Michigan Football: 5 Thoughts on the Wolverines no-huddle offense

Anticipated advantages of the no-huddle

Obviously, coach Harbaugh believes the change to the up-tempo no-huddle will pay big dividends for the Michigan football, and with Gattis and the rest of the assembled offensive staff, the leadership is sold on the philosophy. What are the expected benefits?

As Chambers explained in his analysis:

"“The top benefit of running this offense is wearing the opposing defense down. Fatigue is something any defender can complain about when having to defend this speedy offensive approach. Due to the offense getting to the line and snapping as quickly as possible, it limits substitutions, which means a defender will be on the field for a long time and is expected to keep up… this is absolute hell for the big boys in the trenches…”"

Don Brown said this Spring that the threat of up-tempo is always dangerous. The no-huddle allows the offense to set the tempo- you can snap and go hurry up – think 2-minute drill, with more than just sideline throws – or as indicated, you can check out into another play once the defensive set is observed.

Watch this short clip of one of Chip Kelly’s Oregon up-tempo teams a few years ago:

As painful as it is to say, you’ve also got to give Urban Meyer his due. His Buckeye brand of the up-tempo offense using the run-pass option (RPO) posted huge yardage and points during his successful run. Perhaps watching them put up those 62 in last year’s debacle had something to do with Harbaugh’s switch to Gaddis.

The ability to decrease the time between snaps can also provide additional opportunities. Offensive Line Coach Ed Warinner said Michigan football could run 75 plays a game instead of the usual 55.