Spread the word

If you've watched any football the past two weekends, either in the prep or college ranks, chances are you've seen the spread offense. You can recognize the offense by the quarterback in the shotgun, a single back, four receivers split wide — and the lack of any true grit.

My last point was a little sarcastic.

Granted, the offense doesn't produce a power game. But proponents ask why a power game is needed when you can throw the ball around or churn out yards on the ground with a single back. They'll have you believe that the days of 3 yards and a cloud of dust are over and that fullbacks are going the way of the dinosaurs.

Call me old fashion, but I can't stand it.

The spread has become the "go-to" offense in the high school and college ranks. No doubt you've had your fill hearing how the offense is going to take University of Michigan football into the 21st century. Since when did an I-formation and a 4-yard gain become unacceptable?

I understand the offense has its place and don't even mind that. But let it stay with the University of Purdue and Northwestern University, which brought the offense to the Big Ten because they believe it works as an equalizer against teams with more talent. Let it stay with Southfield High, which runs it to perfection at times. Even let it stay with Troy High, which utilized it all the way to the Division 1 semifinals.

But for the vast majority of the other programs using it, especially at the prep level where quarterbacks routinely don't make throws needed and receivers drop just as many balls, line up and play football.

Just because it's the new thing, doesn't mean it's the best thing.

Here's to 3 yards and a dose of dust.