From the Bleachers: A Fan’s Playbook for Getting the Offense Rolling Again; By a Guy Who’s Definitely Not a Football Coach
Look, I’m no football coach — I’m just a fan who yells at the TV like it matters, and claps a little too hard when we convert on third down. But from a fan’s-eye view, here are a few things I’d love to see from our offense to get it humming again — because we’re close. The pieces are there. It’s just time to mix in a few sparks to get that scoreboard back lighting up like we know it can.
Jay Ballard
10/28/20252 min read
1. Break Out the Wildcat.
No, I’m not calling for a full-on gimmick offense — just a wrinkle. Give Jamari Taylor or whoever’s in the backfield a few direct snaps, especially near the goal line. Let them read it, hit the hole, or bounce it wide. It’s not about trickery; it’s about rhythm and unpredictability. The defense starts guessing, and that’s when good things happen. Sometimes a new look can re-energize a whole drive.
2. Revive the Grady Bunch.
Remember that heavy formation that used to bulldoze its way to a first down? Yeah, that one. Bring it back — and this time, with an extra body or two. Brosterhous has been that guy, but with him banged up, someone else has to step in and carry that load. We need that short-yardage identity again. A physical “we dare you to stop us” type of play. Whether you call it the Grady Bunch, the Tush Push, or just plain old power football, it needs to live in our playbook.
3. End Arounds, Please — Two Minimum.
At least two per game, non-negotiable. It’s not just about picking up yards; it’s about keeping that backside defensive end honest. Let that motion man touch the ball. It freezes defenders, opens up the zone read, and suddenly play-action looks a whole lot prettier. Plus, when it hits — and the receiver turns the corner with space — the stadium comes alive. Those are the kind of plays that build momentum and energy.
4. Take the Deep Shots.
Look, I love a good slant and a clean 10-yard out as much as anyone, but at some point, the ball’s gotta fly. You’ve got Edrine, Ross, and Harris — pick your matchup, isolate your guy, and let it rip. Even if it’s incomplete, it changes how the safeties play and opens up everything underneath. Nothing wrong with a little air-it-out swagger.
We’re not far from the offense that was flirting with 50 points a game earlier this season. The rhythm’s been off a bit, sure, but it’s all still there — the talent, the creativity, the explosiveness. Sometimes it just takes one wrinkle, one play call, one big shot to get it rolling again.
I’m no coach, but from the bleachers, it’s easy to see how close this group is to breaking loose again. Mix in a little Wildcat, revive the Grady Bunch, keep the defense honest, and let those deep balls fly.
Because when this offense is clicking, it’s not just fun football — it’s must-watch football. Go Hoos!