver isnt open. This OL and this offense isnt built for the QB to hold the ball.

The really weird exception is when he rolls out. He really does well in the scramble drill somehow Maybe its because its just a reaction rather than his mind trying to go through progressions.

 

[BlueRaider22]

I think Oklahoma State calls theirs "Cowboy Chaos" or something like that.


Here's another article talking about OSU's Air Raid.

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefoo...ma-states-prolific-offense-found-mike-yurcich

 

[BlueRaider22]

The really weird exception is when he rolls out. He really does well in the scramble drill somehow Maybe its because its just a reaction rather than his mind trying to go through progressions.

I agree. He needs protection time......and not just every once in a while, pretty much consistent. And, like you said, he does better on the move as well. Which puzzles me as to why Dawson hasn't done this more? If he does better after rushing the ball a bit.......and throws decent while rolling out......then why not do that more?

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

I agree. He needs protection time......and not just every once in a while, pretty much consistent. And, like you said, he does better on the move as well. Which puzzles me as to why Dawson hasn't done this more? If he does better after rushing the ball a bit.......and throws decent while rolling out......then why not do that more?

I dont know. They need to. I suspect opposing DC's make it tougher than it sounds. Ive noticed the last few games, opposing teams have really focused on contain and keeping him in the pocket. Ive also noticed the last few games DL's run a twist on 3rd downs, which muddies the running lanes for Towles. A few times hes tried to take off and ran right into a twist.

 

[BlueRaider22]

^Then they need to have more designed roll outs and runs for the QB.

And I'm just not talking Towles. Barker is fairly mobile as well. They will need to get either on the move b/c what we've been doing hasn't worked thus far.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

^Then they need to have more designed roll outs and runs for the QB.

And I'm just not talking Towles. Barker is fairly mobile as well. They will need to get either on the move b/c what we've been doing hasn't worked thus far.

Dont disagree.

 

[anon_7tbtqcx308nxh]

Theres only been one game this season where Towles has gone through any sort of progression that I saw. I cant remember if it was Mizzou or Auburn. Whichever game it was, he was spreading the ball around and he looked really good. I hoped that was a turning point for him.

The rest of the time, he struggles making any presnap read. Then he looks for the primary receiver (usually Baker). If that player isnt open, he holds the ball until sacked because he cant make it through a progression. Doesnt matter if hes given 3 seconds, or 5 seconds, or more. He cant get rid of the ball because he doesnt know where to throw it if the primary receiver isnt open. This OL and this offense isnt built for the QB to hold the ball.

The really weird exception is when he rolls out. He really does well in the scramble drill somehow Maybe its because its just a reaction rather than his mind trying to go through progressions.

He was good about progressions earlier in the season , but he did it early in the Vandy game too. You could see his confidence drop after the second series. I don't think he's overly focused on a primary receiver - just that he rarely has time or when he does have time he's got pass rush PTSD and has bad habits in a clean pocket.

Agree with you on the roll outs. Johnson is very good at improvising when a play breaks down. It also aligns his progressions in layers (deep, middle, short). When he connected with Conrad against Vandy he progressed down from the deepest route to a shallower one which was CJ.

 

[BlueRaider22]

1. Stoops is adamant to run a Air Raid formation where we're in shotgun and trying to run the ball and not using our QB in read option/threat to run. That ideology isn't going to work at UK in SEC. Look no further than Vandy game...2 times on goal line and we can't generate 2 yards are resort to a freaking 5 wide formation on goalline...that is just stupid ideology on offense.

2. The guys who run out of shotgun are in ACC/BIg 12 but in this conference...you'll be eaten alive. Texas AM and Auburn run in shotgun but use their QBs to run as well. Under Dawson...QB hardly ever takes off with the ball...so defense just keys totally on RB and has plenty of gaps to attack.

If the offense that he is searching for is like Dana Holgorsen's, then we can expect a few snaps to be under center, a good portion out of pistol, and quite a bit out of shotgun. It shouldn't be a huge issue.

Now, as far as the QB being a "threat to run"......I think the idea behind not using that is more with Dawson. Stoops certainly didn't mind Brown running the QB the last several yrs.

