Heard an interesting discussion on the radio this morning with regard to Texas A&M which had some implied criticism of Spavital from the A&M media expert.
He said they would be playing a lot faster than they have the last 3 years and would greatly simplify the playbook as things had slowed down and the playbook had gotten more bigger in recent years.
The former issue seems less troubling as according to players and media accounts, we've been playing a very fast pace. The latter is more concerning as I heard from the players that the new offense has a lot more going on than the TFS. Instinctively that gives me heartburn, in part because of my battered fan syndrome under Tedford. Also, Spavital did struggle the past two years with the Aggies and it may not all be on him but some it has to be his responsibility.
Interestingly, they talked about how the QB transfer Knight winning the job could impact things. They talked a lot about how experienced leadership matters at QB relative to having to start a frosh, RS frosh or Sophomore (which Cal will need to do unless Webb comes) helping to stabilize the offense. Apparently, Knight won the locker room and weight room quickly and has more upside physically than the other older guys (who were 3rd/4th/5th on the depth chart last year). A&M media expert said they are worried that Knight's inconsistencies, bad decision making and penchant for pick sixes may not go away. The quote was that everyone remembers his great game against Alabama and forgets he was up and down that season and the following season before becoming flat out not good and losing his job. The take away is that what you see is likely what you get. With Webb that means good, not great QB play.
He said they would be playing a lot faster than they have the last 3 years and would greatly simplify the playbook as things had slowed down and the playbook had gotten more bigger in recent years.
The former issue seems less troubling as according to players and media accounts, we've been playing a very fast pace. The latter is more concerning as I heard from the players that the new offense has a lot more going on than the TFS. Instinctively that gives me heartburn, in part because of my battered fan syndrome under Tedford. Also, Spavital did struggle the past two years with the Aggies and it may not all be on him but some it has to be his responsibility.
Interestingly, they talked about how the QB transfer Knight winning the job could impact things. They talked a lot about how experienced leadership matters at QB relative to having to start a frosh, RS frosh or Sophomore (which Cal will need to do unless Webb comes) helping to stabilize the offense. Apparently, Knight won the locker room and weight room quickly and has more upside physically than the other older guys (who were 3rd/4th/5th on the depth chart last year). A&M media expert said they are worried that Knight's inconsistencies, bad decision making and penchant for pick sixes may not go away. The quote was that everyone remembers his great game against Alabama and forgets he was up and down that season and the following season before becoming flat out not good and losing his job. The take away is that what you see is likely what you get. With Webb that means good, not great QB play.
