Air raid offense
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In American football the air raid offense refers to an offensive scheme popularized by such coaches as Mike Leach, Hal Mumme, Sonny Dykes, and Tony Franklin during their tenures at Valdosta State, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Louisiana Tech, and Washington State.
The system is designed out of a shotgun formation with four wide receivers and one running back. The formations are a variation of the run and shoot offense with two outside receivers and two inside slot receivers. The offense also uses trips formations featuring three wide receivers on one side of the field and a lone single receiver on the other side.
History
The offense owes a lot to the influence of BYU Head Coach LaVell Edwards who used the splits and several key passing concepts during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s while coaching players such as Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Robbie Bosco, and Ty Detmer. Mike Leach has made reference that he and Hal Mumme largely incorporated much of the BYU passing attack into what is now known as the Air Raid offense. Some of the concepts such as the Shallow Cross route have been incorporated into such offenses as the West Coast Offense during the early 1990s as well, prominently under Mike Shanahan while he was the head coach of the Denver Broncos.
The offense first made its appearance when Mumme & Leach took over at Iowa Wesleyan College and Valdosta State University and had success there during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The first exposure into Division 1A was at the University of Kentucky starting in 1997. There, Mumme and Leach helped turned highly touted QB Tim Couch into a star and later a 1st Round pick in the NFL Draft. Mike Leach would then coordinate the offense at the University of Oklahoma in 1999, helping win the National Championship in 2000 before landing the head coaching job at Texas Tech. Shortly into the early 2000s, assistant coaches started landing coaching jobs such as Chris Hatcher at Valdosta State, Art Briles (first at Houston then Baylor), and Kevin Sumlin (first at Houston then Texas A&M). Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury (Mike Leach's former quarterback at Texas Tech) runs the offense also.
Air raid system
The Scheme is notable for being very pass centric with as many as 65-75% of the calls during a season being a pass play. A large reason is due to the control that is placed on the QB who has the freedom to audible to any play based on what the defense is showing him at the line of scrimmage. In at least one instance, as a result of the QB's ability to audible, as many as 90%[1] of the run plays called in a season were audibled to at the line of scrimmage.
Another factor in this offense is the inclusion of the no huddle. The QB and the offense race up to the line of scrimmage, diagnose what the defense is showing, and then snap the ball based on the QB's play call. This not only allows a team to come back if they are down a lot as seen in the 2006 Insight Bowl[2] but it also allows them to tire out the defense and allow for bigger runs and bigger pass completions. The fast pace limits the defense's ability to substitute players and adjust their scheme. The hurried pace can cause defensive mental mistakes such as missed assignments or being out of position.
One important aspect is the split of the offensive linemen. Normally they are bunched together but in this offense, they are often split apart about a half to a full yard from another. While this allows easier blitz lanes in theory, it forces the defensive ends and defensive tackles to have to run further to reach the quarterback for a sack. The quick, short passes are then able to offset any Blitz that may come. Another advantage is that by forcing the defensive line to widen, it opens up more wide open passing lanes for the QB to throw the ball through without fear of having their pass knocked down or intercepted.
Coaches
- Hal Mumme - head coach at Valdosta State 1992-1996, Kentucky 1997-2000, SE Louisiana 2003-2004, New Mexico State 2005-2008, McMurry 2009-2012, and Belhaven 2014-present; offensive coordinator at SMU[3] 2013.
- Mike Leach - offensive coordinator under Mumme at Valdosta State 1992-1996 and Kentucky 1997-1998, then at Oklahoma in 1999; head coach at Texas Tech 2000-2009; head coach at Washington State 2012–present.
- Mark Mangino - offensive line coach at Oklahoma in 1999 under Leach; offensive coordinator at Oklahoma 2000-2001 after Leach's departure; head coach at Kansas 2002-2009.
- Art Briles - running backs coach at Texas Tech under Leach from 2000-2002; head coach at Houston 2003-2007 and Baylor 2008-present.
- Ruffin McNeil - at Texas Tech under Leach as linebackers coach 2000-2006 and defensive coordinator 2007-2009; head coach at East Carolina 2010–2015.
- Lincoln Riley - wide receivers coach at Texas Tech from 2007-2009; offensive coordinator at East Carolina from 2010-2014; offensive coordinator at Oklahoma from 2015-present
- Sonny Cumbie - co-offensive coordinator at Texas Tech 2013; co-offensive coordinator at TCU from 2014-present. played under Leach at Texas Tech.
- Clay McGuire - offensive line coach at Washington State 2012 under Leach; played under Leach at Texas Tech.
