OU football: Spread is the latest ‘O’ trend
OU FootballStoops’ hire of Leach ignited Big 12 offenses everywhere

Published: October 4, 2008

WACO, Texas — When Bob Stoops came to Oklahoma 10 years ago, Big 12 offenses could’ve starred in the movie "Leatherheads.”

In other words, they relied on a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-mud power rushing attack.

Stoops, however, would change that, hiring pass guru Mike Leach away from Kentucky.

"I remember their time of possession was good, they had a good number of first downs and they were scoring points on everybody,” said Stoops, recalling why he decided on Leach as his offensive coordinator.

That hire proved to be the catalyst in the explosion of spread offenses in the Big 12.

OU’s opponent today, Baylor, is the latest team to thrive in the spread.

Under first-year coach Art Briles — who was at Stephenville (Texas) High School when Leach hired him to be Texas Tech’s running backs coach — the Bears are averaging 41 points a game and are 2-1 since inserting freshman quarterback Robert Griffin into the starting lineup.

Baylor fans can thank Stoops in part for their newfound success, since it was he who brought Leach, and in turn the spread, to the Big 12.

"I certainly think Bob had a big part in bringing the spread to the league,” OU defensive backs coach Bobby Jack Wright said. "When Mike came here, he did a tremendous job for us. Coaches, we all mimic each other, we’re all copycats.

"The spread offense is something you see going on across the country, and Mike started that in the Big 12.”

Leach’s spread offense instantly caused problems for defenses accustomed to defending the I-formation as OU went 7-5 in 1999, after a year in which the Sooners finished 5-6.

After that, versions of his offense unfolded like a grass fire to all corners of the league.

In 1999, the Sooners were the only Big 12 team to finish in the top 15 in pass offense and one of only two league teams to rank in the top 10 in scoring.

This year, Texas Tech, Missouri, OU and Kansas boast four of the nation’s top six pass offenses.

Nine of the top 30 scoring offenses are from the Big 12, including Baylor, which in 1999 ranked No. 111 in scoring offense.

"It was something that was introduced to the league, and I think we had great success moving the ball,” said OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables.

"I think it showed in year one that it’s a good system, and it forces a lot of matchup issues a lot of people aren’t equipped to handle.

"The spread offense is something that has worked.”

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