COLLEGE FOOTBALL

End Zone: UT Rockets

There are a couple misconceptions UT debunks about offensive norms.

9/26/2013

There are a couple misconceptions UT debunks about offensive norms.

The spread does not have to be a blur to be effective. A quarterback without breakneck speed is not a klutz, and a running back with a meaty frame is not a snail. And play clocks that dwindle to less than 10 seconds are not attached to a bomb.

Secondly, the movement to admit feature backs to a gridiron graveyard of leather helmets, barefoot kickers, and AstroTurf is misinformed. David Fluellen, who ran 32 times last week, is drowning out his backup vocalists and producing sweet sounds.

The Rockets, in defying conventions of a spread, are approaching being called dirty words. Ground-and-pound. Gasp. Ball control. In wins the past two weeks Toledo ran 94 times and threw 49, an astounding divide for an offense that epitomized balance last year. Some of the disparity is a reflection of a freshman quarterback. There's likely another reason.

Matt Campbell recognizes his clearest path to the MAC title is the combination of the outstanding Fluellen, a stout offensive line, and receivers equipped to block downfield.

There are few absolutes when it comes to the spread. One of them is adaptation. UT seems open to change.

Contact Ryan Autullo at: rautullo@theblade.com, 419-724-6160 or on Twitter @AutulloBlade.