10 Things To Watch For In The Spring Game (#10)

[Lukus Alderman]

Hornsports is getting you prepped for the Spring Game by counting down the days until kickoff with a daily topic for discussion. Here's the first installment in the series...

10. What kind of offense will the Longhorns use under Wickline/Watson?

Joe Wickline takes over the Texas Longhorns offense this year with the playcalling assistance of Shawn Watson. Wickline came from Oklahoma State, so it's hard to imagine that the former Poke offensive line coach will stray from the quick-hitting, fast-paced offense that the Cowboys were successful with over the past 5-6 seasons.

However, Shawn Watson's reputation is a more conservative background. His most recent work (at Louisville and Nebraska) featured a pro-style/West Coast offense. Even though Watson was tabbed as play-caller, Strong made it clear that Wickline is the offensive coordinator. Whether that means Wickline will have the freedom to install a run-and-gun style of offense remains to be seen, but I would be surprised if a defensive minded head coach allows it.

 

[Matt Cotcher]

I tend to trust the coaches, but do worry about having too many cooks in the kitchen. I believe that the entire staff will have input on the design of the offense. In the end, I think that Wickline v Watson title fiasco was more about their salary than anything else.

It's amusing to me that fans have already designated Watson as the whipping post out of the pairing. So much for reserving judgment!

Looking forward to the rest of the series, Lukus.

 

[HornNdriftwood]

According to CS, "offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Joe Wickline would call plays alongside Watson."

He went on to say, "When you talk about play-calling duties, they're mature enough. They've been around it enough. Neither one has an ego. Wickline is going to be involved in it. He's going to make some calls. Shawn is going to make some calls. When we go down the stretch and we have to have a call made, I think Shawn, because he's been doing it for a long time and I'm comfortable with him."

 

[streettopeschel]

I nominate 'who's calling the plays' to be the topic most likely to be beat to a pulp over the coming months.

 

[BudreauReye]

Methinks that there is just a little bit of obsfucation and misdirection going on here.  I think that Coach Charlie Strong fully intends to keep the opposition guessing and that the assistant coaches are mature and secure enough in there own abilities to play this game to the advantage of Texas.  Eh!  But, what do I know? 

 

[texasdobbs]

It will be the August 31st surprise. ...

 

[Darrell McPhaul]

I wonder of the playscalling is goint to be script?

 

[Bear19]

I just hope they do it in the mobile version.

 

[Lukus Alderman]

I really hope to see a spread offense, but I have my doubts. I think it all depends on how much trust the coaches have in whoever plays at QB.

 

[Coleman Feeley]

I wouldn't be suprised to see an offense that utilizes MULTIPLE sets and personel groupings. One of the beautiful things about Coach Wickline's offensive line is that the play's blocking schemes stay the same from formation to formation. My college team referred to the zone read as "32",  "32" could be run from 11 personel, 22 personel, twins, pro, wing, ect... The blocking schemes are called from the line so as long as there's good communication I'd expect to see LOTS of formations.

 

[JimsTexas]

Hornsports is getting you prepped for the Spring Game by counting down the days until kickoff with a daily topic for discussion. Here's the first installment in the series...

10. What kind of offense will the Longhorns use under Wickline/Watson?

Joe Wickline takes over the Texas Longhorns offense this year with the playcalling assistance of Shawn Watson. Wickline came from Oklahoma State, so it's hard to imagine that the former Poke offensive line coach will stray from the quick-hitting, fast-paced offense that the Cowboys were successful with over the past 5-6 seasons.

However, Shawn Watson's reputation is a more conservative background. His most recent work (at Louisville and Nebraska) featured a pro-style/West Coast offense. Even though Watson was tabbed as play-caller, Strong made it clear that Wickline is the offensive coordinator. Whether that means Wickline will have the freedom to install a run-and-gun style of offense remains to be seen, but I would be surprised if a defensive minded head coach allows it.

I don't think Wickline leaves Okie Light and came to Texas to be told how to run the offense. I feel that he Wickline is going to be given some leway on what plays he will call. My friends y'all have a great weekend

 

[J.B. TexasEx]

I don't think Wickline leaves Okie Light and came to Texas to be told how to run the offense. I feel that he Wickline is going to be given some leway on what plays he will call. My friends y'all have a great weekend

Yes, sir!

I'd love to see the offense evolve into something similar to OSU's, a run-heavy spread variant.  \m/