Spread offense evolves at CMU

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It’s no wonder the system the CMU football team used to win back-to-back Mid-American Championships is taking over the college game.

The spread offense is no longer a new concept for football programs across the nation.

The idea is to put the defense on its toes so it never knows what to expect. Using the entire field and maximizing available players is crucial to thin the defense, said CMU offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian.

“The goal is to make the defense defend the entire field,” he said.

Sophomore running back Carl Volny likes the opportunities that the system provides.

“When I came here, when I thought about spread offense (I thought) it was just passing,” Volny said. “But when Jones came, he just wanted more running than passing.”

CMU’s version of the spread offense is a mix of variations Jones, Bajakian, assistant head coach Zach Azzanni and offensive line coach Don Mahoney used in their coaching experiences.

“The big thing is getting your athletes into space and get them quick touches where they can get their hands on the ball,” said head coach Butch Jones.

The team adds a no-huddle offense, which can leave the defense rattled, Bajakian said.

“It causes the defense problems in terms of matching personnel and getting the right guys on the field,” Bajakian said. “And obviously conditioning becomes a factor if you can play a little faster.”

However, it can work the other way when the defense is forced on the field after three quick plays and out for the offense.

“You’ve got to keep that in mind and sometimes you can put your defense in adverse situations,” Jones said.

Running the spread also helps the team from a recruiting aspect.

“A lot of times you can usually find athletes that fit the system more so than a pro-style offense where you might need bigger bodies,” Bajakian said.

sports@cm-life.com