Simplify the offensive schemes.

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/3/6/5470272/michigan-football-new-offense-plays-doug-nussmeier-2014

Why couldn't Borgres simplify the offense with his new kids and then make it more complex as they experience mounted why throw it all in at once. Even in High school the offense progresses as the kid get older. Borges was a moron to think he would change it all in one swilled swoop . He should have been let go .

At his presser after the Nebraska game, Borges said he ran about 41 different formations out of 87 total plays. But since each formation had only 1 or 2 variations, Nebraska players said they knew what was coming by the formation.

So the players' heads were spinning with all the formations, while the opposing defense had a head start to head them off at the pass.

squeezebox wrote:

At his presser after the Nebraska game, Borges said he ran about 41 different formations out of 87 total plays.  But since each formation had only 1 or 2 variations, Nebraska players said they knew what was coming by the formation.

So the players' heads were spinning with all the formations, while the opposing defense had a head start to head them off at the pass.

Exactly. I'd much rather see a handfull of formations with more play options from each. When your formation tips your play, that's a bad thing.

fishgoblue22 wrote:

[...When your formation tips your play, that's a bad thing...

even worse when a specific player tips a play (AJ Williams)

Squeeze, Fish and Sandy---all three of you are spot-on.  And let's take it a step further, to the other side of the ball.

I was very encouraged to read that coach Matty told Frank Clark the other day: "When you stood up, everyone in this building knew we were dropping [off in coverage]!!!"

GM owns one of the best defensive minds in football. (notice I did not specify college football, either...ouch, sorry Fish---you're probably sittin' there RAVIN' at me right now!). Greg, too, knows the importance of secrecy...

As you all say, tipping your hand in football (against an equally-talented opponent) is like doing it at the poker table. Nothing but bad things will happen....

8 formations

motion off those 8

5 plays off of each formation.

This is the start.

Every week add 1 play to each formation until you get about 8 that you run very well.

Why can't you make a year out of 64 plays?

Please guys, I'm being VERY simplistic. I'm not trying to be a rocket scientist.

joe wrote:

...Please guys, I'm being VERY simplistic. I'm not trying to be a rocket scientist...

+1

I agree... it's football. We're not trying to split an atom. It doesn't need to be as complex as borges tried to make it. at least not out of the gate.

I'm reminded of the great line from "Bull Durham":
 
"This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. Think about that for a while."

And fish, sometimes the other guy does it better'n you, ya know?

A little more about the offense.

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2014/03/doug_nussmeiers_running_game_l.html

Another side note. After two years of Denard, Borges stated that with Devin, he finally had a quarterback that would allow him to implement his whole playbook.

We all saw where that got us.

Not even sure what that playbook was, since the play calling changed every week, with Jekyll and Hyde performances.