February 9, 2012

The Mission Statement

This post is the second in a series we’re doing this month on the featured books in the new RazorBloggers Network Store. — TipsterHog

One of the reasons many of us were so excited about the hiring of Gus Malzahn last year, and the influence he would bring with his high-powered, fast-paced offense, was because we were able to read all about it.

Like Jerry Maguire’s “Mission Statement,” Gus put it out there…what he believed, what he stood for, and what his offense was all about in The Hurry-Up, No-Huddle: An Offensive Philosophy.

The Hurry-Up, No-Huddle by Gus MalzahnLast Christmas I bought the 88-page book for my Dad and brother.  But before wrapping it up, I “road tested” it by reading the whole thing cover-to-cover.  ;)

I was surprised to find that it contained much more than just “X’s and O’s” (although there is plenty of that in there).  It truly is a comprehensive book that includes everything from how the system was created, to the preparation and practice of his teams.

Coach Malzahn’s attention to detail is impressive, and comes through as one of the takeaways from the book.  Small details that most wouldn’t think about…like where the coaches should stand when calling the plays; how the ball boys should get the ball to the officials as quickly as possible; and my personal favorite…getting guys on your “chain gang” that can move fast — ’cause you’re going to be making a lot of first downs!

With our current stable of running backs, none of us were looking for the Hurry-Up, No-Huddle on every play. But realistically, I did expect to see it some.  For those of us who had read the book, our disappointment was real when we didn’t even get another glimpse of the HUNH after the “Mitch Drive” against Southern Cal.

Could the system have provided the offense for a winning two-minute drive against LSU?  Or to catch up against Florida, down 10 points late in the game?  We’ll never know.

Gus’ book, though, is a great read.  And it gives us a real look at what could have been, and what might someday be for Arkansas Football.

“The Hurry-Up, No-Huddle: An Offensive Philosophy” is now available in the RazorBloggers Network Store.