- Eric Morris - inside wide receivers coach at Washington State 2012 under Leach; played under Leach at Texas Tech; IWR coach at Texas Tech 2013–present.
- Robert Anae - offensive line coach at Texas Tech 2000-2004 under Leach; offensive coordinator at BYU 2005-2010; OC at BYU 2013-present.
- Josh Heupel - played QB under Leach (1999) and Mangino (2000) at Oklahoma. Coached quarterbacks at Oklahoma from 2006-2009 before serving as Co-OC from 2010–2014 for Oklahoma.
- Kliff Kingsbury - quarterback at Texas Tech 1998-2002, under Leach 2000-2002; offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Houston under Sumlin 2010-2011; offensive coordinator at Texas A&M under Sumlin in 2012; head coach at Texas Tech 2013–present.
- Tony Franklin - running backs coach at Kentucky 1997-1999, under Leach in 1998; offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 2000; offensive coordinator at Troy in 2006, Auburn 2007-2008, Middle Tennessee 2009, Louisiana Tech 2010-2012, and OC at California 2013–present.
- Chris Hatcher - quarterbacks and receivers coach at Kentucky under Mumme in 1999; head coach at Valdosta State 2000-2006, Georgia Southern 2007-2009, Murray State 2010-2014, and Samford present.
- Dana Holgorsen - quarterbacks and wide receivers coach under Mumme at Valdosta State 1993-1995; at Texas Tech under Leach as wide receivers coach 2000-2006 and offensive coordinator in 2007; offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Houston under Kevin Sumlin 2008-2009; offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State in 2010; head coach at West Virginia 2011–present.
- Sonny Dykes - wide receivers coach at Kentucky under Mumme in 1999 and Texas Tech under Leach 2000-2006; offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arizona 2007-2009; head coach at Louisiana Tech 2010-2012; head coach at California starting in 2013.
- Mike Leach - offensive coordinator under Mumme at Valdosta State 1992-1996 and Kentucky 1997-1998, then at Oklahoma in 1999; head coach at Texas Tech 2000-2009; head coach at Washington State 2012–present.
- Kevin Sumlin - wide receivers coach at Purdue 1998-2000, offensive coordinator at Texas A&M 2001-2002 and Oklahoma 2006-2007; head coach at Houston 2008-2011 and Texas A&M 2012-present.
Teams Running the Air Raid System
- 1992 Valdosta State University [5-4-1][4] Threw for 2,586 yards. Ran for 1,019 yards. Scored 33 TD.
- 1993 Valdosta State University [8-3] Threw for 3,871 yards. Ran for 1,388 yards. Scored 62 TD.
- 1994 Valdosta State University [11-2] Threw for 4,389 yards. Ran for 1,606 yards. Scored 73 TD.
- 1995 Valdosta State University [6-5] Threw for 3,842 yards. Ran for 833 yards. Scored 38 TD.
- 1996 Valdosta State University [10-3] Threw for 4,275 yards. Ran for 2,022 yards. Scored 70 TD.
- 1997 University of Kentucky [5-6] Threw for 4,019 yards. Ran for 1,195 yards. Scored 45 TD.
- QB Tim Couch was 363/547 for 3,884 and 37 vs 19. RB Anthony White ran for 723 (5.6) and 4 TD and 59 catches for 453 and 4 TD. RB Derek Homer ran for 502 (5.7) and 1 TD and 31 catches for 364 and 2 TD. WR Craig Yeast had 73 for 873 and 10 TD. WR Kevin Coleman had 52 for 621 and 8 TD. WR Kio Sanford had 36 for 516 and 5 TD. WR Lance Mickelsen had 31 for 377 and 6 TD. WR Jimmy Robinson had 35 for 366 and 2 TD.
- 1998 University of Kentucky [7-5] Lost Outback Bowl Threw for 4,534 yards. Ran for 1,342 yards. Scored 50 TD.
- QB Tim Couch was 400/553 for 4,275 and 36 vs 15. RB Anthony White ran for 437 (4.5) and 2 TD and 78 catches for 582 and 1 TD. RB Derek Homer ran for 716 (5.2) and 7 TD and 41 catches for 239. WR Craig Yeast had 85 for 1,311 and 14 TD. WR Kevin Coleman had 42 for 588 and 3 TD. WR Quentin McCord had 37 for 435 and 3 TD. WR Garry Davis had 23 for 308 and 5 TD. WR Jimmy Robinson had 26 for 285 and 2 TD. WR James Whalen had 23 for 239 and 3 TD.
