Urban Meyer and the Gators Finding an Offensive Identity

The best thing about doing my weekly podcast, is the co-host Big Herc. As a Noles fan, it’s his duty to make sure I understand all the potential weaknesses of this year’s Gator football team. One of his perceived weaknesses, will be Meyer’s ability to adjust his offense to maximize his present talent.

I understand that Tim Tebow dominated any conversation about the Gators for the last four years. But Urban Meyer’s coaching career started long before Tebow. Some fans may have questions about the long-term, but Meyer will most likely do pretty well for a few more seasons without Tebow.

During the early weeks of spring practice, backup QB Jordan Reed had been taking reps at the TE position. Many believe true freshman Trey Burton may be part of a two quarterback system with Brantley. No one knew what the new Gator offense would look like– including Urban Meyer.Jeremy Fowler of the Orlando Sentinel, quoted Meyer in his Swamp Things Blog as saying,

“Who we are offensively? I don’t know,” said Meyer last Friday. “We don’t have an offense. I told you that five years ago. Are you guys going to change a lot? We have no idea right now. We’re going to do what we do well, if that’s I-formation, if that’s shotgun, if that’s Jordan reed at quarterback, if it’s throwing it all over the lot…” 

We knew Brantley could throw. We wondered how much he could or would run. Trey Burton could run, so maybe the two-quarterback system would work. Meyer’s former backup QB Jordan Reed seemed destined to move to the TE position.

Then today in the Orange and Blue Debut spring football game, Jordan displayed the QB skills that earned him a scholarship at the position. Reed threw the 31 yard go-ahead touchdown to redshirt sophomore T.J. Lawrence. Reed showed the ability to run the option, as well as throw the ball, though not as gifted a passer as Brantley.

In the end we saw the I-formation, the Spread and the fullback actually factor into the offense.

Meyer learned a great deal from last season. One big thing he implemented even before 2009 ended, expose the QB less to big hits. Meyer also knows that Brantley doesn’t own the same physique as his predecessor. Meyer knows he can’t expect Brantley to play like Tebow– especially with a true freshman designated as the only backup for now.

That said, the Gators have moved forward. Meyer has the foundation in Brantley. Like teams in his past, he also has the ability to provide plenty of wrinkles to keep defenses off balance (they will need this against the Tide in Tuscaloosa). We’ll get to see more of the old creative Meyer, mixed with the Mid-Western Notre Dame trained fundamentalist that builds great teams.

The Gators will have to get better by August. Every team does. The defense still has to prove how good it will be. In terms of Meyers performance during spring practice– all seems to be going well. We don’t have the certainty coming in we’re used to.

But that’s part of the fun, if you trust Meyer as a coach. It’s not IF– but HOW he will get it done.

Related Links
Gators Orange and Blue Debut Recap

Gators 2010 Spring Football Recap Podcast