 

[KY1WING]

After watching struggling though watching the replay of the Vandy game, what I saw on Barker's TD drive more closely resembled what I thought Air Raid was supposed to look like. Even the ones he missed looked like routes and QB decisions more in line with the AR system.

Don't jump me on the pick six - but I did learn more about defensive coverage concepts after that one.

But the offense to me looked different between Towles and Barker w/Barker looking overall more AR'ish.

Protection-got to have better protection no doubt but AR is designed to get the ball out quick to minimize the effects of a less than ideal line. If the ball's not coming out quick it's either receivers or QB or both.

It's also spacing and alignment. Know Leach uses wide splits to lengthen the path to the QB and buy time. Also wide splits create space for passing lanes and running lanes. If alignments off that's another issue.

Progressions-I'm not seeing it in PT. It's one and done. To me the progression is look at #1 and pass if open, force if almost open, throw it away if covered and haven't gotten sacked, get sacked.

Ball control - you can run Air Raid and control the clock. Muume explained how but never did it. You run balls to the wall hurry up one series, run out of two point stance even to force the defense to get on the ball and down in their stance ASAP. After that hurry up and get on the ball, get them in their stances and then milk the clock before you snap. Run it down. You can not only control the ball and clock but fatigue a defensive line. Put them in their stance 25 seconds a pop will soon take a toll.

Mumme called it Hurry Up and Wait. He never did it though. It was always three pass plays as fast as you could go and punt, so your defense got off the field maybe a minute.

Just because you run AR doesn't mean you have to run up tempo

 

[BlueRaider22]

^Welcome addition to this thread, Wing. Well done.


As far as Barker's pick-6.......frustrated me. It is entirely possible that if Barker had gotten some playing experience earlier in the yr that perhaps he would have learned from it and not made that throw late in the yr.

 

[WildCard]

Not sure where you are going BR. If the "classic" Air Raid offense (a high volume passing game and decidedly unbalanced offensive concept) has evolved into a more balanced offense, should it still be called Air Raid? I see where Holgerson's WVA team is running the ball 60% of the time this year; is that Air Raid? I say not despite his Air Raid roots.

There is no better better football blog on the net that Chris Brown's Smart Football. But, to me, the gist of that fine article is how the "pure" Air Raid has evolved into something that is, well, not really Air Raid. Truth be told there have been relatively few practitioners of Air Raid football.

IMHO, Air Raid is not a specific set of plays but rather an offensive philosophy of throwing the ball anytime, anywhere, on any down and in any situation and do so with great frequency. And doing so results in a style of play that is clearly biased to the pass rather than the run.

If 50/50 is "optimum balance" I would somewhat arbitrarily define a ratio of 55/45 (or greater) as "unbalanced". There are presently 15 such teams, one of which UK has played (MSU 56.3%). But MSU is characterized as a spread option team, not an Air Raid team. But there is only 1 team throwing at greater than 60% and that (of course) is Mike Leach's WSU team.

In 2002 (as far back as I can quickly research) there were only 2 teams in D-1 football that threw the ball more than 51% of the time (TT 58.2% and Hawaii 56.8%). Today there are 41 (including OSU at #41 at 51.4%). There has undoubtably been an uptick in the passing game in the collegiate ranks over the past 15 years. And that might be due in some part to the "success" of the Air Raid philosophy. But I suggest that it is mainly the result of integrating more passing into "other" offensive styles rather than integrating more running into the Air Raid style of play.

That is my definition of an Air Raid offense. What is yours?

As for UK's offense over the past 3 years I would simply define it a balanced run/pass direct snap offense from the spread formation. There is nothing wrong with that approach but there is no way I can call it Air Raid.

Peace

 

[BlueRaider22]

Holgorsen's offense may not be heavy pass centric, but it's called Air Raid throughout the coaching community. Same with Brown's offense. Same with Sumlins. Riley's. Leach. etc.

The main purpose why I started this thread was listed above.

-For sure, the Air Raid offense has evolved. And, I totally agree that the name conjures up a very specific picture. But, the OC's mentioned above all claim to run the Air Raid system.

