Media Wednesday - Mr. Smith and the Spread Offense

by dvieira on Aug 26, 2009 10:49 AM PDT in Oregon Ducks Football

qrsouther sent in a great clip for Media Wednesday featuring former Oregon quarterback Akili Smith. Akili was a great passer in his day but this clip brings up another possibility. How would Akili Smith do in Chip Kelly's version of the spread? Leave your thoughts below and vote in the poll

Poll

How would Akili Smith's performance be affected by Chip Kelly's version of the spread offense?

Akili would be even more successful than he was

370 votes

He isn't suited to the spread. He would be less effective than in a pro style offense

32 votes

402 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Can you imagine him and Droughns running the spread option? Akili Smith would have been perfect running that offense.

But, you can’t really argue with him in a pro offense either, considering that was one of the best offenses in Oregon history (before Droughns got hurt).

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 26, 2009 11:08 AM PDT reply actions

Depth.

I remember reading an article last year about Belotti reflecting on the success of that team. One of the things that really stood out to me was the quarterback depth on that team. Smith, Maas, Feely , and a redshirt freshman Harrington. That’s 4 qbs from one team that have played at the professional ranks. Their success at that level has been short of “special,” but they were/are there. That says something about the Oregon coaching staff, I think.

Also, between keeerrrttt1’s clips and the Big10 network I’m wondering… Have their been any college football games in the BCS era not called by Brent Musburger?

"It amazes me that you understand (...) the number one play of what their offense is and what they do best, AND you still can't stop it!" - Craig James

by AcadianTraverse on Aug 26, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Akili Smith would have been dominate in a spread I think. It usually took more than 1 guy to take him down, and in a spread, he’s have a lot of open field runs.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 26, 2009 11:09 AM PDT reply actions

What a fun game that was…damn hot though. I think Akili would have been fantastic running Chip’s spread. I’ll never forget Akili’s burst down the middle of the field (about 50 yards if memory serves) to beat USC late in the ‘98 game. Bummed I can’t find video of that.

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Aug 26, 2009 11:32 AM PDT reply actions

I wish I had a copy of that game

Total dismantling of a Top 25 opponent to kick off the season. 1998? I remember during the pregame show, the announcer commenting that new JC transfer Reuben Droughns’ hobby was writing poetry. Followed by a shot of Droughns in the locker room firing up the whole team with some epic tale.

Followed by 200+ yards rushing against a Big Ten defense.

by DavisDuck on Aug 26, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Aha, here's the video

After the TD, after they come back from commercial, here’s Reuben getting ready to win the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQeAvhRjiqk&feature=player_embedded

by DavisDuck on Aug 26, 2009 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Ahh, good stuff. Michgan State melted into the turf that day.

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Aug 26, 2009 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Akili spread with Droughn Slices

Naturally akili would have done really well in a spread. My question turns to our offensive line and how athletic they are. The spread works when you block upfield… Period. They would have learned, but CK would not have been as successful as he has been for the past 2 years. our offensive line is much more tailored to the spread. And that is because we have been implementing the spread for about 5 years now. Many necessary pieces have been being put in place and CK has been playing with all these wonderful toys. That said, CK would probably had needed an addtional 2 years to make the run he has been doing.

by Funduck on Aug 26, 2009 11:54 AM PDT via mobile reply actions