Offensive?

I actually have something that might be a salient point.

A multi-tiered hypothesis / soapbox speech, really...

1) I can't think of any other mid-level P5 program with a head coach who came from the defensive side of that ball that employs an OC that runs an offense that the casual fan would say is "good" or "explosive" or "dynamic." The mid-level P5s with good offenses hired HCs from the offensive side of the ball. (Unless I'm missing something, which is enormously possible.)

2) Therefore, perhaps we are condemned to a ceiling of "just okay" offense under Bronco Mendenhall, by which we have to win games with defense and special teams while the offense merely treads water. Given this staff's clear ability to identify-recruit-develop talent (jury's out on OL, RB, PK talent, I'll grant you) and build a winning culture, we may just have to come to accept a mostly-mediocre offense, big picture.

3) Our pattern of quarterback recruiting points to valuing running ability over pure passing acumen. Limited passers yield a limited passing game, which in turn yields a conservative-style offense.

4) The gripes about playcalling and gameplanning are out there, numbering in the tens of thousands. But not many are grumbling about overall offensive design. Let me submit my grumble: If our offense is going to come third to the D and ST, if our offense is condemned to an average ceiling, and if our offense is committed to the dual-threat QB with the associated inherent passing limitations, we need to establish a strict spread-to-run system. We need to stop trying to do everything and start focusing on trying to do a few things really well; we need to begin sacrificing the failed premise of offensive versatility in order to focus on quick linemen, wide line splits, big receivers, wide running, option concepts, RPOs, play action, and short/intermediate controlled passing. (Anae built offenses like that in the past that were effective, but he's not succeeding here in Charlottesville.) Our recruiting wins are any OL rated above .850 (Hubbard, Christ, Gellerstedt) and/or developed over 4+ years in the program, any RBs with .875+ pedigree (Hollins is the closest so far, at .8626), any QBs with wheels (we're getting those now -- Armstrong, Harvey, Wentz, and Armstead all fit the bill), any slot receivers with speed/quickness (Kelly, Kemp, maybe Milledge), and any wideouts with 6-3+ height (Goddard, Beal, Lavel Davis). This offense needs to be conceived, designed, and built as the COMPLEMENTARY piece to the dynamic difference-making defense and special teams.

5) Hoofans need to understand points 1 thru 4, above, and enter the fray with a REALISTIC set of expectations for the Virginia Offense. Which is, in a few words --- to competently serve as a complement to the defense.