-We've had many posters who have said that Stoops doesn't want an explosive offense. That he doesn't want an Air Raid offense. That he wants a power run game. That he is preventing Dawson from running his offense......and prevented Brown. It's just illogical. If Stoops wanted to run the veer, he would've hired a veer OC.....etc. So, if he indeed wants to run what Brown/Dawson runs, then why would he step in and force them not to run it?

-And it is likely that Stoops envisions an offense that isn't what a lot of fans are thinking. Brown claims to run the Air Raid system, yet ran a fairly balanced (58-60% pass rate) attack at TTU. Even if Brown had complete control and threw the ball 60% of the time, it's still not the >70% throw rate that a lot of fans think about when they hear the words, Air Raid.

-As far as the perfect ratio that Stoops is looking for? I don't know. And I don't know if he necessarily would have one. All I've ever heard him reference was, Brown's TTU offense with a bit more flexibility and balance......something akin to OSU's offense at the time. Well, that could be darn nearly any ratio. Around that time OSU bounced from 50-60% pass rate.......it's certainly flexible and fairly balanced.

-Totall agree. What we have seen of the offenses over the last 3 yrs.......well, they can barely be called offenses yet they are certainly offensive. lol. And I certainly don't think the last 3 yrs is what Stoops is wanting out of his offense.

 

[WildCard]

Holgorsen's offense may not be heavy pass centric, but it's called Air Raid throughout the coaching community. Same with Brown's offense. Same with Sumlins. Riley's. Leach. etc.

The main purpose why I started this thread was listed above.

-For sure, the Air Raid offense has evolved. And, I totally agree that the name conjures up a very specific picture. But, the OC's mentioned above all claim to run the Air Raid system.

-We've had many posters who have said that Stoops doesn't want an explosive offense. That he doesn't want an Air Raid offense. That he wants a power run game. That he is preventing Dawson from running his offense......and prevented Brown. It's just illogical. If Stoops wanted to run the veer, he would've hired a veer OC.....etc. So, if he indeed wants to run what Brown/Dawson runs, then why would he step in and force them not to run it?...

I suppose I am simply more literal than some of those coaches that call a 50/50 pass/run offense "Air Raid". As I noted there are very few teams that throw it 60% of the time year in and year out. The big change between now and the Mumme era is that defense knows how to "counter" a high volume passing game. You are not out there throwing against a base 4-3 defense that is wondering what in the hell is going on.

While I (and most coaches) think balanced is best when given some uniquely talented players it is, IMO, just "good coaching" to take maximum advantage of those talents. Case in point, ex-UofL CCS. He had the best QB to ever play at UofL (maybe in the state; yes, i saw Couch play) but his defensive mentality resulted in a way too conservative passing game. In that sense, I think Stoops is cut from the same cloth. Which I find surprising since brother Bob is also a defensive guy but who has fully embraced a attacking, high octane offensive football.

Fans who say that about "explosive offenses" are just plain wrong. I think every coach wants an "explosive" offense as long as they are good enough and deep enough on defense to give him what he wants. In fact, I believe one of UK's goals of this year was to get more explosion in the offense. Definitely in year 1 (maybe year 2) I recall the staff lamenting the absence of "playmakers".

Peace

 

[BlueRaider22]

^Hey Wild,

As you said, it's generally good coaching practice to utilize the talents you have at your disposal. I completely agree.

What is your take on Dawson? This is what frustrates me about him. I generally try very hard not to completely judge someone on their first and only year body of work, but I'm struggling.
-Towles/Barker have a strength in their mobility, but Dawson goes out of his way to resist using it.
-We have 2 other RB's who are much more suited for goaline ability over Boom, but Boom generally gets the nod.....despite his poor conditioning to the fact that when they finally get down near the goal, he's gassed.
-etc.

To me that's not utilizing the talents you have to the best of your ability.

 

[maysvilleky]

In a previous post, I stated I thought this would be closer to a "west coast" style offense where the pass is as good as or is used to set up the run. Instead as BR is stating, this is a much more balanced attack and I wouldn't consider it a pass first offense. And UK doesn't have the horses up front to be a power running team. So basically our offense isn't "different" enough to cause defenses to struggle against our offense.

