re: Mark May just called GTech a "spread" offense

You're not very creative SFP.

Talking to SFP is like trying to convince MFP that the Astros will not make the playoffs. You cannot do it.

as my boy chris berman would say "some spread huh????"

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but not a "true" triple option like old Nebraska, etc

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What do you mean not a "true" triple option?

It wasn't like Nebraska, who ran the Iform, at least they did in the 90s, not sure about Old Nebraska.

But GT runs a TRUE triple option, dont they? The veer?

Guys...it is a spread offense.

The term spread comes from the splits between the lineman. While most teams are 1-2 feet between lineman...a spread offense "spreads" the lineman out 2-3 feet apart...such as ours.

Like Florida, we are a single set offense...with the primary difference being that our QB plays under center instead of a shotgun...which gives you more possibilities.

We have two slotbacks lined up tight just off outside and behind the tackles. These guys could go vertical (run and shoot style...see next year) or they can lead block...or they can go in motion for a rocket sweep, reverse, or become part of the triple option.

The triple option is not an offense....it is a play. We run this play about 15 times per game out of 60 plays.

This could get really in the weeds if anyone actually wanted to get into the history of all these different formations and plays. But I'll just make one point, that the term "spread" has a long history that pre-dates what most people think of as the spread these days. Most people think the spread was invented like 5 years ago. It's a relative term that has been applied to many different offenses. CPJ calls it a Spread, that's why the analysts do I assume.

I recommend reading some recent posts(esp. the one on Urban Meyer's spread) on this site: Smart Football

one more point, our base formation is the original run and shoot formation.

I stick by what I am saying. He can call it whatever he wants, and say he expanded it from the run and shoot. But if you look at it for what it is, its nothing more than the old wing-t offense. Anyone who follows Louisiana HS football can tell you this. Its been a staple among the HS's here for years.

The spread is a formation not an offense. GT plays out of a spread formation. 4+ wideouts (2 WR, 2 slots, although our slots are tighter than in most modern spreads), single back max, wide line splits. These are the characteristics of the spread formation. What plays you run after that is beside the point, you are running them from the spread.

Our formation is very similar, as pointed out above, to Tiger Ellison's original run-and-shoot, before Mouse Davis got hold of it. Ga Southern was running r-and-s the year before Johnson took over as OC. My understanding is that Erk wanted to switch to the I and have more power running, Johnson convinced him to stay with the spread formation, added option elements and, as the 101 video showed, could run I plays via quick motion while keeping pre-snap balance.

The offense evolved thru GSU, Hawaii and Navy (losing most of the run-and-shoot elements at Navy because they didnt have the QBs to run it).

Both Johnson and Leach have noted the similarity of the offenses GT and TT run. Most people would think they couldnt be more different, but the similarities are in the details, not the play calling.