- 1999 University of Kentucky [6-6] Lost Music City Bowl Threw for 3,289 yards. Ran for 830 yards. Scored 37 TD.
- QB Dusty Bonner was 303/465 for 3,266 and 26 vs 13. RB Anthony White ran for 562 (4.6) and 5 TD and 56 catches for 469 and 3 TD. RB Derek Homer ran for 332 (3.5) and 3 TD and 19 catches for 108. WR James Whalen had 90 for 1,019 and 10 TD. WR Quentin McCord had 18 for 387 and 6 TD. WR Garry Davis had 26 for 312 and 1 TD. WR Dougie Allen had 25 for 263 and 3 TD. WR Brad Pyatt had 21 for 207 and 2 TD.
- 1999 University of Oklahoma [7-5] Lost Independence Bowl Threw for 3,929 yards. Ran for 1,251 yards. Scored 56 TD.
- 2000 University of Kentucky [2-9] Threw for 3,689 yards. Ran for 1,211 yards. Scored 28 TD.
- 2000 University of Oklahoma [13-0] Won Orange Bowl National Champions Threw for 3,750 yards. Ran for 1,671 yards. Scored 62 TD.
- 2000 Texas Tech University [7-6] Lost Gallery Furniture Bowl Threw for 3,554 yards. Ran for 797 yards. Scored 31 TD.
- 2000 Valdosta State University [10-2] Threw for 4,361 yards. Ran for 1,444 yards. Scored 73 TD.
- 2001 University of Kentucky [2-9] Threw for 3,031 yards. Ran for 1,180 yards. Scored 33 TD.
- 2001 Texas Tech University [7-5] Lost Alamo Bowl Threw for 3,701 yards. Ran for 901 yards. Scored 42 TD.
- 2001 Valdosta State University [12-1] Threw for 4,356 yards. Ran for 2,278 yards. Scored 86 TD.
- 2002 Texas Tech University [9-5] Won Tangerine Bowl Threw for 5,444 yards. Ran for 1,391 yards. Scored 65 TD.
- 2002 Valdosta State University [14-1] Threw for 4,162 yards. Ran for 1,816 yards. Scored 65 TD.
- 2003 Southeastern Louisiana University
- 2003 Texas Tech University [8-5] Won Houston Bowl Threw for 5,682 yards. Ran for 1,333 yards. Scored 68 TD.
- 2003 Valdosta State University [10-2] Threw for 3,433 yards. Ran for 1,296 yards. Scored 51 TD.
- 2004 Southeastern Louisiana University
- 2004 Texas Tech University [8-4] Won Holiday Bowl Threw for 4,796 yards. Ran for 1,104 yards. Scored 57 TD.
- 2004 Valdosta State University [13-1] D2 National Champion Threw for 3,119 yards. Ran for 2,706 yards. Scored 59 TD.
- 2005 New Mexico State University
- 2005 Texas Tech University [9-3] Lost Cotton Bowl Threw for 4,625 yards. Ran for 1,284 yards. Scored 59 TD.
- 2005 Valdosta State University [9-3] Threw for 3,307 yards. Ran for 1,257 yards. Scored 40 TD.
- 2006 New Mexico State University
- 2006 Texas Tech University [8-5] Won Insight Bowl Threw for 4,803 yards. Ran for 1,031 yards. Scored 52 TD.
- 2006 Troy University
- 2006 Valdosta State University [8-2] Threw for 2,830 yards. Ran for 1,086 yards. Scored 47 TD.
- 2007 University of Arizona [5-7] Threw for 3,702 yards. Ran for 921 yards. Scored 35 TD.
- 2007 Georgia Southern University
- 2007 New Mexico State University
- 2007 Texas Tech University [9-4] Won Gator Bowl Threw for 5,707 yards. Ran for 737 yards. Scored 65 TD.
- 2008 University of Arizona [8-5] Won Las Vegas Bowl Threw for 3,172 yards. Ran for 2,059 yards. Scored 57 TD.
- 2008 Baylor University
- 2008 Georgia Southern University
- 2008 University of Houston
- 2008 New Mexico State University
- 2008 Texas Tech University [11-2] Lost Cotton Bowl Threw for 5,007 yards. Ran for 1,427 yards. Scored 71 TD.
- 2009 University of Arizona [8-5] Lost Holiday Bowl Threw for 2,926 yards. Ran for 2,251 yards. Scored 39 TD.
- 2009 Baylor University
- 2009 Georgia Southern University
- 2009 University of Houston
- 2009 McMurry University
- 2009 Middle Tennessee State University
- 2009 Texas Tech University [9-4] Won Alamo Bowl Threw for 5,028 yards. Ran for 1,092 yards. Scored 62 TD.