 

[Ctroberts1024]

I think the big confusion with some people is the term "air raid." The only team I can think of off the top of my head that still runs the true air raid is Washington State. A lot of coaches have come from the air raid tree, but don't run the actual air raid anymore.

Here are some "Air Raid" coaches and their splits.

Mike Leach for Washington State: 570 passing attempts, 236 rushing attempts. 70.7% - 29.3% pass to run
Lincoln Riley for Oklahoma: 334 passing attempts, 440 rushing attempts. 43.1% - 56.9% pass to run
Neal Brown at Troy: 344 passing attempts, 323 rushing attempts. 50.8% - 49.2% pass to run
Kliff Kingsbury at Texas Tech: 525 passing attempts, 387 rushing attempts. 57.6% - 42.4% pass to run
Art Briles at Baylor: 288 passing attempts, 420 rushing attempts. 40.7% - 59.3% pass to run
Dino Babers at Bowling Green: 488 passing attempts, 423 rushing attempts 53.6% - 46.4% pass to run
Kevin Sumlin at aTm: 367 passing attempts, 395 rushing attempts 48.2% - 51.8% pass to run
Shannon Dawson at UK: 342 passing attempts, 338 rushing attempts 50.3% - 49.7% pass to run
Tom Jurich at Oklahoma State: 376 passing attempts, 378 rushing attempts. 49.9% - 50.1% pass to run
Sonny Cumbie/Doug Meachem at TCU: 408 passing attempts, 432 rushing attempts. 48.6% - 51.4% pass to run

As you can see, there really isn't an "air raid" system anymore outside of Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury to an extent. Still, the majority of these guys run a spread attack with ratios fluctuating.

To break it down even further, this is what each teams yards per passing and rushing attempt:

WSU: 7.27 passing, 3.3 rushing
OK: 9.92 passing, 4.9 rushing
Troy: 6.62 passing, 3.8 rushing
TTU: 8.2 passing, 5.6 rushing
Baylor: 10.8 passing, 6.3 rushing
BG: 9.05 passing, 4.3 rushing
aTm: 6.86 passing, 4.6 rushing
UK: 6.39 passing, 4.3 rushing
OSU: 9.39 passing, 3.8 rushing
TCU: 9.24 passing, 5.4 rushing

Just looking at the numbers, the old dink and dunk, hit the crossing routes and WR screens air raid is gone. With that, it's obvious that it has turned into a more vertical passing game based on the yards per attempt passing.

What this means for UK:
If we compare ratios for this season, we are closest to (ironically enough) Troy and Neal Brown.
The concerning thing is that, although Dawson has said numerous time he wants to throw the ball downfield, we are dead last among those teams listed in yards per pass attempt at 6.39 yards. Obviously, we just aren't explosive enough in the passing game. That doesn't mean we don't throw it downfield enough (but I think we need to more), it's a combination of the deep ball and when we do complete passes, we aren't breaking a lot of tackles and getting YAC.

I don't think there is a perfect ratio because it will change based on how each game goes. That said, the common denominator between the REALLY good offenses is 9+ yards per passing attempt and 4+ yards per carry. Our rushing attack is getting what is needed. Our passing game has to be way more explosive than what we are now. That doesn't necessarily mean start throwing bombs. But we have to start making more people miss. This will be even more important now with Barker because I think we will see more of a short to intermediate passing game.

 

[brassnux66]

I think it's less about pass/run ratios and more about tempo. For it to work, especially with a suspect O-line, you've got to run plays at a much faster pace than we have been doing.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I think it's less about pass/run ratios and more about tempo. For it to work, especially with a suspect O-line, you've got to run plays at a much faster pace than we have been doing.

This is what disappoints me the most ...tempo...I really thought Stoops teams would play much faster, but I think he has his thumb on this and is showing as a defensive minded coach who has no clue what he wants to truly see on the other side of the ball

 

[CatDaddy4daWin]

This is what disappoints me the most ...tempo

Agreed on this in particular. I really thought that we would be a very fast tempo team but that has not happened as of yet. Have no idea why either.