Blue and Gold Illustrated

March 2014

Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football

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FAN FORUM COVERING THE SPREAD In his January 2014 column on set- ting realistic expectations for Everett Golson's return, Dan Murphy makes the point that we shouldn't expect too much from Golson. While I agree that no one should expect Jameis Winston- type numbers from Golson, I have to disagree that he won't be the "savior of the offense." One of the absolute necessities of an effective spread offense is having a quarterback that can threaten the run on every play (Lou Somogyi men- tions this in his article "Tale of Two Seasons"). The quarterback does not have to run the ball like Nick Marshall, but he does need to be a good enough runner to threaten the defense on run- ning plays and make them respect his mobility in the passing game. The QB running threat is a huge part of the spread option running game. With the QB being no threat to run on running plays, the defense is allowed to play 11 on 10. Having a mobile QB forces the defense to play 11 on 11 in the running game, essentially taking one of the front seven out of playing the ball carrier to instead "spy" the QB. This is a major advantage for the spread offense in the running game, and will show up in better rushing numbers for the Irish next year. A mobile QB is also an advantage in the passing game. First, a good run- ning game dramatically improves the effectiveness of play-action pass. Sec- ondly, a mobile QB slows down the pass rush as the D-linemen have to be much more conscious of staying in lanes to prevent a long gain on a scramble. And, as Brian Kelly mentioned dur- ing the season, it is very difficult to run BE HEARD! Send your letters to: Letters Blue & Gold Illustrated P. O. Box 1007 Notre Dame, IN 46556 or e-mail to: lsomogyi@blueandgold.com The return of quarterback Everett Golson should enable Notre Dame to run the spread offense to its maximum capability. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA

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