Guitar Shots to The Head: The “It” Factor

So far this spring the offense, and more specifically the quarterback play has been the story.  Speculation about the new system continues to run rampant with the Tennessee faithful.  In my attempt to understand the west coast offense, I have thoroughly researched its philosophy.  As most of you know there are several variations of the west coast out there, but they all have one thing in common.  They all use the passing game to set up the run.

The West Coast offense is predicated on quick throws to slanting receivers.  It is designed to create mismatches with receivers and linebackers, and works best when receivers are piling up “yardage after catch.”  As the defenses are loosened in the middle with the slants, backs are provided with running lanes, or with an opportunity to catch the ball out of the backfield to make a play.  When it works, it is awfully hard to answer defensively, but as the proponents of the triple option will tell you, one could make that case for any offensive design.

We could argue all day about the paradigm shift.  Some will make the case that UT’s old offense had just as much flexibility to employ the same strategy.  Others, like myself, will say that we have been waiting for this day for a long time.  Yes, in the SEC you usually have to run the ball to win.  However, these days, SEC defenses are geared specifically to stop the run first.  Given that simple fact, the importance of having a quarterback with the “It” factor is amplified tremendously.

How does one define the “It” factor?  That is great mystery.  For me, “It” is being an undisputed leader of the offense.  “It” is also playing within your ability.  “It” is making the right audible and the right throws when the chips are down.  “It” is having the contagious desire to win at all cost, and demanding excellence from your peers.

Though Peyton Manning never won a championship at UT, he certainly seemed to have “It”.  During his tenure the Vols remained in contention for titles consistently.  Tee Martin definitely had “It”.  He brought home an SEC Championship along with a Sears trophy. Maybe Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge had it buried very deep inside them.  If so, it never manifested itself into a championship.  Considering the fact that each of those young men had three years to bring home the trophy, and that each had at least one opportunity at an SEC Championship, I am going out on a limb to say that the “It” factor eluded them during their tenure at UT.

Unfortunately for Jonathan Crompton he doesn’t have the luxury of three years to prove that he has “It”.  In fact, he has about 4 months to prepare for his inaugural season as UT’s field general.  Luckily for UT fans he has always shown a special knack for the intangibles at the position.  On the flip side, so far he is 0 for 2 as a starting QB. Crompton has walked directly into the hornet’s nest that is the starting QB position at the University of Tennessee.  By all accounts he has been ordained the next field general for the Vols.  It is a hefty responsibility for any young man.  On top of it all he is learning a new offense.

Maybe Crompton will have “It”.  Given the September gauntlet, Vol fans will immediately know if he does.  There will be little time for him to acclimate to the defenses of the SEC.  There will be no room for error.  There will be critics on every corner.  There will also be the pressure of the new pass first philosophy.  With the west coast offense, Crompton will have a forum to display his ability.  He will have to make quick and accurate throws in traffic.  I just hope that Crompton has “It”.  Go Vols!