Alabama football coach Nick Saban has lobbied hard, hoping rule changes might slow problematic up-tempo, no-huddle offenses like the one run at the University of Oregon.
But maybe Saban’s best shot at achieving that lies not with bellyaching, but with some help from the NFL.
A part of the Ducks success under former coach Chip Kelly (46-7) relied on tempo. Oregon snapped the ball fast, particularly on critical short-yardage plays, not waiting for the defense to line up. The Ducks ran more plays, caught defenses off balance, and also, wore them out.
It worked, which is why it’s been copied and why Saban is worried about regulating it. And while college rules committes are already looking at ways to regular tempo, they’ll soon have new data. Which is why this NFL season is so important to a state that doesn’t have a professional team.
While many are curious to see how Kelly’s offense will do in the NFL, there’s a more important question at play: Will college football take its cue on fast play from the NFL?
NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino told the Wall Street Journal this week, “We have to make sure teams understand that they don’t control www.falconsnflofficialshop.com/Authentic-Matt-Ryan-Jersey the tempo, our officials do. We’re going through our normal ball mechanics; we aren’t going to rush (unless) it’s a two-minute drill.”
Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon echoed that sentiment on Tuesday when he told me, “You’re only going to be able to go so fast in the NFL. They’ll only let you go so fast, and that’s it. The officials won’t run around any faster to try and let you get the ball snapped.”
Moon said he can’t see NFL officials allowing Kelly to dictate pace. It’s Kelly who will have to do the adjusting.
Kelly’s always been masterful at painting around the edges and working to find a way to succeed. But you can bet Saban and the no-huddle detractors are going to watch this NFL season with special interest.
The NFL already requires a change of ball when play goes out of bounds. That slows play. Also the official who spots the ball in the NFL has to be behind the deepest offense back before the snap. In most college games, neither happens.
So far there’s no comment from Kelly and Eagles on the pre-emptive officiating strike. But the real statement may come when preseason starts and Kelly and his offensive staff are waving their arms on the Eagles sideline. What then? And will college football notice?
I’ve never viewed Oregon’s fast-paced style as a gimmick. Varying the tempo is gamesmanship, and good strategy. That’s long been part of football and coaching. It’s why Saban’s whining grates, especially as he’s winning national titles.
I get it, coach. You have the better recruits, you’re bigger faster and stronger, and it would be swell if the offense would just line up, and go slow. I’m sure if you gave Saban a time machine he would travel back and argue against the forward pass.
One of the best things about the different eras of football, is studying how innovative offenses forced good defenses to adapt.
With this fast-pace debate, though, it’s the officials, and not defenses, at the controls.
There’s a balance between playing lightning fast for strategy’s sake and turning football into a chaotic game of musical chairs.
The hope here is that the NFL can find it. Because college football is watching.