Continuing the Debate

It seems only fitting that amidst all the debate going on about the spread offense that I write something that popped into my head a while back. I must even admit that before this is discussed or even read that I never in my wildest imagination thought that this would be something that I would ever write.

Loneliness is the most universal feeling of the human experience. At some point during all of our lives we have been alone, whether it be hanging out alone on a Saturday night or sticking to an idea that no one else believes in. Maybe no other person felt more alone in an idea than Ron Zook in 2004 while still the head coach at Florida.

While the Swamp was seemingly caving in all around him, the Zooker's long time friendship with athletic director Jeremy Foley (which was instrumental in his hiring as head coach) seemed to wash over whatever mishaps the program endured throughout the first two plus years of the tenure. Always valued as a rigorous recruiter, Zook brought in great talent to the Gator faithful, highlighted by #1 overall quarterback of his class, Chris Leak. However, during the midst of his third straight mediocre season, the coach that succeeded the 'Ol Ball Coach, was informed that he would not be brought back.

So with no job, no respect and the basis for a very successful website (fireronzook.com), the coach with a world of offensive experience was delighted to hear from anyone. That anyone just happened to be a very much rebuilding Illinois football team, which lead by Kurt Kittner was only three years off a losing trip to the Sugar Bowl. And while this seemed like just another stop into his trip to oblivion, Zook was named 2007 Big Ten Coach of the Year on Tuesday. Lost somewhere in the praise that all in the Big Ten were spewing for Michigan's Lloyd Carr who retired Monday morning, was the fact that maybe the Big Ten style of football was being retired as well.

Running the spread offense (what else?), the Fighting Illini went 9-3, and seemed to have captured Ohio State's dream of a National Championship while winning the Illibuck. Look deeper and you'll see a team built like non other in its widely competitive conference. Another star recruit by the name of Juice, lead the offense that did not rely on the almost assembly line Big Ten running game (i.e.,P.J. Hill, Mike Hart, Chris Wells).

The spread has been a staple in the Pac-1o, who baste themselves with athletes, while football players go to other programs. However, by instilling some of these principles to a midwest program and return of the previously mentioned Williams and tailback, Rashard Mendenhall, the Zookers are going to be a preseason favorite for not only the Big Ten title, but the National one as well. And while no one in Florida will ever have respect for the coach that threatened their legacy, a new conference and base of Champagne fans have completely revived the man that most left for dead.

So what does it all mean? Is the Big Ten really going to change the styles that have embodies the blue collar ethic of their alumni and fans? Zook did endure two less than stellar seasons and heard the whispers again this preseason before their second place Big Ten finish. If the trends of the nation continue, which are dominated by the spread offense, how long can Jim Tressel and Les Miles (I am calling it a foregone conclusion) keep their teams tucked in?