- 2010 University of Arizona [7-6] Lost Alamo Bowl Threw for 4,000 yards. Ran for 1,712 yards. Scored 45 TD.
- 2010 Baylor University
- 2010 East Carolina University
- 2010 University of Houston
- 2010 Louisiana Tech University
- 2010 McMurry University
- 2010 Murray State University
- 2010 University of Oklahoma [12-2] Won Fiesta Bowl Threw for 4,807 yards. Ran for 1,932 yards. Scored 64 TD.
- 2010 Oklahoma State University
- 2010 Texas Tech University [8-5] Won Ticket City Bowl Threw for 4,146 yards. Ran for 1,837 yards. Scored 56 TD.
- 2011 Baylor University
- 2011 Davidson College
- 2011 East Carolina University
- 2011 University of Houston
- 2011 Louisiana Tech University
- 2011 McMurry University
- 2011 Murray State University
- 2011 University of Oklahoma [10-3] Won Insight Bowl Threw for 4,542 yards. Ran for 2,118 yards. Scored 63 TD.
- 2011 Texas Tech University [5-7] Threw for 4,145 yards. Ran for 1,502 yards. Scored 51 TD.
- 2012 Baylor University
- 2012 Davidson College
- 2012 East Carolina University
- 2012 Eastern Illinois University
- 2012 Louisiana Tech University
- 2012 McMurry University
- 2012 Murray State University
- 2012 University of Oklahoma [10-3] Lost Cotton Bowl Threw for 4,374 yards. Ran for 2,098 yards. Scored 60 TD.
- 2012 Texas A&M University [11-2] Won Cotton Bowl
- 2012 Texas Tech University [8-5] Won Meineke Texas Bowl Threw for 4,627 yards. Ran for 1,819 yards. Scored 59 TD.
- 2012 Washington State University [3-9] Threw for 3,965 yards. Ran for 349 yards. Scored 29 TD.
- 2012 West Virginia University
- 2013 Baylor University
- 2013 East Carolina University
- 2013 Eastern Illinois University
- 2013 LaGrange College
- 2013 Murray State University
- 2013 University of Oklahoma [11-2] Won Sugar Bowl Threw for 2,588 yards. Ran for 2,911 yards. Scored 43 TD.
- 2013 Texas A&M University [9-4] Won Chik-fil-A Bowl
- 2013 Texas Tech University [8-5] Won Holiday Bowl Threw for 5,107 yards. Ran for 1,536 yards. Scored 54 TD.
- 2013 Washington State University [6-7] Lost New Mexico Bowl Threw for 4,784 yards. Ran for 694 yards. Scored 46 TD.
- 2013 West Virginia University
- 2014 Baylor University
- 2014 Belhaven University
- 2014 Bowling Green University [8-6] Won Camellia Bowl Threw for 3,639 yards. Ran for 2,422 yards. Scored 47 TD.
- 2014 University of California
- 2014 East Carolina University
- 2014 Eastern Illinois University
- 2014 University of Kentucky [5-7] Threw for 2,774 yards. Ran for 1,838 yards. Scored 35 TD.
- 2014 LaGrange College
- 2014 Murray State University
- 2014 University of North Carolina
- 2014 University of Oklahoma [8-5] Lost Russell Athletic Bowl Threw for 2,646 yards. Ran for 3,395 yards. Scored 62 TD.
- 2014 Texas Christian University
- 2014 Texas Tech University [4-8] Threw for 4,213 yards. Ran for 1,836 yards. Scored 48 TD.
- 2014 Washington State University [3-9] Threw for 5,732 yards. Ran for 478 yards. Scored 50 TD.
- 2014 West Virginia University
- 2015 Baylor University
- 2015 Belhaven University
- 2015 Bowling Green University
- 2015 University of California
- 2015 East Carolina University
- 2015 Eastern Illinois University
- 2015 University of Kansas
- 2015 University of Kentucky
- 2015 LaGrange College
- 2015 University of North Carolina
- 2015 University of Oklahoma
- 2015 Samford University
- 2015 Texas Christian University
- 2015 Texas Tech University
- 2015 Washington State University
- 2015 West Virginia University
References
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/magazine/04coach.html?pagewanted=print&_r=0
- ^ http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/11664416.html?refer=y
- ^ http://espn.go.com/dallas/college-football/story/_/id/9074615/hal-mumme-joins-smu-mustangs-staff
- ^ http://www.vstateblazers.com/custompages/PDFs/Football/2014/2014%20FB%20Record%20Book.pdf