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Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

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Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 4:56 pm
by Garret
I thought I should pass along this note about JJ's past use as a change-of-pace QB. This might be relevant to how Braden Smith was used against UAB (all those runs are on tape now) or future uses of the Wild Mustang formation:

back in 2001, JJ had put in an option run with the backup QB (Shawn Withy-Allen, I think). He would come into the game and run an option play and get maybe 2 or 3 yards a pop. this was put in a few games before the big showdown with Fresno State. Fresno had scouted us well (maybe too well) and when we had a 3rd and goal, out came the backup qb... and Fresno was ready for the option. But they weren't ready for the HB pass to Lelie in the back of the endzone.


http://www.sportshawaii.com/sh/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=32565

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 5:00 pm
by CalallenStang
Mustangs, by definition, are wild.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 6:20 pm
by One Trick Pony
Fact; That was not the wildcat formation.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 6:24 pm
by Blvd.Fan
I thought the same thing. Keep brining Braden in running, but when you really need it (TCU), have him drop back and throw a pass.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:20 pm
by Garret
One Trick Pony wrote:Fact; That was not the wildcat formation.


I agree that Braden wasn't used in a wildcat formation...but I do expect that JJ will be saving other options for Braden's plays for big games. Those variations can actually be seen in tapes of Hawaii games with Shawn Withy-Allen.

In fact, I should have used a different title for this thread...because when JJ used a backup QB in Hawaii for a change-of-pace offense that just ran the ball until a big game, that wasn't a wildcat formation. JJ is just using Braden like he did Shawn Withy-Allen...and SMU fans can probably expect a fair number of variations on the plays that Braden runs.

JJ had RB Mike Bass taking direct snaps in Hawaii, but I don't think that was in a wildcat formation either since I think I remember the QB was in the shotgun instead of split out wide.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:43 pm
by kull
Garret wrote:
One Trick Pony wrote:Fact; That was not the wildcat formation.


I agree that Braden wasn't used in a wildcat formation...but I do expect that JJ will be saving other options for Braden's plays for big games. Those variations can actually be seen in tapes of Hawaii games with Shawn Withy-Allen.

In fact, I should have used a different title for this thread...because when JJ used a backup QB in Hawaii for a change-of-pace offense that just ran the ball until a big game, that wasn't a wildcat formation. JJ is just using Braden like he did Shawn Withy-Allen...and SMU fans can probably expect a fair number of variations on the plays that Braden runs.

JJ had RB Mike Bass taking direct snaps in Hawaii, but I don't think that was in a wildcat formation either since I think I remember the QB was in the shotgun instead of split out wide.


Garret, you are right. He has installed a simple flexbone package for Braden.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 7:53 pm
by SMU 86
kull wrote:
Garret wrote:
One Trick Pony wrote:Fact; That was not the wildcat formation.


I agree that Braden wasn't used in a wildcat formation...but I do expect that JJ will be saving other options for Braden's plays for big games. Those variations can actually be seen in tapes of Hawaii games with Shawn Withy-Allen.

In fact, I should have used a different title for this thread...because when JJ used a backup QB in Hawaii for a change-of-pace offense that just ran the ball until a big game, that wasn't a wildcat formation. JJ is just using Braden like he did Shawn Withy-Allen...and SMU fans can probably expect a fair number of variations on the plays that Braden runs.

JJ had RB Mike Bass taking direct snaps in Hawaii, but I don't think that was in a wildcat formation either since I think I remember the QB was in the shotgun instead of split out wide.


Garret, you are right. He has installed a simple flexbone package for Braden.


Looks more like a spread option than a flexbone.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:15 pm
by kull
SMU 86 wrote:
kull wrote:
Garret, you are right. He has installed a simple flexbone package for Braden.


Looks more like a spread option than a flexbone.


The flex-bone is a spread-option offense. Look at the line splits and protections called.
What has been shown thus far is very vanilla, as it should be. The base offense needs the reps and work.

