An interesting article in today's NY Times on Texas Tech football and it's star QB, Graham Harrell, which says in part:
"But something is happening in Lubbock. Leach’s spread offense, once regarded as a gimmick, is thriving thanks to high-profile players like Harrell and Michael Crabtree."
And there's the word--"gimmick." I heard it a lot, especially before Tech's game with Colt McCoy and Texas. But I can't figure out why. Why was this offense seen as a "gimmick"? Sure, Tech spread the field with four or five wideouts. So do other offenses. Yes, Mike Leach has his offense throwing the ball some 50 times a game. But he developed a big offensive line, too; and Tech runs the ball very effectively. And they've developed a big, physical defense--see how they slowed down Oklahoma State this past Saturday?
This is a very good football team in so many ways. They slow down their opponents on defense; and on offense they do what any football team is supposed to do--they move the football, get first downs, and score points. What's gimmicky about that? Rather, it's fun to watch and very, very effective. Good for Leach and Tech football; and if Graham Harrell isn't moving to the top of the Heisman list, then I don't know what the point of that award is anymore.
