Breaking down the good, bad of Mike Bobo’s 1st game as Gamecock offensive coordinator
The constant refrain from fans when a college football team’s offense is struggling is for more “creativity.” That might mean different plays, different formations, something else.
Game 1 with Mike Bobo at the helm of the South Carolina football team’s offense was far from perfect in a 31-27 loss to Tennessee. There were sloppy moments, issues with the offensive line and a long cold stretch in the first half before things started to get going.
One thing was crystal clear: Bobo isn’t shy to go deep in the playbook and run a lot of different stuff.
In the run game, the Gamecocks showed a ton: inside zone, duo, outside toss plays, sweep-type plays off multiple looks, wide receiver sweeps.
In the pass game, they found multiple ways to get to the sail concept (a play-action look that attacks on side of the field), RPOs and a set of different screen passes.
They broke out different looks, a variety of spread formations, the old I-formation and a double-wing look with two receivers on third and short. There was even a play where a fullback was split out wide to warp the defense.
It didn’t translate into instant results. The offensive line had its ups and down. There were drops, some issues blocking and some personnel questions to be answered.
But there was spark and some creativity.
Watch this play, sneaking Shi Smith into that wing spot and then into the flat. Usually that route is a fullback or tight end. Here it’s a speed receiver.
And here’s as speed option reminiscent of Steve Spurrier going deep in the playbook.
In short, this offense is diverse and multiple on its schemes. Through one game, Mike Bobo is delivering there.
One thing worth noting is how the use of targets was concentrated. Smith caught 10 balls and was targeted four more times.
It seemed the passing offense mostly worked through Smith and tight end Nick Muse (six targets), with some Xavier Legette (five targets) and running backs getting involved late.
This concentrated offense could create problems if defenses focus on Smith — or if he gets hurt — but it also might not be that much of an issue. Offenses often use workhorses, even in the passing game, including Bobo’s.
At Colorado State, his top receivers averaged 137.2 targets per year, while the No. 2 players were at 64.8. The only Gamecocks to get above 97 targets the past five years were Bryan Edwards in 2019 and 2017 and Pharoh Cooper in 2015.
Perhaps things will even out, but it wouldn’t be impossible, or the worst thing, if a few of the best guys had to carry the load.
A few issues for USC to clean up
As said, South Carolina’s offense did have some areas to shore up. Outside of simple things like having fewer drops or tipped balls, a trio of things stood out.
▪ Early first downs
The offense sputtered early because it simply had a miserable time staying on schedule. On give or take 13 chances in the first half, the Gamecocks gained more than three yards only three times. It meant digging out of a hole nearly every series.
Things flipped in the second half. On 17 chances, 10 ended with the USC getting 6 or more yards. Unsurprisingly, South Carolina put up four scores on six chances after halftime.
▪ Screens
The Bobo offense at Colorado State did a lot with the screen game, in part because of the talent at wide receiver. The Gamecocks don’t have as much of an edge there, but with some ups and downs in pass protection, it became an attractive option.
Tennessee, however, seemed well-geared to get after the USC screen game.
Muschamp said the issue was just missing or not getting to blocks. All told, USC ran seven or eight screens (one potential screen was somewhat blown up). Three gained positive yardage (3, 5 and 6 yards) and all told, the plays produced minus-1 yard.
These probably won’t leave the game plan any time soon, but the Gamecocks will have to find a way to get more out of them.
▪ Edge blocking
Muschamp flat out called out his tight ends on this front. Muse had a nice night and Will Register had a few moments, but too many times defensive ends came free on the edge as tight ends slipped downfield.
The run game started to shake loose a little later in the game, but South Carolina’s backs were held to 4.3 yards per carry, with nearly one-third of the carries going for 0 or fewer yards (six more gained 1 or 2 yards).
