The FSU Play Caller Switch: Unlocking Potential or a Misstep?
Let's dive into the intriguing world of Florida State's recent changes and how they might impact their biggest investments.
First, a bold statement: The arrival of Quintrevion 'Tre' Wisner, a veteran running back with an impressive resume, initially raised some eyebrows. Wisner, a former fan favorite at Texas, had a solid but unspectacular performance last season, rushing for 597 yards in an offense that struggled to find its rhythm.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The fit between Wisner and FSU's previous offensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn, seemed a bit off. Malzahn's offense heavily relied on the Inside Zone (IZ) play, which didn't align with Wisner's strengths. Wisner excelled as an outside zone runner, a style that Malzahn's offense rarely utilized.
Enter Mike Norvell, the new offensive coordinator.
Norvell's approach to running concepts is more diverse and tailored to his personnel. During his time at Memphis, Norvell's top run concepts included Inside Zone, Pull Lead, and Outside Zone, with a tendency to adjust based on the players available.
And this is the part most people miss...
The change in play callers could be a game-changer for Wisner. Norvell's willingness to emphasize runs that exploit horizontal movements could unlock Wisner's true potential. Wisner's ability to push runs horizontally and find cutback lanes is a skill that was underutilized under Malzahn.
So, what does this mean for FSU's rushing attack?
With Norvell at the helm, we can expect a more diverse and dynamic rushing offense. Wisner's well-rounded running style, particularly his prowess in outside zone and cross lead concepts, aligns perfectly with Norvell's approach. This could lead to a more effective and efficient rushing attack for FSU.
A Closer Look at Wisner's Strengths:
- Outside Zone: 5.4 YPC (yards per carry) over the last two seasons
- Cross Lead: 4.7 YPC
- Split: 4.7 YPC (a variation of OZ)
- Inside Zone: 4.2 YPC
- Counter: 4.1 YPC
The Bottom Line:
The switch to Norvell as play caller could be a strategic move to maximize the potential of FSU's running backs, especially Wisner and Kromah. With their strengths aligning more closely with Norvell's offensive philosophy, we could see a more productive and exciting rushing attack.
Thoughts?
Do you think the change in play callers will pay off for FSU? Or is this a risky move that might not pan out? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's spark a discussion and see where this takes us.
