Jim McElwain’s Offensive Philosophy: What Gator Fans Can Expect in 2015
When Head Coach Jim McElwain was brought in to the Florida Gators program in late 2014, one of the first things media and fans alike ogled over was the offensive genius that he would be bringing.
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While the majority of college football is still fixated with spread offenses, McElwain was said to rely on a bit of a different approach to an offensive game plan.
McElwain is bringing his version of a pro-style offense to Florida and many are already entrenched with the idea that the Gators offensive woes in 2014 will now be cured in 2015.
While I don’t think the Gators will set the college football world on fire with their offense, it should look much better under the guidance of McElwain and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
Related: 5 things you should know about the Gators new offensive coordinator
What is a pro-style offense?
To understand the offense that McElwain and Nussmeier will implement at Florida, you have to understand the basics of what a pro-style offense actually is.
Pro-style offenses are noticeably different by their use of fullbacks and tight ends, the frequency of the quarterback taking snaps directly from under center and the use of running backs rushing in-between the offensive guards and tackles.
Pro-style offenses are also much more complex than other alternatives; the running game involves more zone blocking tactics, literally hundreds of different plays can be called from one offensive formation alone and play-action passes are much more utilized and customary.
As a result, the use of pro-style offenses in college football is much less prevalent and widespread.
Example of pro-style offense: Alabama Crimson Tide
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line during the A-day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
What is a spread/spread option offense?
A spread offense is actually as it sounds.
Offenses tend to use many more four and 5-wideout sets, thereby making the defense spread out to attempt cover these receivers.
Theoretically, there is a higher chance that a receiver will be open for a pass and running lanes should be bigger for backs to squeeze through.
Spread offenses are without a doubt the standard offense to use in college football because they rely more on athleticism, rather than reading defensive coverage and using complicated offensive sets.
Example of spread offense: Oregon Ducks, Ohio State Buckeyes
May 2, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Taylor Alie (12) sets his feet and looks down field before throwing a pass at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
How will McElwain’s offense look with the Gators?
It is a little difficult to predict just what Florida’s offense will look like under McElwain in 2015.
At Colorado State, McElwain had the pleasure of working with QB Garrett Grayson, the New Orleans Saints third round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
McElwain also had a legitimate go-to receiver in Rashard Higgins, a sure-fire early selection in the 2017 NFL Draft should he decide to come out early.
As such, McElwain was able to employ pro-style looks, along with heavy shotgun sets to abuse defenses in 2014.
Kelvin Taylor has 1073 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns off only 227 attempts in his career, so that explosiveness should be the focal point that McElwain uses in 2015
The Florida Gators QB uncertainty is well documented and we still have no clue who will start for UF come Opening Day against New Mexico State.
With that in mind, I believe we’ll see a variety of different offensive formations in 2015, including extensive use of the shotgun, especially with the flawed accuracy of Treon Harris and the inexperience of Will Grier.
Those shotgun sets should also be featured in the running game as well; expect draw plays and off-tackle runs whenever the Gators are in shotgun.
The Gators should also rely on budding star RB Kelvin Taylor to carry the offense in 2015.
Related: Kelvin Taylor will have a breakout year in 2015
Taylor has 1073 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns off only 227 attempts in his career, so that explosiveness should be the focal point that McElwain uses.
Looking a bit further into the next few seasons, look for McElwain and whoever his QB is to open up the passing game and throw the old pigskin around The Swamp with much more frequency.
September 5th can’t come soon enough for Gator fans, I know I can’t wait.
Next: Geoff Collins: 4 Things You Should Know about the Gators Defensive Coordinator