Re: Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 8:51 pm
by GoRedGoBlue
Nice reporting!!

Can you send this to the wsu head coaches now?

Re: Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:04 pm
by Garret
GoRedGoBlue wrote:Nice reporting!!

Can you send this to the wsu head coaches now?


Hawaii used a formation against Washington State in Saturday's game with Inoke Funaki (technically a RB but he started at QB last year and he isn't being used much at the RB position) that is not too different than how SMU used Braden. So, not only did Washington State get a good look at an offense similar to SMU's offense, Inoke's formation was similar to Braden's. Inoke lost a fumble on his last carry against WSU, like Braden against UAB.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:09 pm
by One Trick Pony
Garret wrote:
One Trick Pony wrote:Fact; That was not the wildcat formation.


I agree that Braden wasn't used in a wildcat formation...but I do expect that JJ will be saving other options for Braden's plays for big games. Those variations can actually be seen in tapes of Hawaii games with Shawn Withy-Allen.

In fact, I should have used a different title for this thread...because when JJ used a backup QB in Hawaii for a change-of-pace offense that just ran the ball until a big game, that wasn't a wildcat formation. JJ is just using Braden like he did Shawn Withy-Allen...and SMU fans can probably expect a fair number of variations on the plays that Braden runs.

JJ had RB Mike Bass taking direct snaps in Hawaii, but I don't think that was in a wildcat formation either since I think I remember the QB was in the shotgun instead of split out wide.



My friend at the UAB game said that this was the wildcat; I think he’s much more knowledgeable than I am. But when JJ keyed in with the laser backed it up and said it was not a wildcat I figured he mite know more than my buddy.

Re: Wildcat formation

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:26 pm
by SMU 86
kull wrote:
SMU 86 wrote:
kull wrote:
Garret, you are right. He has installed a simple flexbone package for Braden.


Looks more like a spread option than a flexbone.


The flex-bone is a spread-option offense. Look at the line splits and protections called.
What has been shown thus far is very vanilla, as it should be. The base offense needs the reps and work.


Florida is spread option and Georgia Tech is flexbone (not that you did not know that I am sure you did). I was talking more of where the skilled position players lined up. In the Flexbone the 1 RB is behind the QB which is under center and the other 2 RB's are at end on the line (one on each side). In the spread option the QB and RB are in the shotgun and the still have 3 or 4 WR's. I am not trying to argue the point I was just coming from a different angle. You are probably correct about the line splits. Heck, I just hope we win.

Re: Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 9:39 pm
by Stallion
Next year that role will likely be filled by Jeremy Johnson. Accurate passer and a kid that others keep comparing to Vince Young. Now that might be interesting. I think Jeremy Johnson will likely be an Inside Receiver but I could see him filling that role too. Plus with Johnson you could line him up at Receiver send Bo wide like most Widcat offense and put Johnson back for the direct snap before the Defense can react to a change of QBs.

Re: Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:14 pm
by kull
86, i agree we need to win.

I just can't wait until JJ's offense is running on all cylinders, we won't need a change of pace! The base offense will be deadly.

Stallion, I think you are right about Johnson. The guy actually has decent footwork and mechanics for a dual threat guy.

Re: Using Braden as a change-of-pace QB

PostPosted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:24 pm
by Garret
Stallion wrote:Next year that role will likely be filled by Jeremy Johnson. Accurate passer and a kid that others keep comparing to Vince Young. Now that might be interesting. I think Jeremy Johnson will likely be an Inside Receiver but I could see him filling that role too. Plus with Johnson you could line him up at Receiver send Bo wide like most Widcat offense and put Johnson back for the direct snap before the Defense can react to a change of QBs.

I agree that this would be effective. You come out of the huddle and line up Bo at wideout and Johnson at QB and snap the ball quickly before the defense can adjust. Since no substitution is needed, the defense has no warning.