No. 6 – A new offense
August 24, 2014
I know you were waiting for me to get to this … the NEW
TCU offense. It didn’t arrive here without a lot of soul-searching and deep thought on the part of Coach P.
This offense is a departure from the old ball-control, play-defense, control-the-clock days during the Horned Frogs’ time in
the Mountain West Conference. Coach P decided a change was needed, and new Offensive Coordinator Doug Meacham came up Interstate 45 from University of Houston to answer the call.
By the time Meacham got here, he had talked Sonny Cumbie into coming from Texas Tech, where he played QB for Mike Leach. He’s became co-coordinator, and the transformation was on.
It’s a fun offense and you’re going to like it….but DON’T BLINK.
It’s a fast, four-wide, one-back setup, mostly, but there are wrinkles and twists for any defense to fall into.
Meacham has thrown out “80 plays per game” as number, although it’s not mandatory. He wants to keep the defense guessing (and behind) with a fast pace and a loads of formations and personnel groups.
One play it will be four wideouts. The next: two tight ends. Then an empty set (no backs). Then three backs. Then one tight end. Good luck trying to guess.
It’s a body in motion that will stay in motion as long as the quarterback makes the right reads and is accurate with his throws. Coach Meacham told me before fall camp began, “I don’t think there’s a time when we’ll ever slow down.”
A fast-moving offense needs lots of fresh skill position people, and the Frogs will go two-deep at all wide receiver positions during games. According to Meacham, a backup wide receiver might play as many as 20 snaps a game.
Running backs will get a good workout, too, and not just taking handoffs. Anyone on the field had better be able to catch the ball. They’re all receivers.
I personally can’t wait to see this offense on Saturday. That’s right, SATURDAY! It’s game week. Get ready!
Tomorrow, No. 5
Kick ‘Em High!
Ten reasons you’re going to love these Frogs
Aug. 20: No. 10 – The schedule
Aug. 21: No. 9 – The defensive line
Aug. 22: No. 8 – The kicking game
Aug. 23: No. 7 – The secondary
About Extra Points with John Denton
John Denton has been the color analyst for the TCU Sports Network from IMG since 1988. A former standout for the Horned Frog football team, Denton went from walk-on to a four-year lettermen as a kicker and punter for the Purple and White from 1981-84 and completed his career at the 1984 Bluebonnet Bowl. Shown here with his former coach, the late Jim Wacker, Denton currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director for Athletics Alumni Relations & Executive Director of the Block T Association.
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