NORMAN — A couple of months ago, Bob Stoops approached offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson with an idea on how to score more points.
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A lot of people are doing it, Stoops said. Would you want to do it?
"If you want to run no-huddle, I know how to do it,” Wilson responded. "Here's how you do it.”
What started out as a casual conversation between Stoops and Wilson has evolved into the audition of the no-huddle into the Sooner offense this spring.
And the benefits could be significant.
Not only for the offense, but for the Sooner defense, too.
As for the offense, Stoops and Wilson think a no-huddle attack could help the Sooners score more points.
The evidence for that thinking is in their opponents — five of the top six offenses in the Big 12 ran versions of a no-huddle offense last season.
"It's becoming about our league,” Wilson said. "Half our league is doing it.”
OU might be perfectly equipped to run the no-huddle, too.
The Sooners bring back a proven commodity at quarterback in Sam Bradford, the nation's reigning passing efficiency champion.
OU also returns eight other starters, meaning the learning curve shouldn't be so steep.
But the biggest advantage the Sooners might have with the no-huddle is their tremendous flexibility in formations, thanks to versatile players like tight end/fullback Brody Eldridge, tailback/fullback Matt Clapp, tight end/wide receiver Jermaine Gresham and tailback/slot receiver/quarterback DeMarco Murray.
Defenses will have less time to adjust to OU's offense, which can run anything from three tight ends to five wideouts using almost the same players in either.
That could create significant mismatches such as isolating Murray on a linebacker in the slot.
On top of that, OU should get more snaps from scrimmage, prompting quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel to compare it to Billy Tubbs' style of coaching basketball.
"It gives you more opportunities. It's like fast-break basketball. Up and down,” Heupel said. "You know, ‘Billy Ball.' Get as many shots as you can.”
The defense could also prosper from practicing how to adjust to the no-huddle everyday in practice for when they see it on Saturdays.
"There's some nuisances that help you deal with it, practice at it,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. "There's a lot of intricacies to how you prepare for it.”
OU also has the mastermind to implement the no-huddle.
Wilson has plenty of knowledge in calling plays out of a no-huddle offense dating back to his days as offensive coordinator at Northwestern and Miami (Ohio), which both ran versions of it.
"The defensive coaches thought it would be good,” Wilson said. "Going no-huddle is nice, but you better be able to block and take care of the ball.
"We won't go to it if we don't think it's going to be a good thing.”
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No huddle, why not? Hey, score more points than the opposition and you win. As suspect as the defense has been at times, this may not be a bad idea, especially with all the playmakers. If nothing else, it should be fun to watch. Bradford could have the greatest single season passing in OU history and OU could use Demarco in more direct snap alignments. It would be tough to defend and fun to watch. They should try it and get into the 21st Century.
The no-huddle only works if executed. If not you only put yor defense bakc on the filed faster. With an unproven defense, I would rather stay with th conventional offense and keep the oppositions defense on the field longer. Tx Tech's offense is good at the no-huddle, but how often does there defense get worn out. And Mizzou's no-huddle offense to me is a joke. They still run almost the entire play clock every down,they just don't get into a huddle. Seems dumb to me . If you are going to take that much time then huddle up and communicat ethe play easier to your players.Boomer Sooner
Maybe they should have averaged less so that they could score more in the bowl game. I think every team that plays OU knows the OU offense better than OU does. Its time to change something. With the talent they had last year, they should have been undefeated. Either change up plays or change the offensive coordinator. Big Ten ball hasn't won a national championship in a while. That is the purpose of going to to bowl games isn't it? Winning?
Maybe they should have averaged less so that they could score more in the bowl game. I think every team they plays OU knows the OU offense better than OU does. Its time to change something. With the talent they had last year, they should have been undefeated. Either change up plays or change the offensive coordinator. Big Ten ball hasn't won a national championship in a while. That is the purpose of going to to bowl games isn't it? Winning?
OU isnt going to the no huddle. Every year they put stuff out there to get teams to thinking and preparing for it. OU's offense averaged 42 points a game and scored more touchdowns than any other offense in OU's history. You dont try to fix something thats not broke.
Smashmouth Football? This is precisely why OU is looking into no-huddle or some form of innovation on the offensive side of things. Evolve or get left behind.
Its funny to me that the "world's greatest offense" is only good enough to be 22nd in the NCAA. Hate to see what the "world's worst offense" would look like if thats the greatest. Enough with all the pre-season-hype and marketing ploys Pokers. How bout doin something on the field? Count it!
Arron, Couldn't agree with you more! Just wanted to put my 2 cent's worth as the no huddle topic was presented. The defense is what really concerns me this year (as last year!) but I believe if the offense runs a control game, (and obviously, some are bored with the notion,) the defense can benefit from getting those extended breathers on the sidelines. Yes, defense and a will to play "smashmouth" football will prevail...
Boomer Sooner
Should be interesting. Should be less predictable. It's still going to come down to execution. I'm looking forward to this season with all the playmakers and a proven quarterback. Seem like defense will be the question mark.
Let's make it like the Billy Tubbs days. If we haven't hung a half a hundred on 'em by half time, the crowd will be hacked off. Those were some great times at the LNC. Seriously though, I think I like the no-huddle offense some of the time. The Sooners have a lot of talent on offense and need to figure out how to use it.
No huddle offense? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seemed as though the Sooners were "off to the track meet" last season, even though they were running their normal offense. While I understand why the no huddle is implememented at times, I truly believe that the Sooners are a much better team while grinding the ball out (this also means running outside the tackles, Mr Wilson... maybe pitches, etc. instead of delayed handoffs?) With the horses they have up front this yearand the speed at tailback, there's no reason why this can't be accomplished. Sam Bradford had a tremendous year last season with his efficiency. Hard to believe that he could improve on those numbers....But keep those defenses honest by bouncing the running game outside, so OU won't be up against a nine man box; Bradford then would have a field day... If the Sooners get that rush offense going, the defense may even have time for a breather during the game. Nothing worse than a three & out to gas your players..Hope that we don't witness that as much this season.
Boomer Sooner
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